[shenanigans000 (Greg)]

After several days of clouds and rain, the weather gods finally allowed me to coat my new mirrors with some photons this evening.

My last scope was a cheapie 6" newt bought off Ebay. Whilst it was never great, it did give me some glimpses of what can be seen up there.

So tonight, with a 64% moon I managed get my first (short) observing session in.

First up was Saturn with my 12mm EP. It was sharp and clear, but needed more magnification. Hmmm, better order those extra eyepieces.

Next, the Jewel Box near the Southern Cross. I've always wanted to see this through a big scope, and tonight I was amazed - so beautiful, such gorgeous colours!

After ages losing myself in this open cluster, time to move on to another bucket list object: Omega Centauri.

Stunning, just stunning! Stars resolved to the core. I never realised just how beautiful the sky could be!

Heavy dew and some clouds meant time to pack up, but I can't wait to get back out under it. Considering the bright moon, and the so-so seeing, the scope performed amazingly well.

Some thoughts for anyone else considering a scope like this: you need more magnification for planets than what I was used to.

The scope is heavy and bulky, so allow for that. I was able to carry it in and out fully assembled (you can quickly separate and carry the tube and base quite easily too).

Set it up in daylight. It's much easier for running a power lead, setting up your observing table, computer, torch, eyepieces and all the rest.