Astronomical challenge for small scopes

[dhumpie]

Okay guys my chat with Jeanette has given me an idea. So I am throwing down the challenge for those of you who have small scopes (max size 70mm). Write in with your observational notes on the previous month's DSO challenges. I will do my part when the moon gets out of the way. What I might do is stopper down my 102mm ST and 80mm ST to 60mm and see what I can of those montly challenge objects. Most of them should not be too difficult to view (especially the brighter ones) and some might even show some detail.

Anyone game for such a challenge?????

Darren

[ving]

I have an apperture mask of 70-80mm i think. I might give it a try when the moon clears too (if I remember) I used to like chasing DSOs in my 60mm :)

[asimov]

:D I'll make another aperture mask to fit the 6" achro.....I'm in!:thumbsup:

[asimov]

It would be interesting stopping my 12.5" down to 70mm! ???

[ving]

yeah, my dob becomes f17! :D

[dhumpie]

It will be an interesting project going "the other way". I remember how much fun I used to have with my small scope and pushing it to the limits. From memory someone said that the cassini division in Saturn's rings was visible in a 60mm scope. I also remember an article in S&T where someone observes all the Messier's and the Herchel's 400 with a 60mm ST scope! I will see if I can find that article in the S&T's in the Physics library.

Darren

[asimov]

I started with a 40mm Darren. Yes, the cassini is viewable *just* (depends on the quality of the scope at that aperture?) Most DSOs I look at these days were also looked at with the 40mm. :rolleyes:

[dhumpie]

Moon will be out of the way by this weekend. Hopefully the weather cooperates :) Need to make a 60mm mask for my 80ST....

Darren

[asimov]

Hey Darren, how about using binos for this as well..70mm & under of course.?

[dhumpie]

We could do that although my 15x70's reach as deep as Andrew's astro_south's 102mm f/5 refractor. But we could include that :)

Darren

[asimov]

I'll be testing my 15X70 binos out on my jury-rigged mount tonight hopefully, weather permitting.

[dhumpie]

Sounds good John. have not had mine out in a while thanks to my orion 80ST on a photo tripod. Its just so conviniet to use that I use it most of the nights for quick looks...

Darren

[dhumpie]

I must confess that I have not started on this challenge myself. But I have found a great resource for small scopes:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/60mmtelescopeclub/

Darren