Satrun for the first time WOW, WOW WOW!!!

[JulianB]

Saw Saturn last night for the first time, I hadn't been too sure where it was but when I found it, it was unmistakable, it almost looked like a cartoon painted onto a black backdrop, incredibly surreal, the rings were so clear, could see planet detail and could make out 4 moons easily.

I first viewed it with the 9mm Nagler (133x), and then increased magnification using the 2.5 powermate and 13mm Nagler giving 230x, the 9mm + 2.5 combination (332x) just made things dimmer.

Compared to my first view of Mars posted here it was like chalk and cheese:

http://stargazerslounge.com/observing-planetary/96778-first-look-mars.html#post1372304

The main thing was a dry night, whereas the Mars session everything misted up all the time last night was reasonably mild and it made the experience much more enjoyable as I had no problems with dew whatsoever, the other thing I noticed was Saturn stayed in my field of view a lot longer than Mars did, I guess because its further away?

Finally the elevation was such that I could sit and view things comfortably without breaking my back, all in all it was an incredible experience, after weeks of non viewing due to cloudy (and wet) nights where at times I lost a bit of interest, this has made me realize why I got into Astronomy in the first place!

Julian

Skywatcher 250PX Truss Tube Dobsonian

AstroZap Light Shroud

Skywatcher supplied 25mm Plossl

Televue Nagler 13mm

Televue Nagler 9mm

Televue Power-Mate

Hotech cross hair collimator

[astoc]

Saw Saturn myself for the first time a week or so ago through a 70mm refractor, and that was pretty breathtaking to see. Through a 250mm refractor it must be absolutely awesome.

John

[essex sky]

congrats on your first view of saturn

always looks good after straining to see detail on mars

its just a pity that the ring are at a shallow angle at the moment

when they are at there maximum angle it is even better:)

but its still the most wonderfull object in the sky

its been a total washout weather wise in essex the last week.

have heard it is going to be cold and bright next week

fingers crossed:rolleyes:

clear skies

lance

[DarkerSky]

Good stuff Julian. That first look at Saturn is unforgettable. With your scope you'll be able to see the equatorial banding on Saturn and shading over the poles. Detail is much more subtle than on Jupiter, but you'll be able to see them

[yeti monster]

Once I have made a stronger frame for the Dob mount, I'm looking forward to a decent view of Saturn with the 10" SNT. I have a brief view of Mars last night, but the wind was buffeting the scope too much and then the cleods moved back in.

[Beyond_Vision]

That will be a moment that you will remember for ever

Regards

Kevin

[lunator]

Congrats on seeing Saturn

It is always a great sight

Saturn is always a good way to remind yourself why you do the hobby

Cheers

Ian