Okay guys my chat with Jeanette has given me an idea. So I am throwing down the challenge for those of you who have small scopes (max size 70mm). Write in with your observational notes on the previous month's DSO challenges. I will do my part when the moon gets out of the way. What I might do is stopper down my 102mm ST and 80mm ST to 60mm and see what I can of those montly challenge objects. Most of them should not be too difficult to view (especially the brighter ones) and some might even show some detail.
It will be an interesting project going "the other way". I remember how much fun I used to have with my small scope and pushing it to the limits. From memory someone said that the cassini division in Saturn's rings was visible in a 60mm scope. I also remember an article in S&T where someone observes all the Messier's and the Herchel's 400 with a 60mm ST scope! I will see if I can find that article in the S&T's in the Physics library.
I started with a 40mm Darren. Yes, the cassini is viewable *just* (depends on the quality of the scope at that aperture?) Most DSOs I look at these days were also looked at with the 40mm.
Sounds good John. have not had mine out in a while thanks to my orion 80ST on a photo tripod. Its just so conviniet to use that I use it most of the nights for quick looks...
I'll make another aperture mask to fit the 6" achro.....I'm in!
