TSA120/NELM 6.7

[jetstream]

Another vg night presented itself and the TSA120/AZEQ6/Baader prism diag were set up, cooled and ready to go. HIP74818 gave a 6.65 NELM which Stellarium says is 6.85 mag altitude (airmass) adjusted.

This is a quick report.

Many many objects were seen, including the Veil and North American no filter. Popping the OIII on greatly enhanced the contrast as expected. The 30 ES, while a good eyepiece is not up to Ethos contrast levels here. The views were good, with Pickerings Wisp showing as well. Carolines Rose showed a delicate smattering of stars as did other similar objects.

Now for what I see as the TSA120's absolute strengths and one surprised me.

Jupiter is low and I'm observing over a lake, up about 60 ft above it. This presents challenges until the planets get high. This said the TSA120 started to punch through the seeing. Nearing its peak altitude the excellent glass reveal startling detail for such low mag 112x-265x. The 8mm Delos was top notch and delivering detail that shouldnt be there for such low mag. At the peak, the Vixen HR 3.4mm had super detail coming through in spurts, like really good.

There is no doubt in my mind now how good this scope will be on the planets once they get to a high altitude.It shocked me with the views in sub par conditions.

The second absolute strength of the TSA120 is dark nebula, a favorite sub hobby within a hobby. So far no scope has shown them better than this Tak. Up in theEagle, near Tarazed are 2 show case dark nebula B142 and B143. Stunning, just stunning.

A buddy just arrived for morning coffee, so I'm off for a dark roast!

 

[John]

Great report Gerry

With the giant planets low down, I've been finding the same - my refractors have constantly "punched above their weight" compared to my 12 inch dob.

When the planets are high in the sky, on nights where the seeing is good, the additional aperture can strut it's stuff much more convincingly.

It's good to have choices

Hope you enjoyed your coffee !

[Stu]

Great report Gerry! Can wait to have a decent look at Jupiter and Saturn soon as I’ve not observed them yet this year 😔. I’m hoping the seeing will also be better down at my new location but we will have to see.

[JeremyS]

Sounds like you had a brilliant night @jetstream👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[Piero]

Great report Gerry. 🙂

On my Tak, ZZ+VIP is a bit shaper than my Delos EPs and on par with the HR 3.4mm. For planets / solar / lunar observing, I prefer the combo above, as it allows me to fine tune the power for the evening. I seem to prefer the 5mm ortho and the HRs on double stars though.

[Deadlake]

Good report, must be very satisfying after previous nights of cloud. 😃

Have you managed to use more magnification then the 3.4 HR on Jupiter? I’ve managed to use a 2.4 mm HR( x 300) however seeing will not support anymore.

[dweller25]

A fine scope and viewing session Gerry,

I just bought an M180 to replace my Intes Micro 715, will report soon…..

[jetstream]

2 hours ago, Deadlake said:

Have you managed to use more magnification then the 3.4 HR on Jupiter?

Yes, but I've not used this scope that much actually, just circumstances. I dont typically observe the planets when low, even still, this scope will do Jupiter with the 2.4mm HR Vixen at times at this elevation. The lake is causing me issues and is variable in nature. After freeze up things will improve.

[Sunshine]

Great report and a superb instrument!