Hi Drew,
A Skywatcher 10" Dob is a wonderful instrument.
GoTo is especially helpful for finding and tracking.
(previously I had a goto SW 12" Dob)
I have switched back to a 10" with Argo Navis (push to) but alignment is still important.
So this is a subject I have researched.
Alignment is always important to get right.
But first you need to level your scope. I use a bullseye level.
You may need to build a levelling platform with adjustable height legs (from Bunnings).
Picking your alignment stars.
Try to pick two stars on the same side of the meridian (imaginary line from north pole to south pole).
Pick stars between 15 to 60 degrees above horizon. and with a difference of 10 to 30 degrees in height.
Your stars should be close to 90 degrees difference in compass direction. But can be between 45 to 135 degrees apart.
(example: Antares and Achernar.)
The Moon.
Yep. Try to avoid it near FULL. (ie after first Qtr and before Last Qtr).
Its too bright, the sun is direct on to it, and you don't see much in the way of detail. If you must, one quick cheap way to reduce light is to put the big plastic tube end cap on the top of the scope with the small plastic cap removed. Make sure to position the hole away from the secondary supports.
Alternatively use filters as Carlton suggested.
One thing, Carlton referred to putting the filter on a diagonal. BUT, we don't use a diagonal when viewing through a DOB.
Another type of filter is a variable polarizing filter set. You can adjust the two filters to adjust the amount of light coming through.
But you will get much more detail and satisfaction from viewing the moon when it is half or less. The sun is side on to it (so to speak) and you get shadows that provide depth of image. The line between dark and light (called the Terminator) is where most detail is usually present.
As Carlton said, the planets can be problematic depending on seeing conditions.
Over magnification in less than ideal conditions presents a fuzzy blob.
A general rule is to try for about 150 magnification at most.
That would be around an 8mm eyepiece in your scope.
Glasses.
Yes I wear them.
Like Carlton, I prefer to view with glasses off.
This of course effect the view of others, and of your camera to eyepiece (nice photo by the way.)
What type of glasses do you have?
My main pair are variable (from distance to reading in one).
I find these difficult for astronomy.
So when I get a two for one offer on new glasses, I order a pair of straight distance lens. If you want to view with glasses, to get "proper" focus point (for others or camera shots) then I find these much better.
Dew.
Yeah, its a pain isn't it.
When you are not using the scope (ie taking a break) try to put the scope horizontal to the ground and cover the opening and eyepieces (finder too if you like).
Additionally, if you are likely to be viewing in dewy conditions a lot, you may want to invest in a dew heater controller and straps.
I have a heater for my secondary. One for eyepieces. and one for viewfinder.
A shroud will also help.
Some people instal a small computer type fan on the base of the scope to blow fresh air onto the mirror. This is also good before viewing to speed up cooling the mirror to ambient. (This will help with viewing quality and could be another reason if your planet viewing is sloppy). if you install a fan to the base, make sure it does not create vibration, which will upset your viewing as well. Maybe turn it off when viewing.
Hope some of this helps and keep asking questions.
Clear skies
Allan
EDIT:
Haha:
Ben got his post in while I was typing.
and I agree with everything he said.
BTW Ben, that other protrusion on the Dust Cover is to put the removable (small) cap on when open, so as not to loose it in the dark.
