I had planned to take the scope out tonight, but started to feel a bit unsettled in the tummy just before dinner, so changed plans and just ventured out into the yard for a mini "obs-session".
I made some dew shields come light baffles for my 20 x 80 binos today (article on the way) so I thought I'd test them out under the tri-streetlight test conditions I call my yard...
Very impressed with the dew shields as light baffles. They make the 20 x 80s much more usable for me at home. Here's a quick rundown of my whirlwind spin around the galaxy...
Alpha Centauri: Can't split it tonight. Have almost split it with the 20 x 80s before.
NGC4655, Caldwell 94 Jewel Casket: Just a smaller view as in the scope. Colours clearly identifiable. Becrux in same FOV.
NGC5139, Caldwell 80 Omega Centauri: Spectacular as always. Can't resolve individual stars.
IC 2602 Caldwell 102: Southern Pleiades: Just perfect in 20 x 80s. Fills FOV. Stunning.
NGC362 Caldwell 104: Small globular cluster. V easy to find. Distinctive and bright.
NGC 292 Small Magellanic Cloud: Great views with 20 x 80s. Clusters and masses of stars.
NGC 104 Caldwell 106 47 Tucanae: Globular cluster not quite as big or bright as Omega Centauri but its concentrated core is really evident in the 20 x 80s. My favourite GC.
Beta Tucanae: Triple star, just wanted to make sure it was still there... I mean that I could find it again
without a chart after finding it the other night.
I know I looked at other stuff too, but didn't have a chart with me to identify them. The above are just the ones I can identify without a chart.
Oh well. I was looking forward to a night out with the scope. At least I haven't missed out altogether!
Al.
