First light(s) with SW 250px dob

[wulfrunian]

Not exactly my first sessions with this kind of scope, but a rediscovery. I "upgraded" from a 250px dob to a goto version 18 months ago, and guess what, hardly used it as didn't enjoy the faff of setting up and electrics, and missed the fun of star hopping. So, the goto was ebay'd, and I took delivery of a shiny new 250px from FLO, and managed a couple of sessions so far.

First one was at the local dark sky site last week. Unfortunately, anything faint was washed out by haze, which intermittently thickened to proper cloud, but we still took advantage of the huge skies there to catch some brighter objects. Jupiter showed great detail, with all four moons also on view, despite the low altitude and haze. Venus was beautifully clear at just under half phase. Mars kept coming and going in the cloud, but glimpsed it from time to time. And later on Saturn emerged from the gloom, always a lovely sight. We also enjoyed the moon, a few double stars, the Pleiades and the Beehive cluster.

Then last night was my first chance to get out into the back garden with it, with the family also having a look. Crisp views of the Moon and also Mars showing detail this time. Had a look at a few doubles again (I like doubles!) and then Saturn peeked out from above a neighbouring roof, so stole the show again. Finished by spotting Vega low in the north, so swung the scope over there - very pretty twinkling with multicolours - and while I was there, split the double double at x120, a sign summer is on the way!!

All in all, so so glad that I swapped back to this scope, it's such a great piece of kit. And I made money on the transaction, enough to place an order with FLO for a Moonlite focuser If anyone is still considering a dob but isn't sure, go for it!!

[swamp thing]

Nice one Michael. Manual Dobs are great fun aren't they?

That Moonlight focuser should really make it sweet.

Regards Steve

[estwing]

thank goodness that there's someone else with a dob that hasn't seen much dso's....i'm goin off me head in fustration ere..

[Double Kick Drum]

Manual is best!

Glad you are enjoying your scope.

Happy hunting!

[estwing]

i think it's a skill thats a must in this game,too many gizmo's in today's society skill's and trade's get lost. learning your way round the sky is most rewarding..

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

I love manual as well. Give me a big finder rather than a goto system any time.

[Dodge]

Happily, I've just taken delivery of my 250PX - hoping for a clear evening soon!

[estwing]

looking iffy here...

[Helen]

Nice report. I've got a goto dob, but I love it, primarily because I can still star hop and find things myself but then have it track to keep what I've found in view. I bagged 45 Messiers in a few hours at SGL7 with it and had a great time. And when I just want show people stuff then I move the scope near the object and then goto for final accuracy.

All dobs are great fun!!

Helen