Dhufish
30-06-2012, 05:45 PM
Hi again,
Well I finally got my Meade eyepiece kit and can now view with a variety of magnifications.
I made a solar filter for the Venus transit but with the rain in Perth I only got the odd glimps.
Had a great viewing last night.
Was initially planning to look for galaxies in Virgo but with the bright moon and other lights passed on that idea.
Had a good look at the moon, mostly on the terminator. Did not try to identify with a map just observe.
Then I had a good look at Saturn. Tried out various magnifications but still could not see the Cassini division. Was still spectacular.
I then formulated a plan to sweep through scorpius.
Started at Antares. Nice redish colour but could not separate the double. Moved over to M4. Wow what a cluster. The longer I kept my eye on the eyepiece the more faint stars I could see.
Continued moving down to the tail seeing other clusters finally at M7. I tried but could not find M6. At this stage my telescope was pointed up and was touching the ground as I have moved the primary mirror back making it longer now. I need to make a taller pier.
Then needed a new plan so checked the charts and moved to Capricornus to find the helix nebula and the galaxy NGC 7314. I think I saw a very faint galaxy like a cloud but at this stage all my eyepieces started to dew up and everything was getting wet. A lot wet so packed up by midnight.
I had a good time but have the following questions:
What software do people use to plan a nights viewing?
And what should I do to prevent dew? Is a hair dryer ok?
I must try out tracking next time.
Thanks for reading.
Matt
Well I finally got my Meade eyepiece kit and can now view with a variety of magnifications.
I made a solar filter for the Venus transit but with the rain in Perth I only got the odd glimps.
Had a great viewing last night.
Was initially planning to look for galaxies in Virgo but with the bright moon and other lights passed on that idea.
Had a good look at the moon, mostly on the terminator. Did not try to identify with a map just observe.
Then I had a good look at Saturn. Tried out various magnifications but still could not see the Cassini division. Was still spectacular.
I then formulated a plan to sweep through scorpius.
Started at Antares. Nice redish colour but could not separate the double. Moved over to M4. Wow what a cluster. The longer I kept my eye on the eyepiece the more faint stars I could see.
Continued moving down to the tail seeing other clusters finally at M7. I tried but could not find M6. At this stage my telescope was pointed up and was touching the ground as I have moved the primary mirror back making it longer now. I need to make a taller pier.
Then needed a new plan so checked the charts and moved to Capricornus to find the helix nebula and the galaxy NGC 7314. I think I saw a very faint galaxy like a cloud but at this stage all my eyepieces started to dew up and everything was getting wet. A lot wet so packed up by midnight.
I had a good time but have the following questions:
What software do people use to plan a nights viewing?
And what should I do to prevent dew? Is a hair dryer ok?
I must try out tracking next time.
Thanks for reading.
Matt