The cheapest way to see a shadow transit?

[Stu]

I was out with the Tak tonight getting some lovely views of the Io shadow transit, when I wondered whether I could see it with my TAL Alkor 65mm Light Thimble! This was purchased from a very fine gentleman on this forum for about the price of a decent used ortho.

Straight out of the shed, no cooling time really, lined up on Jupiter using the built in sighting circles, I got Jupiter in view fairly easily at low power, x33. I switched straight up to high power, x133, focused and recentred and bang, there it was, quite clear. I must have hit a patch of decent seeing because it did come and go a bit with the seeing later on, but there was no doubting it. I dropped back to mid power, x88 and it was harder but still do-able. I find one annoyance with the scope is that when I focus or move it, my hand causes tube currents for a short period afterwards, the shadow disappeared each time when this happened at x88 but came back as soon as it settled.

A bit of fun, I do enjoy pushing these little scopes to see what they can do.

[John]

Nice report  Stu, quality optics in those Russian scopes

When I get some clear sky I'll see if my 70mm TV Ranger can pick up a transit shadow.

[Moonshane]

The cheapest way I ever saw a shadow transit was to look through someone else's scope ?

[Stu]

6 hours ago, Moonshane said:

The cheapest way I ever saw a shadow transit was to look through someone else's scope ?

That surely deserves a ‘Baduum Tissshhh’   

[Stu]

6 hours ago, John said:

Nice report  Stu, quality optics in those Russian scopes

When I get some clear sky I'll see if my 70mm TV Ranger can pick up a transit shadow.

Thanks John. I’m sure the Pronto should do it with the right conditions. I’ve managed in a Tak 60mm before. Io is the easiest because the shadow is biggest I think.

[Demonperformer]

Those little Russian reflectors were great for their size.

[paulastro]

Come up to The Astronomy Centre nr Todmorden on a Saturday night and see shadow transits for nothing .

[Peter Drew]

2 hours ago, paulastro said:

Come up to The Astronomy Centre nr Todmorden on a Saturday night and see shadow transits for nothing .

Free to get in but just try getting out again without making a donation!  ?   ?