New scope optics improving

[doug mc]

The companion to Sirius has been a test for good optics as well of course as seeing. Last night's seeing was very steady, so I thought I would have a try with my recently acquired Skywatcher mak. Bingo, easy, trailing behind Sirius. This is the third scope in a row that I have owned to be able to spotting it. The first was a GSO 8 inch dob about six years ago, followed by a GSO eight inch classic cassegrain. But the cleanest image was obtained by the new mak. No diffraction spikes. We are fortunate indeed to have ready access to good enough equipment. Xmas Cheers everyone.

[Saturnine (Jeff)]

Interested to read your post about Sirius B, a few nights ago, during one of our rare clear nights, in what was steady seeing ( 7 /10 )! I tried to split the pair with my 8" Saxon newt and could not definitely say that I could see B.
Moved over to Rigel and Adhara and could easily split them and see the companions , Adhara is usually a good test as its' "B" star is a little bit brighter than the Pup but closer to the "A" star .

[doug mc]

Rigels companion is close to the same distance from its primary as the pup is trom Sirius. The pup follows Sirius of to one side. It was sure easier to see without the spikes from my newt or C.C. You could easily miss the pup in the diffraction spikes.