Happy little chappie

[Hotkey]

Isn't it a thrill when things go right for a change. Took the C8 out last night and plonked the tripod down roughly facing S, fitted everything up and began to watch Orion as it rose. Then I decided to do a 3 star alignment, which was the easiest ever, and I still can't believe it as it was so close to perfect I am still in shock. Been having a bit of trouble with this I can say. So for 2 hours then I slewed all over , just magic. Seeing was excellent after the rain, so now today I have to plan a session of viewing. I also had out my 10" Dob but the views of Orion through it were nowhere as good as the C8. Can anyone tell me why a 17mm eyepiece in the C8 would have a central core of light surrounded by darkness.It is OK in the Dob though.
Evan

[Dennis]

Isn't it just sweeet when everything falls into place on those rare, magical nights! Makes up for those nights when things just don't seem to work, no matter how hard you try.

Cheers

Dennis

[sheeny (Al)]

There's nothing better than when it all clicks in place!

Originally Posted by Hotkey

Can anyone tell me why a 17mm eyepiece in the C8 would have a central core of light surrounded by darkness.It is OK in the Dob though.
Evan

How did you go with dew on the C8 corrector plate? That's the first thing that comes to mind. (OK, at the moment it's the only that comes to mind! )

Al.

[iceman (Mike)]

I also had out my 10" Dob but the views of Orion through it were nowhere as good as the C8

The 10" dob should give significantly better views than the C8. I'd suggest the dob is not collimated properly, or perhaps you have astigmatism as well, due to pinched optics.

There's a how-to on the pinched optics, and for collimation, how do you find it? Have you tackled it yet?

[Hotkey]

Orion came up as a blob in the Dob, whereas the C8 showed a huge veil structure right across the fov. I have had problems collimating the 10" beast, as every time it gets moved it has to be done again. But give me the Go To anyday, sure beats getting down trying to peer through the finder scope.
The problem with the lens could have been dew as suggested, last night I used the old hair drier to good effect. That's 2 good nights now with C8, and I am seeing galaxies all over now. These computers are just magic. So now it's time to get some better eyepieces to see more detail .
Thanks for your comments...Evan

[ving (David)]

if m42 is naught but a blob in the 10" then there is something seriously wrong with the scope. as mike said the collimation is probably way out... and i mean wayout. i can have the collimation out on my 8" dob and still get great views of m42. you need to re check it or have it checked if you are having problems.

but the c8 sounds like a great scope
wish i had one! i'd swap my 8" dob for a c8 at the drop of a hat...

[Ric]

Hi Evan, it sure is great when everything goes like clockwork and according to plan.
Hope you get more of the good ones than the rough ones.

cheers