Martian Great Bog

[Towa]

Been getting some very nice views of Syrtis Major over the last few weeks, so drawings below show different aspects of its appearance as seen with the

6 inch refractor. What I have noticed, is how the larger scope is being much more affected by the seeing conditions. On most nights I've finished off having to step the aperture down to 114mm.

[dweller25]

Excellent drawings Towa.

Are you binoviewing ?? and if so which eyepieces ??

[Towa]

Many thanks D25

Yes, I'm using 20mm Antares plossl eyepieces in the binoviewers.

I've found that I can use the 20mm eyepieces for all my planetary observing. To increase magnifications, I use combinations of 2x Barlow and extension tubes.

Picture below shows them in the Towa scope giving a magnification of 60x in the combination shown. If I insert the Barlow then I get 210x, extension tubes take it up to 300x.

[russ]

What a great set of drawings!

It's funny how we settle for what are low end eyepieces when binoviewing. I have a pair of Antares eyepieces in the binoviewers. My plan before it arrived was to swap them out pretty quickly but since using them i have no desire to do so.

[barkis]

These are very high quality sketches indeed.

SGL is fortunate to have members who possess

these skills. Wonderful work..

Ron.

[Towa]

It's funny how we settle for what are low end eyepieces when binoviewing. I have a pair of Antares eyepieces in the binoviewers. My plan before it arrived was to swap them out pretty quickly but since using them i have no desire to do so.

Thanks guys for the comments.

Russ- I borrowed a pair of much more expensive plossl eyepieces for my binoviewers and to be honest I could not see any difference,

but thats just me and my eyes. I have to say that I've found the Antares eyepieces to be superb in my binoviewers.

[russ]

My only dilemma at the moment is whether to add a second set of Antares, around the 12-15mm. Which combined with the barlow element would give 300x-350x. The 19mm give 250x with the SCT and barlow element.

My eyes must be like you own. I've used more exotic glass and struggle to see the difference.

Russ

[dweller25]

I have a 7mm Antares Orthoscopic that is very sharp.

[sheri_barri]

Superb set of drawings!