Tal x 2 or light polution filter.

[paul schofield]

Hello again, a bit of advice needed from any of you guys. I own a SW 130P and am very happy with it as a starter scope. I have the sw 10mm and 25 mm provided with scope, and have bought a couple of meade super plossl`s 9.7mm and 26mm e.p`s. (chinese) versions. The moon looks brilliant and the Orion nebula too, did see Jupiter and all 4 galillean moons but really only as lights and dots, quite low in sky though, so not great, still trying to find Saturn and some galaxies, Andromeda etc. I have been using Turn Left @ Orion religiously, my question is` if I buy a decent x2 barlow such as the TAL x 2 will it improve my chances of finding for instance M41, M67, 81, 82 or Andromeda galaxy (not the best time of year I know for Andromeda). I do not expect too much from this scope, but reviews claim that bands on Jupiter, cassini division etc should be no problem. I know that light pollution can cause poor visibility too, so would a light pollution filter be more usefull than a decent x2 barlow??? Thank you in advance for any advice. happy gazing all.

[Moonshane]

hi Paul

Light pollution is a problem in most areas in the UK and filters can help but certain filters only reduce certain kinds of light pollution. That said, most standard light pollution filters will work in most circumstances so may be worth a punt.

I personally tend to prefer unfiltered views of all objects unless using specialist rather expensive filters like Oiii and UHC.

I am not sure of the logic of buying the additional eyepieces other than as replacements for the ones that came with the scope. They are very similar focal lengths but I hope you agree are better quality?

A 2x Barlow (I believe the Tal is a good one) will expand the range of your magnifications and allow more detail to be seen on Jupiter and Saturn / the moon.

Fainter targets like galaxies really need darker skies and more aperture than you have currently. If you have a chance to see them then less magnification is better for them at least to find them.

Andromeda is often an easy binocular object but is affected by light pollution like all galaxies. Jupiter is somewhat past its best but a barlow will help improve the view a little I suspect. I think your scope is a 650mm focal length so with the barlow and the two newer eyepieces you'll have mags of 25x, 50x, 67x and 134x. With the latter you should easily be able to see bands on Jupiter and Saturn's rings although Cassini might be pushing your scope but may be possible. M42 (Orion Nebula) is well placed currently just after dark and you should be able to get good views of that when the moon is not in the way.

the good news is that light pollution does not affect double stars, planets or the moon. therefore there's always a lot to look at. the moon causes its own light pollution when up so even then you have planets and double stars. also, if you can get your scope out to a darker site, you'll be seeing lots of galaxies. be warned though, even in the largest scopes they are often just grey smudges.

hope this helps a bit.

[Andyfx]

You wont be able to get a x2 Tal barlow from FLO at the moment, they have said they don't expect any till Autumn!

[Moonshane]

there was one on AB&S earlier - not sure if it's sold.

[paul schofield]

Thanks guys for the advice, if Tal x 2 continue to be as available as hens teeth, I will look at an Omni x 2 as I believe they too are quite good for a budget barlow... Thanks again.