I ventured out last night (Friday) and what started out promising (seeing wise)
got worse as the night progressed, I stayed out till after 3.00 am and into bed by
4.00 am.
It was an important session for me, it's the first time I used my new
parallelogram mount for my binoculars and also the first time I got to use
my new Super Series 4000 Meade Plossil EP's.
I spent most of the night alternating between Jupiter and Saturn, because I
believe that my 6" refractor is best suited to planetary observations.
Perhaps after I get some more practice in with it, I might be able to hunt
down the odd galaxy or two
The EP's worked a treat, I started out shaky but by nights end I was popping
in different EP's every couple of minutes, as well as throwing the Barlow 2x
on to see the range of different views.
Then low and behold after mucking around for awhile, I finally for the first
time saw the bands of Jupiter and also towards the end, I finally got to see
the GRS.
To say I was stoked is an understatement!!!! It was amazing, magnificent,
what words can really describe it? I also had my first really serious look
at Saturn, easily saw the shadow on the dark side where the ring joins the
planet. Saturn (although smaller than the mighty Joop) was crystal clear, in
fact I doubt that I could ever get it clearer in terms of outline
definition. Naturally with better equipment I will see it larger and see far
more detail, but where the edge of light meets darkness, it seemed razor
sharp.
8 years ago I was observing on borrowed gear and someone else had setup the
scope and tracking etc. This time it was just me and the stars, and I have
this sense of accomplishment in getting as far as I have, which of course is
only the very early embryonic stages of my vast journey. Much lies ahead to
still be discovered and experienced.
When people say the mount is everything, I am going to pull them up and say,
you almost got it right, the mount is of paramount importance, but so too
are good quality EP's and also aperture. IMHO, if you are left wanting on
anyone of these three, you are lessening your total experience.
. You mention the mount is of "paramount" importance..goggle Paramount Mounts but you may need to swap your house to get one of those
.
and at least try a long cardboard tube to see if it does anything for you
what you spend on the mount you can save on the scope at around $1500 to $2000 for a triplet 80 I guess
..oh I think it used a $12,000-00 camera
