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Well thanks to Mental, Alan, Malcolm, and all the others I have made some real progress on the DSOs, particularly last night.
I managed to view four of the Messier Objects: M4 Globular cluster near Antares, M10 Globular cluster, M6 the Butterfly open cluster, and M7 Ptolemy's open cluster.
On advice I picked up a GSO 30mm Superview 2" eyepiece and this really helped heaps to initially find the objects. My patience in scope alignment, actually setting it up before sunset, and using my laser line designator and Silva compass to align the scope setting circle to north with allowance for proper declination for my location, all ensured the Azi co-ordinates were spot on and the object was right there in my eyepiece with no searching or star hopping required (well the wide FOV helped).
PS I also made up a DIY 450mm long dew shield which worked well to keep the secondary clear for the whole session. And I have a copy of O'Mearas book on the Messiers on the way.
Thanks again.
Glen
Last edited by glend; 17-06-2013 at 09:44 AM.
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