Bravo Peter! You are in business!!
Well, you can see Mars without your telescope - it really sticks out at the moment!! With your telescope, you need to try when it is at its highest, if you can wait up until about 2am at the moment. You'll definitely see the planet as a red/orange disc, but the seeing conditions will determine whether you can see any features on the surface. You just have to try.
2" barrel diameter versus 1.25" barrel diameter eyepieces - Not really an issue of magnification. Various brands make a large range of focal lengths. It is true that, in general, lower magnification eyepieces are generally in the 2" area and higher magnification are often in the 1.25" area. Of more importance, to my understanding, is the apparent field of view of the eyepiece. Different eyepiece designs give a different apparent field of view and sometimes this is limited, as I understand it, to the barrel diameter. 2" eyepieces can also be heavier so telescope balance (for a dob base) can be important - but there are heavy 1.25" eyepieces as well.
As has been said before - best you get familiar with your own equipment and its capablities, then go to some observing evenings and see other equipment in operation. If you ask nicely, you may be able to borrow an eyepiece or two and try it in your own scope.
Tell us what you see!
Eric
Quote:
Originally Posted by francis
HI,
I just assembled my new 8 inch Reflector Dobsonian mounted. I have 25mm & 10mm Plossel lens's (1.25) and a 2.5x GSO 3 element Barlow. I have collimated using the laser device which was really easy and will double check with a Cheshire. I also have a 2" inch adapter.
I am wanting to know if this is sufficient / suitable gear to view mars with on a good night? (Victorian)
Also, should I be buying 2" lens's. I am unsure if wider means less magnification?
many many thanks your assistance this enquiry,
Peter M.
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