challenges - projects - targets

[mark81]

Hi All,

I'm sure this happens to the best of us, but I seem to find myself spending too much time looking at new telescopes and mounts and other equipment that I will use to replace my little ST80, with the knowledge that it isn't going to happen anytime soon.  So, I'm looking for a little inspiration and would love to hear about any challenges or projects you are involved in with your telescopes -and/ or any ideas that I could really get into this coming year.. I know the ST80 is a little limited but on the plus side I do have really dark skies so I am able to get the best out of it...

thanks, Mark

[Gina]

The ST80 is fine for narrowband imaging - the chromatic aberration isn't a problem as the bandwidth of NB filters is so small.  Unfortunately NB filters are expensive.

[domstar]

I feel the same when it's cloudy but when I'm observing I'm usually happy with the views if the transparency is good. Why not go for a list, for example the Messier catalogue. I managed it with 100mm so most of them will be possible (but very challenging) for you if the skies are dark enough. It really gave me a purpose and even when some objects were unspectacular I still got a lot of satisfaction from ticking them off. 

[Pompey Monkey]

Any target is a challenge with the amount of cloud I've had!

[happy-kat]

There is also the Lunar 100 to find.

What about sketching them too.

[Gina]

It looks like I've moved on from astro-photography - I just don't feel the urge any more - I have other interests.  I'm leaving it another year before selling my kit just in case the urge comes back.

[JamesF]

The Messier list and Lunar 100 are the first two that occurred to me.  Perhaps double (and more) stars, too?  I started out on the Messier list with my ST80.  Some are quite challenging.

James

[Gina]

It doesn't start off easy!  M1 is rather small and faint.