MnAstro Forums

Well, better late than never. I'm finally getting around to doing some cleaning, and here's a picture of what I was talking about so long ago. It looks like a hazy layer on the plate. Both inside and out. You'll need to remove the corrector plate to clean the haze on the inside. Just mark it carefu...

Thank you Valts!

https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/astronomers-find-a-dozen-more-moons-for-jupiter/ This means Jupiter takes the moon crown from Saturn - for the time being. The search is on for more Saturn moons. There are apparently quite a few objects that move with Saturn, but which haven’t been confirm...

Based on your comments (and some internet searching) I have been looking into a decent pair of binoculars specifically for astronomy that do have a mount. Lot's to learn about prisms etc. Any suggestions there would be welcome. My favorite is this pair from Orion . The longest eye relief that Orion...

[head slap emoji]

The 10" Dobson at Costco was my fav too... Maybe next? My 7x50 doesn't have a mount so camera tripods or monopods wont really work. Based on your comments (and some internet searching) I have been looking into a decent pair of binoculars specifically for astronomy that do have a mount. Lot's t...

(Looks like we’re posting on top of each other Steve )

That is awesome Mark!
The other thing that the media keeps emphasizing is that it’s a “green comet”, like that’s so uncommon. And of course the “your only chance for 50,000 years” junk.

Hi, I have tried using 10x50 and only able to use them when braced or laying down, maybe a telescoping pole might help. I was also thinking some 7x50's would be nicer. One question... A midrange pair of 7x50's go for about the same price as this reflector telescope on Costco. As a new hobbyist, wou...

That actually looks a lot like the one Mark Job took that we saw at the meeting last night

I’m impressed that a phone could pick it up! (Note to self - get new phone)

I haven’t bought anything on Astromart in years, but the few times I did, everything went fine. Check the seller’s feedback and talk to them on the phone. It also helps to be familiar with what you’re buying of course, so you can ask the right questions.

Steve, regarding your answer for Q2, what's the best for splitting doubles? A good refractor... :-) Obviously, but you still need to know what power eyepiece to use. Not to be flippant, but the one that splits it cleanly without making it look like mush. In other words, it depends on the telescope,...

On low power eyepieces, don’t let the “wasted” exit pupil worry you too much. It’s good to have something that gives you a large field for finding objects, and some objects need as low a power as you can get to fit in the view - think M31, M44, M45. You can go overboard of course. If the exit pupil ...

Just waiting for a break in the clouds :-/

My first question would be are you looking for 1.25” or 2” eyepieces?

Usually the issue with neighbors’ lights is that they shine in your face while you are trying to observe. There is no filter for your scope that will help with that. Your best bet would be to gently ask your neighbors if they would turn off their lights (maybe along with an invitation to look throug...

Maybe the better question is “what is “online””. They could be stale entries for guests who haven’t been on the site for hours for all I know.

Note that when I looked, it was 1:43 am and there were still 44 guests. Those aren’t real people.

At first glance, I currently see just me and 1 guest at the bottom of the page. But when I click WHO IS ONLINE, then Display Guests, I see like 44 guests, half of which it claims are on the user control panel. Perhaps attempting to log in or register?

I’d like to make a persnickety note. A zero power finder would be something like a brick. Can’t see anything. The Telrad or Rigel Quickfinder are unit power (1x), or non-magnifying finders. Personally, I prefer the Rigel since it’s easier to mount on smaller scopes, and sticks out away from the tube...

That came out nice

Nice column! I certainly didn’t expect to see my picture in the Reflector. Sorry if they made it look like I (though unnamed) was responsible for your cool Observe the Moon demonstrations, Steve

Remember, there will be a special Mars Opposition star party at ELO on Saturday December 3rd if it’s not clouded out.

I received the hard copy version a few days ago. It's not quite the same as the "large" version Ottewell produced for many years, but its still pretty cool. It's such a unique product. I missed it when he wasn't producing them for a few years. Suresh How big is it now? I thought I heard i...