Got the scope out for only the 2nd time last night. from my light polluted sky as far as I could figure, the faintest star I recorded was mag 13.0. The star 'southeast' of m57. M57 was great with the 6mm ep, very large. I spent the rest of the night hopping up and down cygnus/sagitta and delphinus. And m13 was resolved to the core with the 6mm, would barely fit in the field!! Great thoough. Thanks to DmcDona for coming out and helping me collimate it last week... cheers :wink:

Nice one Stephen Hope you get more clear nights to put the scope to the test!

By the way - I'm assuming the collimation worked - did that hard edge go away from the star images?

If you're anything like I was when I got used to collimating, you'll start to get more discerning of collimation problems as you increase your observing knowledge.

You'll probably end up (as I did) tweaking the scope to improve the setup until you get absolutely spot on images.

Keep it up!

Cheers

Dave McD

I was looking at M13 myself on Saturday night - nice views of it but I had the feeling that it could be better. Dave - I might borrow you some night as well to show me how to collimate. I've no idea how to do it

No problem - we might need StephenK to give us back the IFAS collimator though

This coming weekend would be a good start. Even if its cloudy, we can get your scope partially collimated - you can then do the final collimation on a clear night.

Cheers

Dave McD

What collimator?
tweaked it a little bit Dave, the hard edge is gone alright. I think I just need darker skies...
Ill get the collimator back over to you Dave.

That'd be great. My other half is away this weekend though so I won't be able to come over to you (can't leave the kids alone). If it's a problem you coming over to my place we can leave it til another time.

Steve - you're in Celbridge right? If so, no problem! I'll come over.

Stephen K - if you like you can post the collimator back to save you a journey. I'll PM the home address.

Don't forget that unless the secondary gets a knock, you really don't need it again. But if you do, just let me know and I'll sort you out.

Cheers

Dave McD

Maynooth actually. It's my brother that lives in the same estate as you

Maynooth is cool! Saturday or Sunday would be best but Friday night might be OK too. Give me a shout Friday evening and we'll arrange it based on weather and availability.

I'll pm the mobile number but you may already have it...

Cheers

Dave McD

Any day is fine - whatever's handiest for you. Thanks.