candymancan
super member
Reged: 07/10/09
Posts: 149
Loc: Virginia
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When will mars be the closest to us so i can see it in detail ? What Magnifiction do you honestly need ? I've been eye'ing mars every now and then for the last month and all i ever see is a Bright red dot and nothing more.
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Nikon 10x50 Action Binoculars
Zhumell Z10 10" Dobsonian
Tasco 60mm Refractor
Edited by candymancan (09/02/09 09:55 AM)
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Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
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It's really hard to see anything yet. I haven't gotten a decent observation so far this year, but I keep trying.
Mars will be at its closest for this apparition on, I think, January 29th. At that time it will be 14" in diameter, a little more than half as big as it was in 2003. Unless you just want to punish yourself in the way Mars-heads do, you'll probably want to be looking for, say, a month on either side of that date for your best views.
Use the highest magnification you can without overpowering it. For your 10" scope, you ought to be able to use 300-450x when the seeing is good. Mars is small and hard to observe, so take your time. A #25 red or #30 magenta filter will help. Sketching it is a big help, it makes you pay attention to what you're seeing. There will be long periods of lousy seeing, interspersed with seconds of razor-sharp images, so be patient. Mars is worth the effort!
Hope this helps. Good luck!
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- Rick
14" LX200GPS
Dyslexics Untie!
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jg3
sage
Reged: 05/27/07
Posts: 329
Loc: near Auburn, CA
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Besides a little more time for Mars to come closer, you want anything to improve contrast and maximize optical perfection:
Fans to bust the boundary layer of warm air on the mirror surface, or at least cool the mirror as well as possible. Also avoid viewing over warm thermal sources like buildings and blacktop.
Collimation.
Filters - Baader Contrast Booster is my favorite; their Moon and Skyglow is good too, or acquire some Mars and color filters.
Quality binoviewer, since two eyes are better than one at perception of barely-visible detail. Plus it splits the light intensity hitting any eye in half to a more comfortable level. I also find planet views "look bigger" with two eyes.
If you are really serious and willing to take on something technical, design and make an apodizing screen. Required reading is http://home.digitalexp.com/~suiterhr/TM/apodize.htm Design to raise the upper left region of the MTF curve for contrast.
Even with all this, it's a challenge to identify which face of the planet shows, and to find the major features. Don't expect Hubble or probe views. It takes some preparation to get more than an orange disk.
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Kris.
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/16/04
Posts: 1276
Loc: Belgium
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i'd definitely go for an apodizing mask on your 10", the results are sometimes really stunning.
try to use a binoviewer before you buy, it's not as easy to merge the two images when using high power than at low power. since you want to be observing at high power, this is important
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Kris
To be old & wise, you first gotta be young & stupid 
8" dob
AstroTech 66ED/APO
TAL 120 newt.
my CN sketch & picture gallery
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dpwoos
sage
Reged: 10/18/06
Posts: 218
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First off, if you are not already getting outstanding high power planetary views then Mars is certainly going to disappoint you. Assuming that you are, then I would make sure you have some filters to try. This is where observing with others is a big plus, as you can try their filters on your eyepieces/scope, and see what you like. I like a #85 salmon filter, and haven't found dedicated "Mars" filters very useful, but you might discover that they do work for you. On the binoviewer subject, I did have access to a Denkmeier unit in 2003 and found that it improved the view of Mars in every scope that could bring it to focus, and often dramatically. However, it is an expensive piece of gear and, in my case, wasn't compelling enough.
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David A Rodger
sage
Reged: 08/12/03
Posts: 444
Loc: North Vancouver, BC, Canada
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I've been observing Mars through various kinds and sizes of telescopes since 1956! I have concluded that it is the most over-rated and disappointing of all the planets. I love looking at Jupiter and Saturn, but Mars - - I usually pass on it except at good oppositions, such as 2003 and 2005. I'll skip it this year, except for naked-eye viewing, which is fun.
But, hey! Knock yourself out.
DAR
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Sky-Watcher 10-inch Dob
Orion 100mm ED and EON 120 refractors
Tele Vue NP-127 refractor
Celestron CPC 1100 SCT
Celestron Classic C-8
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dpwoos
sage
Reged: 10/18/06
Posts: 218
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For sure it is a tough target, but I find it helps when I have something to look for. A great assistance in this regard is the free software app "Mars Previewer II", which provides a fairly realistic depiction of the features that are visible on Mars.
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candymancan
super member
Reged: 07/10/09
Posts: 149
Loc: Virginia
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Quote:
I've been observing Mars through various kinds and sizes of telescopes since 1956! I have concluded that it is the most over-rated and disappointing of all the planets. I love looking at Jupiter and Saturn, but Mars - - I usually pass on it except at good oppositions, such as 2003 and 2005. I'll skip it this year, except for naked-eye viewing, which is fun.
But, hey! Knock yourself out.
DAR
Nkaed eye viewing is boring... it looks like well a star lol i see those everynight. I already seen Saturn and Jupiter a Million times i want to look at something new.. You seem a little sour to me maybe just after like 50 years your getting tired of looking through your scope but i just started 2 months ago...
I need better eyepeices first and more magnifiction, i can only do 138x on my plossle the one that came with the scope.. The only way to get 312x is with a 4SM EP from my tasco. Even then tho it still looks like a dot pretty much. Pretty sure i can go higher up in Mag because Jupiter at 312x i noticed still looks fine no loss in detail really and its like that pretty much everynight.
So for filters ? Are you guys talking about filters like the cheapy $5 filters in pretty much like every color ? Which color's do you guys recomend i should get for the planets like Jupiter/Mars/Venus ect.. I wish i had enough money right now to buy everything i need. I just only recently got binoculars and a ipod for the skywatch app, but i still havent gotten any new eyepeices or any filters..
I cant seem to find Uranus and Neptune there so small they look like just another star.
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Nikon 10x50 Action Binoculars
Zhumell Z10 10" Dobsonian
Tasco 60mm Refractor
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Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
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No, don't get cheap filters. Better to save your money. A good quality #25 red filter might cost $20, and will make the most dramatic difference in your view. You can get a decent 4mm ortho or plossl eyepiece for small dollars - check out the shop and swap forum. Even new, a good 4mm ortho from University Optics is only about $60. If that's too much to spend right this time around, just go with what you have, and gather some stuff for next time. Mars comes around every two years.
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- Rick
14" LX200GPS
Dyslexics Untie!
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Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
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Quote:
I've been observing Mars through various kinds and sizes of telescopes since 1956! I have concluded that it is the most over-rated and disappointing of all the planets.
Q: How many psychologists does it take to see details on Mars?
A: Just one - but he has to really want to see them. 
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- Rick
14" LX200GPS
Dyslexics Untie!
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dscarpa
sage
Reged: 03/15/08
Posts: 257
Loc: San Diego Ca.
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During the last apparation of Mars I was able to see that Mars's polar caps were serrated as well as fine "canal" detail between the dark areas with my C 9.25. We had a run of very good seeing here during the last apparation. I used 235X to 300X power, the more magnification you can use the better. Mars will be a little smaller this time around but it will be high in the sky. David
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Kris.
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/16/04
Posts: 1276
Loc: Belgium
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Quote:
I've been observing Mars through various kinds and sizes of telescopes since 1956! I have concluded that it is the most over-rated and disappointing of all the planets. I love looking at Jupiter and Saturn, but Mars - - I usually pass on it except at good oppositions, such as 2003 and 2005. I'll skip it this year, except for naked-eye viewing, which is fun.
But, hey! Knock yourself out.
DAR
apart from Jupiter, which is offcourse also a lot easier, Mars is more interesting than Saturn imo. saturn may be bigger, and a 'jewel' in the sky with it's ring, but it's surface features are less contrasty than mars. mars is far from a boring, overrated planet, you just have to be willing to put in a little effort. the rewards are worth it.
But, hey! That's a mars-nut opinion! 
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Kris
To be old & wise, you first gotta be young & stupid
8" dob
AstroTech 66ED/APO
TAL 120 newt.
my CN sketch & picture gallery
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Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1525
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
When will mars be the closest to us so i can see it in detail ? What Magnifiction do you honestly need ? I've been eye'ing mars every now and then for the last month and all i ever see is a Bright red dot and nothing more.
Mars was closest in 2003. Mars won't be really close again until 2018 so you have some time.
To see Mars really well you need a well collimated scope, very good optics and conditions that will allow greater that 200x. Choose a telescope well suited for planetary viewing.
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May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
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brianb11213
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/25/09
Posts: 2119
Loc: 55.215N 6.554W
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Quote:
To see Mars really well you need a well collimated scope, very good optics and conditions that will allow greater that 200x.
Aperture is good, a mediocre 12" will outperform a superb 8", but steady seeing is the key.
Mars will still be pretty small when at its closest in late Jan / early Feb but, for those of us in northern temperate latitudes, at least it will be at a decent altitude - that's more helpful than a larger disc rolling along the horizon. Just pray that the jet stream is somewhere else ... if it's running overhead, you won't get good seeing, and, whatever you spend on kit, you won't get a good view.
Edited by brianb11213 (09/03/09 05:09 PM)
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Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
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Quote:
Aperture is good, a mediocre 12" will outperform a superb 8", but steady seeing is the key.
I disagree, particularly on planetary observing. A mediocre 12" telescope will give you a mediocre view, at best. A superb 8" will give you a superb view.
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- Rick
14" LX200GPS
Dyslexics Untie!
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Deep13
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/25/05
Posts: 1843
Loc: NE Ohio
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Lets see, your list of goodies does not include a tracking platform. I would get some really high quality, high power EPs. I suggest either Pentax XW or TV Nagler T.6. With my 8" f/6 which is about the same focal length as yours I used to use a 10mm Radian for so-so nights and add a good 2x Barlow for superb nights. Actually, I saw a lot with no tracking and a barlowed 12.5mm UO ortho despite its 43? deg. AFOV.
Use a fan to cool of if you don't already have one. In my 8", the fans blow air in the back and push it around the mirror. On my 12.5", they blow across the mirror. My recollection is that on the GSO Dobs there is no extra space between the tube and the mirror, so you will just have to cool it off from the rear. It will work.
Get a good collimation tool.
For filters, I like orange and red. Medium blue is nice too for astmosphere and ice caps. I'd go for good quality EPs.
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That which can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.
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Achernar
Postmaster
Reged: 02/25/06
Posts: 5029
Loc: Mobile, Alabama, USA
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Steady seeing and good optics that are collimated correctly are absolute requirements. Mars never gets bigger than 25 arc-seconds across in apparent size, and this opposition will be about the worst it could be in terms of distance from Earth. Because it will not approach any closer than 60 million miles in January 2010, it will reach a maximum apparent size of some 14-arc seconds. This dictates the need for 200X or more to see anything other than the polar cap and a few large surface features easily. In other words, use as much magnification as the seeing and your telescope will bear. Using good eyepieces will help with your Mars observing, along with the use of color filters. For big telescopes a #25 red works well at making surface features stand out, or a #21 orange filter for smaller telescopes. Blue and green filters will show clouds in the atmosphere at the expense of surface details. Lastly patience is needed because Mars doesn't surrender it's secrets easily. Percival Lowell and other astronomers spent years peering at Mars with big telescopes and even they sometimes could only see a squirming orange ball due to poor seeing. Now is the time to start watching Mars, and by the time it gets to opposition you'll be seeing it's faint and subtle surface features. If the planet looks like a cue ball or seems hazy in places, you're seeing a dust storm or storms on the planet. So if despite your best efforts you don't see details, it might be because of the Martian weather.
Taras
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15-inch F/4.5 Dob under construction
10-inch F/4.5 Discovery Dob
6-inch F/8 Homebuilt Dob
4 1/4-inch F/4 Homebuilt reflector
A whole bunch of eyepieces, filters and other accessories....
Two curious cats
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Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1525
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
Quote:
Aperture is good, a mediocre 12" will outperform a superb 8", but steady seeing is the key.
I disagree, particularly on planetary observing. A mediocre 12" telescope will give you a mediocre view, at best. A superb 8" will give you a superb view.
THAT, I agree with!!!
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May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
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azure1961p
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/17/09
Posts: 731
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Quote:
Mars never gets bigger than 25 arc-seconds across in apparent size, and this opposition will be about the worst it could be in terms of distance from Earth.
I used to get caught up in the arc sec. versus opposition and wether or not to get excited about it coming up or not. The fact is, for me, Mars starts really happening when it crests 10". After that its the Mars show and what seems to dominate my concerns after that point isnt wether or not the
the planet hits over 15" but just how good the SEEING is.
Wow, on a night of truly good seeing, I can forgive a whole heck of a lot in terms of diameter size so long as I can get crisp focus at a good magnification. Often on those nights, it can be so good, in terms of reflecting on the memories over the years THATS what sticks. The time Mars was all fat and low in the ecliptic - all I did was lament the times I could see it way up in Gemini for example.
True to form - nothing beats truly good seeing AND a large arc second image. By and by though, usually after it crests 10 seconds the details and colors become so complex when the seeing settles, you have your share of amazement.
I may be alone in that, but I gave up on the opposition rating system in favor of getting good seeing. When that happens, the planet and the scope often take care of the rest.
Pete
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David A Rodger
sage
Reged: 08/12/03
Posts: 444
Loc: North Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Perhaps I should have been more explicit regarding "naked eye" viewing of Mars. Of course this isn't to see detail. It's to enjoy its relatively rapid motion against the background of stars, especially when it's retrograding around opposition.
DAR
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Sky-Watcher 10-inch Dob
Orion 100mm ED and EON 120 refractors
Tele Vue NP-127 refractor
Celestron CPC 1100 SCT
Celestron Classic C-8
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deSitter
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/09/04
Posts: 2928
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Quote:
Quote:
Mars never gets bigger than 25 arc-seconds across in apparent size, and this opposition will be about the worst it could be in terms of distance from Earth.
I used to get caught up in the arc sec. versus opposition and wether or not to get excited about it coming up or not. The fact is, for me, Mars starts really happening when it crests 10". After that its the Mars show and what seems to dominate my concerns after that point isnt wether or not the
the planet hits over 15" but just how good the SEEING is.
Wow, on a night of truly good seeing, I can forgive a whole heck of a lot in terms of diameter size so long as I can get crisp focus at a good magnification. Often on those nights, it can be so good, in terms of reflecting on the memories over the years THATS what sticks. The time Mars was all fat and low in the ecliptic - all I did was lament the times I could see it way up in Gemini for example.
True to form - nothing beats truly good seeing AND a large arc second image. By and by though, usually after it crests 10 seconds the details and colors become so complex when the seeing settles, you have your share of amazement.
I may be alone in that, but I gave up on the opposition rating system in favor of getting good seeing. When that happens, the planet and the scope often take care of the rest.
Pete
This is true - 15" at 120x is the size of the full Moon. 15" vs. 25" is analogous to watching TV from the recliner vs. the sofa. Right now we are watching from the front yard.
-drl
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Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1525
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
I've been observing Mars through various kinds and sizes of telescopes since 1956! I have concluded that it is the most over-rated and disappointing of all the planets. I love looking at Jupiter and Saturn, but Mars - - I usually pass on it except at good oppositions, such as 2003 and 2005. I'll skip it this year, except for naked-eye viewing, which is fun.
But, hey! Knock yourself out.
DAR
I agree but I would also add 2001. Mars just isn't of interest for me unless it's > 14 or 15". 18 and above is when I really pay attention.
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May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
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David A Rodger
sage
Reged: 08/12/03
Posts: 444
Loc: North Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Yes, 2001 was an excellent year for Mars, although as I recall it was pretty far south.
It's been my experience that if you look long and hard around the time of a good opposition, you are rewarded by split seconds of great viewing. You have to be very patient and not distracted by anything else. Mars occasionally rewards the patient observer with a stunning view of polar caps and dark markings.
Many of us have that patience. Mars is seldom a good subject for the public, even at opposition, whereas Jupiter and Saturn never fail to impress them.
DAR
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Sky-Watcher 10-inch Dob
Orion 100mm ED and EON 120 refractors
Tele Vue NP-127 refractor
Celestron CPC 1100 SCT
Celestron Classic C-8
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Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1525
Loc: Utah
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I organised trips to Lowell for both the 2001 and 2003 oppositions. We reserved Aug 27 plus and minus 4 days in '03. The operator stopped the 24" down to 18" for viewing.
Side issue: If aperture always rules, why would they do that?
My favorite view came through the 12" aux scope on the side of the 24. The "Eye of Mars" was stunning. We also observed with Lowell's favorite eyepiece. To my surprise it only gave about 113x. The image was bright and contrasty but I could see nore detail with higher magnification.
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May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
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mikey cee
Post Laureate
Reged: 01/18/07
Posts: 3531
Loc: bellevue ne.
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Quote:
Side issue: If aperture always rules, why would they do that?
Good one there Zig. I get so tired of aperture freaks blowin' that one outta' their pie hole all the time!!  Mike
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7x35 and 10x50 sears tower binocs, 3" f/10 edmunds reflector, 2.4" f/11.7 manon refractor, 6" f/8 jaegers refractor, "The 8 Ball" 8" f/13.3 brandt refractor, 3" f/15.8 sans&streiffe refractor, 3.1" f/15 selsi refractor(towa 339), 2.4" f/15 sears refractor, selsi 30x30mm spyglass, criterion 5-draw 25x45x75x spyglass(1957), 4.25" f/14.8 tasco 20te.
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dpwoos
sage
Reged: 10/18/06
Posts: 218
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I believe that the 24" is f/16, and at full aperture is plagued by significant chromatic aberration. In defense of aperture, it is true that, all other things being equal, more aperture is better. However, all other things are rarely equal and so the trade-offs must be weighed.
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mikey cee
Post Laureate
Reged: 01/18/07
Posts: 3531
Loc: bellevue ne.
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CA aside for the moment. It has been my personal experience that stopping down the aperture greatly reduces atmosheric turbulance or bad seeing conditions. My 6" refractor almost always looks better than my 8" refractor on nights of so so seeeing. Images are "crisper" but dimmer. This is what they were striving at for the public. Public doesn't care about CA....they probably think it looks more showy that way anyhow. Mike
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7x35 and 10x50 sears tower binocs, 3" f/10 edmunds reflector, 2.4" f/11.7 manon refractor, 6" f/8 jaegers refractor, "The 8 Ball" 8" f/13.3 brandt refractor, 3" f/15.8 sans&streiffe refractor, 3.1" f/15 selsi refractor(towa 339), 2.4" f/15 sears refractor, selsi 30x30mm spyglass, criterion 5-draw 25x45x75x spyglass(1957), 4.25" f/14.8 tasco 20te.
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dpwoos
sage
Reged: 10/18/06
Posts: 218
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I am not trying to be argumentative, but do you in fact know why the Lowell folks stop down the 24" (assuming that they habitually do this)? As you probably are aware, the seeing/cell size/aperture idea is debated among responsible and knowledgeable observers, and it would be interesting to know if the Lowell folks subscribe to it. I myself am skeptical that the Lowell folks would expect that stopping down the 24" to 18" would make much of a difference vis-a-vis the seeing. It seems to me that it is more likely to have been an attempt to mitigate the ca and/or other optical problems.
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Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1525
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
Good one there Zig. I get so tired of aperture freaks blowin' that one outta' their pie hole all the time!! Mike
Ditto
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May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
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Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1525
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
I believe that the 24" is f/16, and at full aperture is plagued by significant chromatic aberration. In defense of aperture, it is true that, all other things being equal, more aperture is better. However, all other things are rarely equal and so the trade-offs must be weighed.
I don't know how many times I have said that.
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May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
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Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1525
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
I am not trying to be argumentative, but do you in fact know why the Lowell folks stop down the 24" (assuming that they habitually do this)? As you probably are aware, the seeing/cell size/aperture idea is debated among responsible and knowledgeable observers, and it would be interesting to know if the Lowell folks subscribe to it. I myself am skeptical that the Lowell folks would expect that stopping down the 24" to 18" would make much of a difference vis-a-vis the seeing. It seems to me that it is more likely to have been an attempt to mitigate the ca and/or other optical problems.
They were trying to get a better image. I don't know whether it was CA or air turbulence (cell size) related. At the time I assumed (  ) that it was air cell size related and they were playing to the seeing.
IMHO, the 12" on the side gave better images than the 24" stopped to 18". That's why I thought they were trying to find better seeing.
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May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
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Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
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Rick,
Quote:
A #25 red or #30 magenta filter will help. Sketching it is a big help, it makes you pay attention to what you're seeing.
I have a #25 red and an Orion Mars filter. I used them last year with my 8" Newt. The results were mediocre, IMHO. But then again, the seeing here in the northeast is usually mediocre and that opposition was not the most favorable. Would it be worthwhile to try the #30 magenta and/or the salmon-color filter? If so, where can I get them? I certainly don't see these in the usual places on-line. I'd rather not have to buy the filter itself, and then fit it into a 1.25" setting, as I have heard some amateurs do. That might not be worth the effort.
Clear Skies,
Mike
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Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
|
|
dpwoos,
Quote:
I like a #85 salmon filter, and haven't found dedicated "Mars" filters very useful, but you might discover that they do work for you.
I agree with you concerning the "Mars" filter. I'd like to try out the #85 salmon filter, but have not found it anywhere. Where can I get one?
Clear Skies,
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
dpwoos
sage
Reged: 10/18/06
Posts: 218
|
|
I got my #85 salmon filters from Hands On Optics.
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Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
|
|
Thanks! I'll check them out. They're not too far from me.
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
|
|
dpwoos,
Unfortunately, Hands On Optics doesn't list a salmon-color filter on their website. How long ago did you purchase it from them?
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
|
|
Vernonscope is the only current source of #30 magenta and #85 salmon filters that I can find. Some of the Mars mavens here probably already know about these. They are relatively expensive at $25 each for color filters. Are they worth it?
http://www.vernonscope.com/frame_astronomical.html
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
Special Ed
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/18/03
Posts: 4309
Loc: Greenbrier Co., WV 38N, 80W
|
|
Quote:
Rick,
Quote:
A #25 red or #30 magenta filter will help. Sketching it is a big help, it makes you pay attention to what you're seeing.
I have a #25 red and an Orion Mars filter. I used them last year with my 8" Newt. The results were mediocre, IMHO...
Mike,
The Wratten #25 filter is a little dark for 8" of aperture. The #23A or #21 will give you better results with your scope and are easy to find.
--------------------
Michael Rosolina
8" f/10 Orange Tube SCT
4.25" f/4.2 Astroscan Reflector
SVP 3.6" f/13.6 CA Reflector
40mm PST f/10
APM Germany HD 15x70 binoculars
Canon 12x36 IS II binoculars
Mark I Eyeball
My CN Gallery
|
Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
|
|
I see from another CN thread back in Oct. 07 called "Magenta Filter Source," that Rick Woods gave a warning concerning these filters: "Warning: these are threaded different from normal filters, so you have to get [Vernonscope's] adapter too." I wonder if they are the same screwy threading that Meade filters and eyepieces have? So they might not be worth it! (That's one reason - among others - that in general I don't like Meade products.)
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
|
|
Ed,
Quote:
The Wratten #25 filter is a little dark for 8" of aperture. The #23A or #21 will give you better results with your scope and are easy to find.
Yes, all I have to do is look in my filter box! I think I've used all these in my 8", but it won't hurt to try again. I've tried the #25 for the Moon and the bright planets in my 10", also. So far I really haven't found a good use for it, at least to my eyes. It's supposed to be good for observing lunar ray formations around full moon. I suppose I could try that some full moon when I've nothing better to do. In my eyes, red - especially dark red - actually seems to lessen the detail that can be seen in images. Does anyone else see this effect?
At any rate, would the magenta or salmon filters be any better than the #23A or #21? or the Orion Mars filter? If it looks like Vernonscope is the only way to go, I might not even try magenta or salmon. Might not be worth the effort and cost.
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
dpwoos
sage
Reged: 10/18/06
Posts: 218
|
|
This was some years ago. The 2" Hoya was $5, and the Vernon 1.25" was significantly more (and requires an adapter ring as it has Questar threading). I would email Hands On Optics, as they have a lot of stuff that isn't on the website and it is very possible that they still have some inexpensive 2" #85s. In our club, the #85 has been the Mars filter of choice.
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Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
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|
Quote:
I see from another CN thread back in Oct. 07 called "Magenta Filter Source," that Rick Woods gave a warning concerning these filters: "Warning: these are threaded different from normal filters, so you have to get [Vernonscope's] adapter too." I wonder if they are the same screwy threading that Meade filters and eyepieces have? So they might not be worth it! (That's one reason - among others - that in general I don't like Meade products.)
Mike
Mike,
No, the Vernonscope threading is proprietary. They stuck with it because Questar uses Brandon eyepieces as standard equipment, and Q has always used this threading. I have one Meade filter, but it fits all my (non-Brandon) eyepieces. You may have just gotten a goofy one.
Sarkikos,
The #25 will probably be better on your 10" than on the 8". It won't wow you on the Moon or anything, but it will make the contrast on Mars about as high as it can get.
Strictly for Mars, my vote is for the magenta filter. (But, I haven't tried a salmon filter).
--------------------
- Rick
14" LX200GPS
Dyslexics Untie!
|
Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
|
|
dpwoos,
"In our club, the #85 has been the Mars filter of choice."
If it's so good, why isn't it more popular? That question assumes, though, that the majority of astronomy vendors and consumers know about the #85 (or the #30), which obviously they don't. But why don't they? I wonder how the magenta or salmon compare with the specialty Mars filters as marketed by Orion and others. It is frustrating not be able to acquire easily and economically a simple item that may be an improvement to the hobby.
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
|
|
Quote:
No, the Vernonscope threading is proprietary. They stuck with it because Questar uses Brandon eyepieces as standard equipment, and Q has always used this threading. I have one Meade filter, but it fits all my (non-Brandon) eyepieces. You may have just gotten a goofy one.
I have one 2" Meade eyepiece, and none of my 2" filters will fit it. I don't have any Meade filters. After I found out that standard filters would not fit my Meade eyepiece, I refused to buy any Meader filters or eyepieces. Maybe the Meade filters will fit both Meade eyepieces and eyepieces with standard threading, but the Meade eyepieces will only fit Meade filters? I really hate proprietary "standards"!!! 
Quote:
The #25 will probably be better on your 10" than on the 8". It won't wow you on the Moon or anything, but it will make the contrast on Mars about as high as it can get.
No, it certainly didn't, especially on the Moon. The #25 definitely lessened the detail I could see on the Moon. My #29 Dark Red, of course, was even worse at 4% VLT. I prefer a #47 Violet in both my 8" and 10" for lunar, but I might be the only person on Earth with that preference, except for my wife! And it is darker than the #25 (4% vs. 14%), so it is not just the VLT that is important here.
Quote:
Strictly for Mars, my vote is for the magenta filter. (But, I haven't tried a salmon filter).
Well, I'd like to try either one of them if I could get my Hands On them, so to speak. You would think that something that is of value would be more easily available.
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
dpwoos
sage
Reged: 10/18/06
Posts: 218
|
|
All good questions. The popularity of #85 in this neck of the woods is due to our club president, who always suggests it. I like it a lot, and so do all of the other folks I observe with. One guy who purchased an Orion Mars Filter still more often than not goes with the #85. Other folks who have dedicated "Mars" filters also seem to return to the #85. Of course, you might get one and not like it so it is always best to try before you buy. Are you a member of your local astro club, whose members will have all kinds of filters for you to try out?
In fact, I have a spare 2" #85 Hoya. If you would like, I will make you a deal. I will send you the filter for free if you will do something nice for someone who you wouldn't ordinarily be nice to. And, if you don't like the filter don't let it sit in the bottom of some drawer but rather give it to somebody else to try. If you want it, send me your name and mailing address.
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Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
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Quote:
In fact, I have a spare 2" #85 Hoya. If you would like, I will make you a deal. I will send you the filter for free if you will do something nice for someone who you wouldn't ordinarily be nice to. And, if you don't like the filter don't let it sit in the bottom of some drawer but rather give it to somebody else to try.
Wow!
--------------------
- Rick
14" LX200GPS
Dyslexics Untie!
|
Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
|
|
dpwoos,
Quote:
Other folks who have dedicated "Mars" filters also seem to return to the #85. Of course, you might get one and not like it so it is always best to try before you buy. Are you a member of your local astro club, whose members will have all kinds of filters for you to try out?
Our members are mostly DSO observers. I could ask on our Yahoo site, though.
Quote:
In fact, I have a spare 2" #85 Hoya. If you would like, I will make you a deal. I will send you the filter for free if you will do something nice for someone who you wouldn't ordinarily be nice to. And, if you don't like the filter don't let it sit in the bottom of some drawer but rather give it to somebody else to try. If you want it, send me your name and mailing address.
Now how could I refuse that offer! But be nice to someone I wouldn't ordinarily be nice to?? That's a mighty steep price to pay. I'll make a sincere effort, though. If the filter doesn't work out for me, I'll send it on to someone else to try, probably another club member.
Thanks much,
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
|
|
I checked with Hands On Optics; they sell the 2" #85 filter for $10.
Well heck, for that price I ordered one. Any possible edge I can get on Mars, I'll take.
--------------------
- Rick
14" LX200GPS
Dyslexics Untie!
|
Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
|
|
Rick,
Quote:
I checked with Hands On Optics; they sell the 2" #85 filter for $10. Well heck, for that price I ordered one. Any possible edge I can get on Mars, I'll take.
I hear you. Mars is a tough nut to crack. And you got almost as good a deal as I did!
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
|
|
I got the #85 filter and tried it out this weekend. I was surprised at how well it worked, given that you don't hear much about this particular filter. The seeing was miserable, but the filter did seem to enhance certain parts of the disk quite a bit.
It's a very nice, well-made 2" Hoya filter from Japan. The threads are perfect, no dings like the cheaper filters sometimes have.
All you Mars observers, if you don't have one, give Hands-On Optics a call. For $10 (actually $15 w/shipping) you can't really go wrong, and I have a feeling this thing is really going to live up to the high praise it's been given in this thread.
--------------------
- Rick
14" LX200GPS
Dyslexics Untie!
|
dfell
professor emeritus
Reged: 06/25/05
Posts: 583
Loc: Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada
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I happened on a set of Optica b/c planetary filters in 1.25" from the seventies a couple of months ago, very well machined, made in Japan and work very well with good light transmission.
--------------------
www.spacealberta.com
12" collapsible Dob
25" Round Table Platform
Ethos 13mm
original TV smoothside plossls
80mm f/15 Towa Refractor
PST
|
Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
|
|
Rick,
Quote:
I got the #85 filter and tried it out this weekend. I was surprised at how well it worked, given that you don't hear much about this particular filter. The seeing was miserable, but the filter did seem to enhance certain parts of the disk quite a bit.
I thought Mars was still lost in the sunset. I might just wait until Mars is in a better position to try the filter on it.
Quote:
All you Mars observers, if you don't have one, give Hands-On Optics a call. For $10 (actually $15 w/shipping) you can't really go wrong, and I have a feeling this thing is really going to live up to the high praise it's been given in this thread.
Well, I sent them an email about a month ago. No response. (I have the 85 Salmon now, but I was still interested in the magenta.) Why should I have to get them on the phone to get a response? Is this 2009 or 1989? I usually save phone calls for complaints. However, I have dealt with other businesses that are the same way. But I still don't like it. Not a good way to treat potential customers, IMHO.
Clear Skies,
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
|
|
Quote:
Rick,
Quote:
I got the #85 filter and tried it out this weekend. I was surprised at how well it worked, given that you don't hear much about this particular filter. The seeing was miserable, but the filter did seem to enhance certain parts of the disk quite a bit.
I thought Mars was still lost in the sunset. I might just wait until Mars is in a better position to try the filter on it.
No, Mars is coming up around 1:30 AM, and by dawn it's close to the zenith. It's still pretty small, though.
Quote:
Quote:
All you Mars observers, if you don't have one, give Hands-On Optics a call. For $10 (actually $15 w/shipping) you can't really go wrong, and I have a feeling this thing is really going to live up to the high praise it's been given in this thread.
Well, I sent them an email about a month ago. No response. (I have the 85 Salmon now, but I was still interested in the magenta.) Why should I have to get them on the phone to get a response? Is this 2009 or 1989? I usually save phone calls for complaints. However, I have dealt with other businesses that are the same way. But I still don't like it. Not a good way to treat potential customers, IMHO.
Clear Skies,
Mike
Suit yourself. But keep in mind, they're not a big corporate store, they're a small mom-and-pop operation, just a few people. They might have missed your email. They've always answered the phone immediately, though, and they're really nice folks. I've always gotten very good service from them.
--------------------
- Rick
14" LX200GPS
Dyslexics Untie!
|
Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
|
|
The customer's always right .. even when they're wrong.
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
|
|
Quote:
No, Mars is coming up around 1:30 AM, and by dawn it's close to the zenith. It's still pretty small, though.
I was out with my 10" Newt until about 3 am a week or so ago, but I was so busy looking for DSO that I didn't even think to look for Mars! I used a filter wheel to look at the Orion Nebula and other nebulae and planetaries. I looked at the Christmas Tree and the Rosette. I forgot all about Mars. Of course, it may have been still behind a tree. Well, maybe next time. I'll have to remember to bring out the Salmon filter.
Clear Skies,
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
stanislas-jean
sage
Reged: 10/22/08
Posts: 295
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I don't know why vendors can improve something in the mars area, either visual or ccd imaging!
You have great observers here in this continent, USA, I am european.
Go to the Alpo recommendations on their site, that I using personnally, being a BAA member, no link.
This is not in this matter what you pay this shall what I have to get!
A marathon performance is training before, feet, legs, body on a long time. Planet observing is at the same level.
Sorry by the very disappointed posts laid here, just bla-bla or ground noise.
The planet forum observing for mars is very poor now since a very long time because so low high resolution documents of delicate relative intensity level reports. We have and may have tiny clouds in the north area dedicated locations, not dust.
Doing the survey with just a 6" media of high level, since july.
So at your eyepieces and ccd chips!
I may be wrong, but I report not for the local foam, but for reporting consistently on a program.
PLease joint us, you are welcome, trained.
Stanislas
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Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
|
|
Huh??
--------------------
- Rick
14" LX200GPS
Dyslexics Untie!
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Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
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I agree completely.
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
joelimite
sage
Reged: 09/01/08
Posts: 235
Loc: Fayetteville, AR
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Stream of consciousness astronomy:)
--------------------
Orion XT8 Dob w/ Moonlite 2-speed Crayford focuser, Vixen A80MF w/ GSO 2-speed Crayford and Porta Mount
32mm Televue Plossl, 31mm Hyperion Aspheric, 24mm Meade SWA, 17,13,8mm Hyperions, 6,5,4mm TMB Planetary, 5mm Baader Genuine Ortho
Garrett Optical 20x80 UL Binoculars, Nikon Action Extreme 10x50 Binoculars
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Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
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Stream of consciousness ... Ulysses ... Sirens ... Mad ... Madeleines ... Proust ... Percival ... Mars ... I'm back.
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
Special Ed
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/18/03
Posts: 4309
Loc: Greenbrier Co., WV 38N, 80W
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Apparently some people can't recognize less than perfect translation software when they read it. Stanislas is a long time Mars observer and sketcher.
--------------------
Michael Rosolina
8" f/10 Orange Tube SCT
4.25" f/4.2 Astroscan Reflector
SVP 3.6" f/13.6 CA Reflector
40mm PST f/10
APM Germany HD 15x70 binoculars
Canon 12x36 IS II binoculars
Mark I Eyeball
My CN Gallery
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Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
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Quote:
Apparently some people can't recognize less than perfect translation software when they read it. Stanislas is a long time Mars observer and sketcher.
Well, if Stanislas wants to chew the rest of us out for "the very disappointed posts laid here, just bla-bla or ground noise", maybe he should get more perfect translation software.
--------------------
- Rick
14" LX200GPS
Dyslexics Untie!
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Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
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Can't we all just get along? Apparently this thread is winding down ... When I take the Salmon filter out to look at Mars, I'll give a report.
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
stanislas-jean
sage
Reged: 10/22/08
Posts: 295
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Personnally I am using to-day a 6" mct and 321-357x on the confetti.
This is not the filter which bring contrast but the scope in first.
You may consult the alpo site and the recommendations of Mr Beish for the use of filters but for the atmospheric event recognition.
For the least training of the oberver eyes is a must with the knowledge of the atmospheric period occurences.
6" of good facture indeed with the observer.
What you may pay is not at the first lights what you get even with the more perfect scope. Sorry.
My opinion that may needs consistent answers, just to open the discussion, if you want.
Stanislas
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Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
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Stanislas-Jean,
Dobriy den. Kak pozhivaityi? Ruski, polski, ili? Govarityi li vee po-ruski? Ya ne znayu. Ponimayu i govaryu ruski yizeek no ne xorosho - ploxo i sleeshkom medleno.
Paka,
Misha
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
Jim Rosenstock
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/14/05
Posts: 3727
Loc: MD, south of the DC Nebula
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Quote:
Well, if Stanislas wants to chew the rest of us out for "the very disappointed posts laid here, just bla-bla or ground noise", maybe he should get more perfect translation software.
Perhaps you can help. Your rudeness translates perfectly.
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Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
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Quote:
Quote:
Well, if Stanislas wants to chew the rest of us out for "the very disappointed posts laid here, just bla-bla or ground noise", maybe he should get more perfect translation software.
Perhaps you can help. Your rudeness translates perfectly.
As does yours.
Are we done now?
--------------------
- Rick
14" LX200GPS
Dyslexics Untie!
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starrancher
professor emeritus
Reged: 06/09/09
Posts: 620
Loc: Northern Arizona
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And when it's all said & done ..........Mars is indeed a tough nut to crack & takes a bit of patience in waiting for the atmosphere to cooperate , but when it does come through , it can be a rewarding experience for sure .
I've always used the red & orange filters with pretty good results but would like to check out the salmon & magenta . Does anyone know where these might be available in the 1.25" size ?
Dave
--------------------
LXD75 AR5
LXD75 SN8
Series 4000 Plossls
Misc. other stuff
Fort Rock , Az .
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Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
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Dave,
I wasn't able to find the #85 (salmon) filter in any size but 2", and that only at Hands-On. It's a little inconvenient in that size, but oh well.
Vernonscope is the only place I know of selling the #30 (magenta) filter, and you also have to get the little adapter ring to use it on most eyepieces. But it is 1.25".
If you find either of these elsewhere, by all means let us know where!
--------------------
- Rick
14" LX200GPS
Dyslexics Untie!
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starrancher
professor emeritus
Reged: 06/09/09
Posts: 620
Loc: Northern Arizona
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Thanks Rick .
I'll do some huntin' around & see what I can come up with .
How about Baader ? Does anyone have experience in using their planetary color filters ? I know they are on the high dollar side but they are supposed to be a true bandpass filter "neodinium" or SLT . How about the Televue Mars bandpass filters ? I know there is a type "A" & type "B" or is it "1" & "2" ? Anyone used these with better results ?
Thanks
Dave
--------------------
LXD75 AR5
LXD75 SN8
Series 4000 Plossls
Misc. other stuff
Fort Rock , Az .
Edited by starrancher (10/08/09 06:02 PM)
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Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
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Rick,
I did some searching on the internet a few weeks ago, and I couldn't find any source of the 1.25" Salmon and Magenta except Vernonscope. I think I might bite the bullet and order both of them in the 1.25" size. I'd like to be able to put them in a filter wheel with a couple other filters that are supposed to be good for Mars and make some comparisons. I've done this for some DSOs. I wonder, though, how well the Salmon and Magenta will fit on the eyepiece threads and in a filter wheel if you have to use an adapter. Might not be a good fit, especially in the wheel. The combination of filter and adapter ring would probably be too tall to fit in the wheel. Any experience with these in eyepieces or filter wheels?
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
|
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Rick,
You said Vernonscope didn't have the Salmon in 1.25 either? I thought they did. I'll have to look at that site again.
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
|
|
Dave,
No, I haven't used or owned any Baader filters except the Moon & SkyGlow and the Fringe Killer. I have the Orion Mars filter, but not the Televue.
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
|
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Rick, Dave, et al.,
I just checked the Vernonscope site. They have both the 85 Salmon and the 35 Magenta filters in 1.25". They are threaded "to fit the bases of BRANDON oculars and DAKIN Barlows." Rick: So I would need the "1 1/4" Standard Filter Adapter for all 1 1/4" Eyepieces" to fit these filters to our standard eyepieces? That is a $20 item. I doubt very much if that combo would fit in a filter wheel, though. Too bad.
Clear Skies,
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
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But I think I should wait until I have a chance to look at Mars with the 2" Salmon filter that I dpwoos sent me. That would be the sensible thing to do before I order any more filters for Mars. 
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
dpwoos
sage
Reged: 10/18/06
Posts: 218
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I have the Vernonscope 1.25" #85 as well as the adapter, and it works well but is much more costly than the 2" from HandsOnOptics. It was worth it to me, but then again I am a big fan of the #85. I think I also got the 1.25" from HandsOnOptics.
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Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
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dpwoos,
The 1.25" #85 + adaptor must be rather thick. It'd be nice to put it in my Orion filter wheel, but I doubt very much if it would fit. Even some standard filters can be a little tight. I had to use little rubber washers to accommodate the Lumicon OIII. Like I said, though, I need to take that 2" out to have a look at Mars before I think about ordering the 1.25". About $50 incl. adapter from Vernonscope. If I ordered both the #85 and the #30 in 1.25", plus the adaptor, with shipping, it'd cost about $75. Not too bad, though compared to most DSO filters.
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
stanislas-jean
sage
Reged: 10/22/08
Posts: 295
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Please in a clear form that is understandable to everybody on the forum, because a forum in USA an in english for sure.
Excuse-me but you are not an assuidited observer!
Stanislas
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Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
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I apologize for not being an assuidited observer. I will try harder, and maybe, with much perseverance, I will become assuidited. These things take time.
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
stanislas-jean
sage
Reged: 10/22/08
Posts: 295
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Thanks for your kind respond. I appreaciate.
This is great.
In any case Alpo recommendations are welcome, any body who wants to follow events, and especially, on mars can do, and bring documents, verified themselves.
To-day water on mars is recognised but not the water cycle from an opposition to an other is still not, north to south and vice versa. Even with shuttles, dust clouds are associated with.
Stanislas
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starrancher
professor emeritus
Reged: 06/09/09
Posts: 620
Loc: Northern Arizona
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I wonder if you could get away with putting the glass from the Vernonscope 1.25" filters into the cells of another brand filter . I have a couple color filters that I don't use & swapping the glass out would eliminate the need for the adapter .
--------------------
LXD75 AR5
LXD75 SN8
Series 4000 Plossls
Misc. other stuff
Fort Rock , Az .
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stanislas-jean
sage
Reged: 10/22/08
Posts: 295
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I am very sorry but I didnot understand your charrabia.
kindly
Stanislas
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Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
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Quote:
Rick, Dave, et al.,
I just checked the Vernonscope site. They have both the 85 Salmon and the 35 Magenta filters in 1.25". They are threaded "to fit the bases of BRANDON oculars and DAKIN Barlows." Rick: So I would need the "1 1/4" Standard Filter Adapter for all 1 1/4" Eyepieces" to fit these filters to our standard eyepieces? That is a $20 item. I doubt very much if that combo would fit in a filter wheel, though. Too bad.
Clear Skies,
Mike
Mike,
I guess I just missed the #85 from Vernonscope, sorry. The adapter almost doubles the thickness of the filter cell, so I don't think it would work in a wheel (it doesn't work in the Lumicon slide tray). Very inconvenient (unless Vernonscope has started carrying a filter wheel!).
--------------------
- Rick
14" LX200GPS
Dyslexics Untie!
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BillFerris
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/17/04
Posts: 2910
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Quote:
Mike,
The Wratten #25 filter is a little dark for 8" of aperture. The #23A or #21 will give you better results with your scope and are easy to find.
I used the 23A light red in my old 10 inch with excellent results. I also like the 80A light blue for atmospheric detail.
Bill in Flag
--------------------
Grand Canyon Adventure
Lowering the Threshold
18" Obsession
4.5" Meade 4500
10x50 Swift Audubon
Cosmic Voyage
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John Boudreau
super member
Reged: 04/06/08
Posts: 140
Loc: Saugus, MA
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Quote:
I wonder if you could get away with putting the glass from the Vernonscope 1.25" filters into the cells of another brand filter . I have a couple color filters that I don't use & swapping the glass out would eliminate the need for the adapter .
I tried to do just that back in 2003, but the Vernonscope #30 glass was a bit larger than any filter rings I had laying around. I finally decided to modify the #30 glass to fit a Meade 1.25" filter ring. I had to grind it's edge down a bit with a bench belt sander. I protected the optical surfaces with some heavy adhesive paper used to protect the surfaces of some scrap plexiglas I had laying around. All went well, but I can't remember how much of the glass edge I had to remove. There was some very minor edge chipping, but it was covered nicely by the filter cell's retaining ring. So it can be done, but you'd be taking a chance unless you can find a perfectly compatible filter ring.
---John
--------------------
spacescenes.com
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Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
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John,
That's an awesome Mercury animation in your avatar!
--------------------
- Rick
14" LX200GPS
Dyslexics Untie!
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John Boudreau
super member
Reged: 04/06/08
Posts: 140
Loc: Saugus, MA
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Glad you like it Rick--- you're probably one of the few people who has an idea of what the main features are!
The weather hasn't been consistent enough for a reshoot of that animation this Fall--- but I've had a few good days of Mercury imaging at least. I'll be paying more attention to Mars soon!
---John
--------------------
spacescenes.com
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t.r.
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/14/08
Posts: 577
Loc: Upstate NY
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I just picked up the Hoya #85b filter. Screws right into my 2" Everbright. Yes, this is gonna be a good filter, nice compromise in color, excellent for smaller apertures.
--------------------
Present Stable:
Kmart 40mm(first scope @ age 8)
Jason 60mm
C80SS
Tak Sky90II
PST
C6XLT
AP130 "Gran Turismo"
C-11XLT
EQ-2,CG-4,ASGT-5,DenkII's,TV(zoom,plossls,Ethos),Pentax XW's,UO volcano set, ZAOII 4mm,BaaderZoom and other un-notables
"For me, it is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring."
Carl Sagan
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Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
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Quote:
I just picked up the Hoya #85b filter. Screws right into my 2" Everbright.
I unearthed a spare 1.25"-2" adapter with 2" threading, so I just use that and change eyepieces in it.
--------------------
- Rick
14" LX200GPS
Dyslexics Untie!
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stanislas-jean
sage
Reged: 10/22/08
Posts: 295
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For illustrating this forum, I catched Mars on the 19th last:
without filter, 400x with a 250mm newtonian by 7/10 images.
Stanislas
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Pete Kopfer
member
Reged: 12/01/08
Posts: 86
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What about the #82A light blue (1.25")? 73% light transmission. It is supposed to help with surface features and polar caps. Supposedly also useful for the two biggest gas giants and even with the Moon. Wrong one? It's $20, was wondering if this would be a good one to start with for Mars.
Stanislau, nice drawing, btw.
Vr,
Pete
Edited by Pete Kopfer (10/24/09 12:48 PM)
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starrancher
professor emeritus
Reged: 06/09/09
Posts: 620
Loc: Northern Arizona
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Quote:
What about the #82A light blue (1.25")? 73% light transmission. It is supposed to help with surface features and polar caps. Supposedly also useful for the two biggest gas giants and even with the Moon. Wrong one? It's $20, was wondering if this would be a good one to start with for Mars.
Stanislau, nice drawing, btw.
Vr,
Pete
Orange or Red is what works best on surface detail . Depending on the aperture of your scope , 5 to 6 inch , I'd go with the #21 Orange . In the 8 inch realm I would go with the #23A light Red . In a larger scope you might even want to try the #25A dark Red . The dark Red also works good as a Venus filter , at least in the smaller scopes . The Blue filter that you are asking about is better for increasing the detail of cloud structure or dust storms on Mars & enhancing the polar caps . But for all out surface features the Red & Orange will do best . Salmon & Magenta are also good ones , but are nowhere near as readily available . Tele Vue has a set of Mars filters , but they are rather expensive & I haven't heard as of yet anyone boasting about the performance of these compared to the standard colored planetary units .
--------------------
LXD75 AR5
LXD75 SN8
Series 4000 Plossls
Misc. other stuff
Fort Rock , Az .
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brianb11213
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/25/09
Posts: 2119
Loc: 55.215N 6.554W
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Quote:
What about the #82A light blue (1.25")? 73% light transmission.
It's a colour correction filter, for use with daylight colour film when exposed within an hour of sunrise/sunset when natural colours are wanted. It's so pale that, for visual use, it will have no effect at all.
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Pete Kopfer
member
Reged: 12/01/08
Posts: 86
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Thanks guys, for the insight. I have a small refractor (90mm), so maybe a #15 will work best?
Vr,
Pete
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starrancher
professor emeritus
Reged: 06/09/09
Posts: 620
Loc: Northern Arizona
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Why would you want to use a #15 ?
--------------------
LXD75 AR5
LXD75 SN8
Series 4000 Plossls
Misc. other stuff
Fort Rock , Az .
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Pete Kopfer
member
Reged: 12/01/08
Posts: 86
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Quote:
Why would you want to use a #15 ?
Only because I don't have the aperature matching up to filters that you mentioned and also at the Lumicon site #15 (deep yellow) seems to have a lot of utility on Mars.
But I'll try the ones you mentioned first: red or light red or orange. What little I've read on this is pretty much in line with what you advised.
I didn't use filters the last couple of times and had decent results but am looking for any edge I can get (more aperature not being an option). Appreciate the help. Mars definitely is the most overrated planet for observing but unfortunately it's also the one that gets me the most excited.
Vr,
Pete
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starrancher
professor emeritus
Reged: 06/09/09
Posts: 620
Loc: Northern Arizona
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Quote:
Quote:
Why would you want to use a #15 ?
Only because I don't have the aperature matching up to filters that you mentioned and also at the Lumicon site #15 (deep yellow) seems to have a lot of utility on Mars.
But I'll try the ones you mentioned first: red or light red or orange. What little I've read on this is pretty much in line with what you advised.
I didn't use filters the last couple of times and had decent results but am looking for any edge I can get (more aperature not being an option). Appreciate the help. Mars definitely is the most overrated planet for observing but unfortunately it's also the one that gets me the most excited.
Vr,
Pete
O.K. Gotcha . ..The Orange has about 46% transmission so you should be alright with that one , but even the Light Red only transmits about 25% so yeah , probably too dark for your 90mm . Going back through my logs , I do see that I did have some luck 2 years ago with the #12 Yellow in my 5 inch Refractor , & maybe that # 15 would work out real nice . You kind of learn what works best by just playin' around with the stuff sometimes , although I started with basic recommendations , I still went on to experiment . On different nights different filters will work better than others too . I have found that Green usually brings detail out in Jupiter best but I've had nights when the Yellow stomped the Green . Mars is going to get better . Last time around at opposition it only reached an apparent diameter of 15.5 arc seconds . Not a very good opposition . This time around it will only reach 14.0 arc minutes making it even harder to grab detail . In 2012 it hits 14.0 again & in 2014 is back up to 15.1 . And from there it gains in apparent size but it wont be until 2018 or so till we see another 25.0 arc second opposition . If I last that long I'll be looking , but in the meantime every two years I'll try to pull all I can get out of it anyway . I wish I would have been looking in 2003 when it was 25.1 arc second big ! It just caught me at a time when other aspects of life were taking priority .
--------------------
LXD75 AR5
LXD75 SN8
Series 4000 Plossls
Misc. other stuff
Fort Rock , Az .
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Pete Kopfer
member
Reged: 12/01/08
Posts: 86
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Thanks Starrancher. Good thing we are only tormented every two years with this planet.
Pete
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brianb11213
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/25/09
Posts: 2119
Loc: 55.215N 6.554W
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Quote:
And from there it gains in apparent size but it wont be until 2018 or so till we see another 25.0 arc second opposition
But unfortunately for those of us in the "far north" it will be so low that the loss in seeing conditions will more than compensate for the gain in apparent size. The best oppositions for those in Northern temperate latitudes are the couple after closest approach, when the size is still reasonable but the altitude is much greater. The last opposition was a great one ... we'll have to wait 13 - 15 years for one as good; meanwhile this year's "unfavourable" opposition at least gives us the planet at a decent altitude.
Make the best of it.
Ah, the wonders of orbital mechanics...
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demiles
super member
Reged: 11/07/06
Posts: 190
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I disagree, I use the 82# in my 15in. Dob and it does help in bring out some types detail on most planets. The Baader Moon and Sky glow filteralso works well on planets. Hope to get a chance tonight to test it on Mars.
--------------------
15" Obsession #1603
Discovery 10 PDHQ
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Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
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I'm still waiting for a clear Friday or Saturday night to use the #85 Salmon filter. Mars still comes up too late (or early) for my work hours. Is there such a thing as a new filter curse?
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
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brianb11213
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/25/09
Posts: 2119
Loc: 55.215N 6.554W
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Quote:
Is there such a thing as a new filter curse?
You've gotta believe there is....
Can you not just get up a couple of hours early? Mars is nicely placed just as it's coming light, and the twilight view is usually better than it is in full darkness as the glare is somewhat reduced.
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starrancher
professor emeritus
Reged: 06/09/09
Posts: 620
Loc: Northern Arizona
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Quote:
When will mars be the closest to us so i can see it in detail ? What Magnifiction do you honestly need ? I've been eye'ing mars every now and then for the last month and all i ever see is a Bright red dot and nothing more.
Personally , I wont even waist my time on Mars until late December or so . A month each side of opposition is good enough for me .
Although there's nothin' wrong with takin' a peek outside that realm , 'cause ya never know .
--------------------
LXD75 AR5
LXD75 SN8
Series 4000 Plossls
Misc. other stuff
Fort Rock , Az .
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starrancher
professor emeritus
Reged: 06/09/09
Posts: 620
Loc: Northern Arizona
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Quote:
I disagree, I use the 82# in my 15in. Dob and it does help in bring out some types detail on most planets. The Baader Moon and Sky glow filteralso works well on planets. Hope to get a chance tonight to test it on Mars.
Good Luck .
--------------------
LXD75 AR5
LXD75 SN8
Series 4000 Plossls
Misc. other stuff
Fort Rock , Az .
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Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
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brianb11213,
Quote:
Can you not just get up a couple of hours early? Mars is nicely placed just as it's coming light, and the twilight view is usually better than it is in full darkness as the glare is somewhat reduced.
Get up a couple hours early? That's crazy talk!  I get up a quarter of six as it is. I'm a night owl. If anything, I would stay up all night until Mars is well placed, meanwhile observing everything else worth seeing in the sky. Been there, done that. That's just how I roll. But that won't do for a night before I go to work. I'll just have to wait.
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
brianb11213
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/25/09
Posts: 2119
Loc: 55.215N 6.554W
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Quote:
Get up a couple hours early? That's crazy talk! I get up a quarter of six as it is.
Well, on the odd occasions it's clear, I'm still up ... last week I imaged Mars after 7am (civil time) at the end of an "all nighter" spent observing variable stars whilst not waiting for drifting clouds to clear.
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Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
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Yes, I'll stay up all night as long as I don't have to work the next day. Otherwise, I might stay up to midnight or 1 am before a work day, but that is rarely. Last night for instance ... and I'm tired now.  But that still wasn't late enough for Mars to rise within viewing range at my house. On the other hand, getting up any earlier than I have to now is out of the question. Mars will just have to wait.
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
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Quote:
Quote:
And from there it gains in apparent size but it wont be until 2018 or so till we see another 25.0 arc second opposition
But unfortunately for those of us in the "far north" it will be so low that the loss in seeing conditions will more than compensate for the gain in apparent size. The best oppositions for those in Northern temperate latitudes are the couple after closest approach, when the size is still reasonable but the altitude is much greater. The last opposition was a great one ... we'll have to wait 13 - 15 years for one as good; meanwhile this year's "unfavourable" opposition at least gives us the planet at a decent altitude.
Make the best of it.
Ah, the wonders of orbital mechanics...
Ah - you're a good candidate for a pair of PADC's from Adirondack!
--------------------
- Rick
14" LX200GPS
Dyslexics Untie!
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Rustie
super member
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 101
Loc: Southampton, UK
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Quote:
I may be alone in that, but I gave up on the opposition rating system in favor of getting good seeing. When that happens, the planet and the scope often take care of the rest.
Pete
You are not alone Pete. I fell into the arc second trap in 2003 and 2005. From the UK it was so low that the views were terrible. A bit like Jupiter over the last few years. By contrast the views i have had so far this year in the last week or so have far exceeded my expectations. Mars is riding so high in the better pre-dawn air that it's taking magnifications i wouldn't normally consider. At 400x, in a very good 8" f6, it was pin sharp and with lots to see. It's well worth the effort in my opinion. I get up at 6am for work anyway, i just get up 45mins earlier.
My own opinion is don't be put off by the apparent disk size, the seeing counts for a lot.
--------------------
Russ Hawker
Meade LX50 8" f10 SCT
Skywatcher 200P 8" f6 Dobsonian
Meade 10x50
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Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
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Rustie,
Quote:
By contrast the views i have had so far this year in the last week or so have far exceeded my expectations. Mars is riding so high in the better pre-dawn air that it's taking magnifications i wouldn't normally consider. At 400x, in a very good 8" f6, it was pin sharp and with lots to see. It's well worth the effort in my opinion. I get up at 6am for work anyway, i just get up 45mins earlier.
Hmmm... something to think about.... But getting up 45 mins earlier on a WORK day! That dog just won't hunt! 
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
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Rustie
super member
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 101
Loc: Southampton, UK
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I'm an early starter, i find it very easy to get up early. I mentioned getting up early at my local club once and they all fell about laughing. Everyone was prepared to stay up until the very early hours but get up a few mins earlier was the unthinkable. A wonder i wasn't thrown out the club for suggesting such a rediculous idea
--------------------
Russ Hawker
Meade LX50 8" f10 SCT
Skywatcher 200P 8" f6 Dobsonian
Meade 10x50
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BillFerris
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/17/04
Posts: 2910
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Quote:
What about the #82A light blue (1.25")?
I found the 80A light blue filter (30% transmission) very useful in my old 10 inch. I used it to enhance the polar caps and atmospheric features. Limb clouds really popped with this filter. It can also enhance hue differentials between some albedo features.
Mars observations: 1995 to 2005
Bill in Flag
--------------------
Grand Canyon Adventure
Lowering the Threshold
18" Obsession
4.5" Meade 4500
10x50 Swift Audubon
Cosmic Voyage
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starrancher
professor emeritus
Reged: 06/09/09
Posts: 620
Loc: Northern Arizona
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Hey Bill , I just read & saved "lowering the threshold" . Great read & very enlightening , (pardon the pun)
Every one that hasn't read it should . Hats off ! 
Dave
--------------------
LXD75 AR5
LXD75 SN8
Series 4000 Plossls
Misc. other stuff
Fort Rock , Az .
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BillFerris
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/17/04
Posts: 2910
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Quote:
Hey Bill , I just read & saved "lowering the threshold" . Great read & very enlightening , (pardon the pun)
Every one that hasn't read it should . Hats off !
Dave
Thanks, Dave. I'm glad you found it illuminating 
Bill in Flag
--------------------
Grand Canyon Adventure
Lowering the Threshold
18" Obsession
4.5" Meade 4500
10x50 Swift Audubon
Cosmic Voyage
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NorthWolf
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/23/09
Posts: 586
Loc: Laval, Canada
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Damn, I had saved this thread in my favorites for when the time came to observe Mars....The time has come!
I just read the whole thread, a lot of excellent info on filters, thx guys. Sarkikos did you ever use that damn Salmon filter lol? I think you've posted around 25 posts mentioning it ROFL. Stanislas, whatchou talkin bout Willis?
Anyhow, I took these pics last night of the Red Planet http://afocalastrophotography.com/terrestial-planets (It's actually one pic resized), hard planet to image.. the rest of the pics were disastrous.
So what filter(s) should I get for an 10" dob? Which ones would have helped me out last night?
After reading the whole thread this is what you guys recommended:
#23A, #25A, #30, #80, #82A, #85, Baader Planetarium Contrast Booster Filter (Combines with the Baader Infrared Cut-Filter. In this combination all blue scatter as well as unfocused near infrared light is completely removed - an absolute must for digital imaging!)
http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=8888&kw=contrast%20booster&st=2=
--------------------
A Speck of Dust
Orion SkyQuest XT10
Pentax XW 5mm
Televue 24mm Pan
Televue 9mm Nagler
TV Barlow 2x, 3x
Canon Powershot A590 IS
Itouch + Starmap Pro
www.AfocalAstrophotography.com
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Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
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|
NorthWolf,
Quote:
I just read the whole thread, a lot of excellent info on filters, thx guys. Sarkikos did you ever use that damn Salmon filter lol? I think you've posted around 25 posts mentioning it ROFL.
Yes, I think I have posted that many. Well, I did try the Salmon out not long ago. It's a 2" filter, so I was limited as to how high a power I could reach with my 2" eyepieces and 2" 2x Barlow. Unfortunately I could only reach 160x with my 15mm eyepiece and the Barlow. That's nowhere near high enough magnification to see much on Mars, at least not yet, so I really can't give a final verdict on the Salmon filter. I do have an exotic 10mm 2" Rini eyepiece that I could bump up to 240x with the Barlow, which wouldn't be too bad for Mars. I've got to remember to put the Rini in my eyepiece case next time. What I would really like, though, is a 1.25" Salmon filter. I guess I'll have to break down and get it from Vernonscope along with the adapter ring. (What were they thinking???)
In any case, lately I've had some good nights observing Mars. I've actually been able to see some detail with my 8" Newt on a Dob mount! Check out these two threads:
Which filters for Mars in a filter wheel?
Mars is killing me!
Quote:
So what filter(s) should I get for an 10" dob? Which ones would have helped me out last night?
After reading the whole thread this is what you guys recommended:
#23A, #25A, #30, #80, #82A, #85, Baader Planetarium Contrast Booster Filter (Combines with the Baader Infrared Cut-Filter. In this combination all blue scatter as well as unfocused near infrared light is completely removed - an absolute must for digital imaging!)
Read the two threads I mentioned above for some additonal ideas about filters for Mars and experiences with different filters.
Clear Skies,
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
|
|
NorthWolf,
Quote:
23A, #25A, #30, #80, #82A, #85, Baader Planetarium Contrast Booster Filter (Combines with the Baader Infrared Cut-Filter. In this combination all blue scatter as well as unfocused near infrared light is completely removed - an absolute must for digital imaging!)
I don't know anything about astrophotography. I'm strictly visual. So I wouldn't give you advice about which filters to use for AP. At one point I came very close to buying the Contrast Booster, but decided against it. I looked at the filter curve for it and the Celestron UHC/LPR, which I already have, and I thought that they looked too similar to warrant my purchasing the Contrast Booster as well. Also, Starrancher, for one, has said that the CB produces apposing blue/red limbs on Mars and Jupiter. From my experience, broadband "light pollution" filters such as Lumicon Deep Sky or Orion Sky Glow are good Mars filters. IMHO, they improve visibility of polar caps and the maria, giving more contrast to the image. Stacking the broadband filter with a #8 Light Yellow may improve the image even more.
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
NorthWolf
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/23/09
Posts: 586
Loc: Laval, Canada
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|
Quote:
Check out these two threads:
Which filters for Mars in a filter wheel?
Mars is killing me!
Clear Skies,
Mike
Thx, reading them now, nice to see the 2 Davids (Knisely and Mitsky) have thrown in their opinion as well, they always have good advice too.
Nice threads again, please keep updating them with your filter experiments, I've yet to buy a filter, besides a Polarizing filter so I'm looking to buy some now, will probably buy the 23-25a's and 80-82a's and will keep looking for an 85 and CC30M 1.25" as well. I'll have to start looking for some Saturn ones pretty soon too and definately ned to buy either a black polymer or baader solar filter as well...
What do you use on something like M42?
Anyways back to Mars: thx for all the info, I need to find one that's great for imaging as well, I wonder what that Baader contrast booster would do hmmmm...
--------------------
A Speck of Dust
Orion SkyQuest XT10
Pentax XW 5mm
Televue 24mm Pan
Televue 9mm Nagler
TV Barlow 2x, 3x
Canon Powershot A590 IS
Itouch + Starmap Pro
www.AfocalAstrophotography.com
Edited by NorthWolf (11/25/09 08:35 AM)
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Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
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NorthWolf,
Quote:
What do you use on something like M42?
David Knisely advises a UHC filter for M42. Per my understanding, true UHC filters would include DGM Optics NPB and Orion UltraBlock. I've tried at least one of each of the basic types of DSO filters on M42: Lumicon DeepSky, Orion SkyGlow, Celestron UHC/LPR (actually a narrower type of broadband, not a true UHC),DGM NPB, Orion UltraBlock, Lumicon OIII, Lumicon H-Beta. They all give different and at least interesting views of M42. But IMHO if you could pick only one, a good UHC filter, like David said, is probably the best for M42. David advises an H-Beta filter for M43. I've tried that under my red zone light-polluted skies at home, but have not come to a final verdict on that filter for M43. All I can say at this point is that it gave an "interesting" effect. Maybe it needs a dark sky site to be really useful on M43.
David Knisely has an article somewhere on CN in which he lists his advice on filters for many DSO, or he cites a website that has his list. I haven't been able to find it this morning. If I can find it I'll give it here.
By the way, I like broadband light pollution filters, such as Lumicon DeepSky, for Mars. David has said that the DeepSky is good for white clouds and polar caps on Mars, but I found it made the maria pop, also. (Mandatory on-thread comment. )
Clear Skies,
Mike
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1525
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
Quote:
When will mars be the closest to us so i can see it in detail ? What Magnifiction do you honestly need ? I've been eye'ing mars every now and then for the last month and all i ever see is a Bright red dot and nothing more.
Personally , I wont even waist my time on Mars until late December or so . A month each side of opposition is good enough for me .
Although there's nothin' wrong with takin' a peek outside that realm , 'cause ya never know .
I might even go so far as to say 2018
--------------------
May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
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Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
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Then you're gonna miss it!
--------------------
- Rick
14" LX200GPS
Dyslexics Untie!
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Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1525
Loc: Utah
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How so? It won't be >24" until then.
--------------------
May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
|
Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
|
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I mean you'll miss what's about to happen THIS opposition!
--------------------
- Rick
14" LX200GPS
Dyslexics Untie!
|
Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
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If Stanislas and I can see detail on Mars now in mediocre seeing through our 8" or 10" inch Newts when its apparent diameter is barely 9 arcsecs, why wait until nine years from now when it will be about 24? Nine years is a long time to wait. On the other hand, could there be an even better opposition about 20 years from now? Just wait until that one. Mars might look even better.
Mike
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Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
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Sarkikos
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 1075
Loc: Suburban Maryland
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The more you look at Mars, the more you'll see. If you start seeing canals, though, take a break!
--------------------
Celestron 10" f5 Newt on 1stBase (DSO)
Zhumell 8" f6 Newt, Bosma 6" f12 MCT (NSO)
6" f5 Newt, 130ST, 4.5" f4.4 Ball w/GLP, ST80 w/Crayford (RFTs)
C4-R (NSO/DS)
90mm f13 MCT (Luna/DS)
SkyMaster 25x100, 15x70
Zhumell 20x80
Barska XWA 10x50, 8x40
OptiView LPR 10x50
Const View 2.3x40
BV-125C
CG5, 2 drv / CG4, 2 drv, wood legs, ScopeStuff saddle / CG3, 1 drv
SV AZ / 501HDV on Bogen 055XB / P+ on Oberwerk
QuikFinder, Telrad
Orion Dynamo Pro 12, Dew-Not
Have GLP and not afraid to use it!
|
Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
|
|
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