Hello, and a few questions, please.

[Lumen Miner (Mitchell)]

Just an introduction.

I have been a long time viewer, first time poster.

I recently purchased a 70mm Celestron Newington scope.
So far it has presented itself with the obvious obstructions, of being a budget $260 scope.

I appreciate it is a some-what "under-powered" scope, yet "powered" is, I guess all in your perspective. ATM the images i'm getting of the moon, jupiter etc are over-whelming to say the least.... Can't wait to view through someone else's larger scope.

I hope to be able to contribute to your site, as it has already proven to be, a most valuble contribution to the astronomical community.


I few questions if I may, I have read almost all the threads on the site and can not find answers.



~ Is there anyone in the Hornsby, Sydney area that wishes to start a viewing group on a regular basis? Is one already started that I could join?

~ The celestron scope I purchased has an Azimuth mount. Either i'm just being a total noob, or are they just shocking on viewing control? When trying to lock onto a star etc, by tightening the vertical axis, it "drifts" off the objects dramatically. To the extent that I need to tighten the axis a couple of light years away to compensate for the slack on the assembaly.

Is this normal... I mean, if focusing on the moon, I literally need to view above the moon, in the sky/dark, tighten the axis, then let go, to compensate, as the slope "slumps" down. It just seems odd that I would have to, I can't believe they can't machine that style of mount to be accurate. I would expect that there would be a bit of slack, yet at minimal magnification, I still can never see the object I want to view when tightening the screw to set the axis. Is this normal?

~ Given the above, I am rather adaptive and can compensate for my minimal scope. I wish to however, acheive some sort of astralphotography. I have sitting in front of me, a webcam and a ccd security colour video camera.

In your opinion, if I wished to do some photography which method would achieve best results. I know this question has many variables, yet I would like your ideas. Hack the webcam, or use the security camera? What would provide the best quality images?




Sorry I know I ask alot, yet once again "first time poster"


Oh, by the way is anyone else getting some great shots of the waxing moon from Sydney? Awesome colours through the clouds, make the best of it I guess!

[iceman (Mike)]

Hi Mitchell, to IceInSpace!

Originally Posted by Lumen Miner

~ Is there anyone in the Hornsby, Sydney area that wishes to start a viewing group on a regular basis? Is one already started that I could join?

There's the North Sydney Astronomical Society, and also one in the west hawkesbury area (the name elludes me at the moment).
We also have a viewing group on the central coast that meets up monthly for observing (no formal meetings or anything, it's not an astronomical society, just a group of friends that get together through IIS).

~ The celestron scope I purchased has an Azimuth mount. Either i'm just being a total noob, or are they just shocking on viewing control? When trying to lock onto a star etc, by tightening the vertical axis, it "drifts" off the objects dramatically. To the extent that I need to tighten the axis a couple of light years away to compensate for the slack on the assembaly.

Is this normal... I mean, if focusing on the moon, I literally need to view above the moon, in the sky/dark, tighten the axis, then let go, to compensate, as the slope "slumps" down. It just seems odd that I would have to, I can't believe they can't machine that style of mount to be accurate. I would expect that there would be a bit of slack, yet at minimal magnification, I still can never see the object I want to view when tightening the screw to set the axis. Is this normal?

Yes, this is normal for those cheap alt/az mounts. They're absolutely terrible, and incredibly frustrating.

~ Given the above, I am rather adaptive and can compensate for my minimal scope. I wish to however, acheive some sort of astralphotography. I have sitting in front of me, a webcam and a ccd security colour video camera.

In your opinion, if I wished to do some photography which method would achieve best results. I know this question has many variables, yet I would like your ideas. Hack the webcam, or use the security camera? What would provide the best quality images?

It will be a frustrating experience but I guess if you're happy to try.. what type of webcam is it?
The security camera is likely to be more sensitive.
I guess just try them both!

Oh, by the way is anyone else getting some great shots of the waxing moon from Sydney? Awesome colours through the clouds, make the best of it I guess!

Clouded out here!

Keep asking questions!

[Lumen Miner (Mitchell)]

Iceman,

There's the North Sydney Astronomical Society, and also one in the west hawkesbury area (the name elludes me at the moment).
We also have a viewing group on the central coast that meets up monthly for observing (no formal meetings or anything, it's not an astronomical society, just a group of friends that get together through IIS).

Well that is exciting!! I will certainly be attending atleast one of these soon.

Yes, this is normal for those cheap alt/az mounts. They're absolutely terrible, and incredibly frustrating.

Perfect I love a challenge. I have now added extra equipment (Full axis camera mount) to the front of the scope. This has resulted in a much more stable view zone. Although the drift is still terrible, it is managable. I knew what I was buying and chose to do so. I knew the mount would be sloppy, yet wanted a cheap option before buying a decent scope etc.


Working on more questions.


Thanks for your help.

[stephenb (Stephen)]

Welcome Mitchell,

Yeah your telescope doesn't sounds like a cheapy, but that's okay as these cheap "department store" telescopes can very easily turn away a newcomer to amateur astronomy. You seem to have survived and its even made you more determine to improve. Well done, keep asking questions, there is plenty of collective knowledge here to get you moving forward in leaps and bounds. And hook up with your local club, it is the best thing to do at this early stage.