An interesting second night out with my SCT!

[DannyHarvey]

After a lovely clear day I was expecting a nice clear night so I could get to grips with my new scope. As the sun set a few clouds began to close in but there was still plenty of clear areas in the sky.

So as the night set in I decided to set up early so I could take my time bag few targets. I had the idea of seeing a Nebula for the first time, (thinking perhaps the horse head in Orion, isn't that everyone's first target?). So there is me thinking I better work out how to properly align before I start. I set up by aligning on Polaris, then switch on, and do a two star alignment with 2 calibration stars. I notice a few more clouds moving in on the sky, but I think there is still plenty of sky left for me to look at!

So I slew off to Jupiter and its bang on target. Must have done pretty good at the alignment. I get it nicely focussed, then pop in doors to get a higher power EP. I come back out and loads more cloud had moved in. So I think ok I will stay with Jupiter for now and wait for the cloud to clear. Next thing there is a sprinkle of rain, and its all over my new scope!

So I lift her up and bolt indoors! (thank goodness I got something portable). I have rain spots all over the front lens. And I have lost my lovely alignment. Damn!

Well better luck next time eh?

Must work out how to clean the water spots off without scratching anything...

Dan

[John]

Bad luck Dan - the scope should be OK though.

The Horse Head nebula needs a large scope, extremely dark skies, an H-beta or UHC filter and a lot of patience to even get the vaguest glimpse of so I'd not suggest it as an early target !

M42, the Orion Nebula would be a much better bet and is a piece of cake to find and view. When the clouds allow that is !

Remember that your scope will need to cool before it gives good images at medium to high power.

[gkec]

Don't worry too much about the rain spots. Get some of this and then clean it. The alignment is pretty good usually.

[peaceonyou]

Just like me Dan just got my new scope but not finished setting it up yet finding trouble with motor,its a nice clear night so far,the is above my house so its down to the 10 x 50 glasses,but its very cold out but hopefully get me scope finnished

Dave

[DannyHarvey]

Good luck Dave, hope you get the motor sorted out quick.

Dan

[Astro Imp]

You will have better views of DSOs when the moon is out of the way, ATM it's close to full and lightens the sky too much.

[DannyHarvey]

Thanks. I think I will play with photographing the moon for a while!

Dan