Best session so far

[craigb1970]

I had my third session with  my new Celestron 8SE and the conditions, although not perfect were much better than previously.  The moon was out  which limited the views of DSOs but I found M31 and could see the oval smudge with a brighter round center - brilliant!  I then looked at Jupiter with four moons and the Earths moon and the views were fantastic.  My wife came out for a while and had a look, she was very very impressed and wants to see more.

I found that for medium power, using a GSO 32mm plossl with a 2x BST barlow was a better view than a 9.7mm Meade 4000, it was lower magnification but the view was better and additional eye relief made viewing a lot easier.

I was also surprised that despite the moonglow  I could see M31 and M42, M42 wasn't as well defined as when I viewed it a couple of weeks ago when the moon wasn't up but it was easily seen.

I think I'm hooked and the wife as well

[sologuitarist61]

Always good to have the wife showing an interest! Continue to enjoy your viewing

[Astro Imp]

Great to hear you're enjoying your new scope and that you have your wife involved, you'll be able to buy her astro goodies for her birthday 

[bomberbaz]

Involve the wife as much as yoj like but be careful, she might start to ask about new stuff and this is where yiu can come unstuck.

Hehe

[Astropedro]

Totally agree.  My wife is always with me when I get the scope out.  She complains about the cold a bit but otherwise nothing but encouragement.  And warm drinks!

[craigb1970]

I'm hoping that the fact she enjoys it might make future financing a bit easier - well I can dream

[Astropedro]

Lol.....it also helps for future finance, yes.

[Gray999]

My wife came out earlier tonight and I showed her the moon and Jupiter, she loved it!

Very clear skies where I am.