Refracter problem

[casemonster]

Just noticed tonight that Betelgeuse instead of being a sharp dot appears to be a sharp white line with other lines coming off it.

looked at Rigel and had the same. Any clues as to what I am experiencing as I have not noticed this odd effect in the planets??

it's an old 4" Frac with a 9.7mm Plossl.

Cheers Chris

[hunterknox]

Diffraction from lens spacers maybe? Or perhaps pinched optics. Hard to say without a picture.

[Moonshane]

does it happen with other eyepieces?

[casemonster]

OK will try the 6mm omni and a 12 kelnar and see if any difference, BTW Saturn is good viewing tonight!!

will make a cuppa and go back outside and let you know

[casemonster]

Ok, tried all three EP on Spica all showing a short line, not a dot with two lines to the right of the star. tried without star diagonal but no change

Do i need to start fiddling with the objective lens allignment as I have three adjustment screws around the edge of the casing?

Was planning on getting a new scope in September but woul d like this old thing sorted out as I am now wondering what I am missing out on my planet views??