Quote:
Originally Posted by Startrek
2 possible explanations
1/ What brand Plössl eye piece ?
Could be a low cost $30 Plössl which have poor coatings on the optics and poor anti internal reflective paint in the barrel
Could be light scatter ??
Try a more expensive eye piece if using a cheap Plössl, cheap Plössl are notorious for introducing internal optical reflections
2/ Venus is very low at the moment to observe therefore the atmosphere can play havoc depending on your location and geography
Are you observing over ocean ( large waterways ) or land , are you observing from a suburban light polluted environment or rural dark skies ?
Could be atmospheric dispersion or refraction ?
Even expensive good quality eye pieces can be affected when observing at altitudes below 30 deg
Test your eye piece and Barlow combo on a bright Star up nice and high
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If your keen on planetary observing ( Maks are well suited for planetary) try Saturn or Jupiter which are up nice and high after 11.30pm at the moment. This would be a better test in lieu of a bright star.
Stellarium will provide you exact co ordinates if using a non Goto mount or if using an EQ Goto mount just select the planet on the handcontroller if polar aligned
Good luck !!