First Light with the C8NGT- at last!!!!

[Black Shuck]

Well at last I got some clear skies!! Hardly ideal conditions with the full moon but I was determined to give it a go (discovered the neighbours security light as well)!!

Tried out the new scope with the supplied 20mm plossl and the "omni" barlow & 15mm "omni" plossl which I have just acquired. Got some good views of Saturn until I remembered I am meant to be picking my Girlfriend up from the station in an hour!! :shock:

Saturn appears a little smaller than I imagined but still quite bright. Not sure quite what to expect as I have been a binocular observer for many years. Can anybody advise as to what realistic magnification I can achieve/use for planetary viewing with this scope. Would it be too ambitious to try a 5mm EP for planetary viewing?? Would the image become too dim (like me)

Lastly, thank you all for such a warm welcome to SGL. I have gained such a lot of info just browsing the forum and you are all such friendly people.

Many Thanks

Bill £

[GazOC]

hi Bill,

A 5mm will give you x200 on Saturn which is perfectly reasonable. On good nights you can get to x250 and on great nights x300.

Gaz

[GordonCopestake]

You should get some good views of the moon's eclipse tonight Bill (assuming it stays clear for you). A nice setup there

[geppetto]

Pleased you got chance to play Bill

Hope you get many more clear skies

[Black Shuck]

On good nights you can get to x250 and on great nights x300.

Gaz

Heres hoping for some great nights. Thanks for the advice.

Cheers

Bill £