Hi Folks,
Couple of quick beginner questions (using a 12" dob)
So far I have been setting the scope up on the deck and letting it cool etc. and then have been using it peridoically up to midnight.
At a guess I have been looking at stuff between <20 to ~ 40deg so I am assuming in astro terms this is pretty low. Am I ever likely to get good seeing at these levels (I know for planets etc. the higher in the sky the better so I assume this is a general rule for all things)? What sort of elevations do you folks do most of your viewing?
Like I said I am comming in and out (i.e check star maps on PC and then check scope etc. or watch some TV etc.) so I am not exactly properly adjusting my eyes etc. How much better would my viewing be if let myself fully dark adapt (got large openings to the deck that are lit although I am down one end in shadow etc.)? Probably not hardcore I know but certainly handy having it on the deck and being able to just have quick view when I feel like it through the night.
On the same vien as above if there are external light sources (like neighbours lights) should I be cutting them out (by viewing under ablanket etc.). How big a difference does it make?
How do you folks handle sessions given that best seeing is probably after 12-1pm etc? (is it? When do you think is best seeing or can it be anytime - i.e 9.00pm one night and 3.00am the next). I have thought about going to bed and then getting up but then you have cooling times etc. so just wondered what people do (staying up till 3.00am will put me out of comission the next day
).
Anyone recommend some good dark sky sites near Brisbane?
Hmmmmmmm,
Thats about it for now
