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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 12102
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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I got home after 10pm last night from a business dinner. When I stepped out of the car into the driveway, I was struck by how transparent the sky was. Looked like one of those clear August nights. I spent a few minutes just gazing up and noticed how easy it was to pick out the stars around the end of the big dipper handle. I checked several on the charts and Naked Eye mag was between 5 and 5.5. This was placed almost at zenith.
So, after finally getting home from work and checking in and making sure the kids were all set, I got relaxed and decided to go out for a bit. Front yard stuff here, so no hope of seeing any comets. I have to look up at 45-50° just to see over the trees.
I mounted a pair of 25x100s and a pair of 22x100s. I spent about 30min just observing the area around the end of the big dipper handle. Alcor/Mizar was nice and Mizar B came in real easy. Iota (13") and Kappa (38") Bootes, both like Mizar with a faint B star, also came in real easy.
I followed the string of stars from Mizar over to M101 and BAM, it was right there. No questioning if I was seeing it, it stood right out. That happens only rarely, although I think the 100mm apertures helped a lot.
M51 was real easy also. Both components of this double galaxy stood right out. Each was a faint shape and the main part had a definite core.
Pretty nice for just a brief period. Bagged elusive M101. Nice night.
edz
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Teach a kid something today. The feeling you'll get is one of life's greatest rewards.
member#21
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night watch
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/06/04
Posts: 2443
Loc: Salem, MA
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I enjoy reading your observation stories. I had a decent night myself last night (finally!). While I was reading your entry I was hoping that you had hauled out the BT-100. Alas, you didn't and understably so. I hear that the entire setup is not so easy to piece together. Have you or will you be making more observations the BT-100? I would like to hear more about your experiences with it.
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NW
Oberwerk BT100
Oberwerk 20x80 Deluxe II
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Erik D
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/28/03
Posts: 2350
Loc: Central New Jersey, USA
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Hi Ed,
I assume the 22x100s you mentioned above are from Oberwerk. What brand is the 25X100s?
I saw Bill Burgess at NEAF 2004. He has some nice looking 80 & 100 mm binos with rubber aromr similar to the Obwerwerk 20X90 on display. All came with foam lined hard carrying case. Price is $300-$400 range. He said he was working on ED version of the 25X100 for about $700. The carrying case alone looked like they are worth over $100. Of course it may be quite a while before BO starts shipping and QC could be a issue but it's nice to know there are new products in development.
Erik D
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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 12102
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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NW,
you will most certainly be reading more about the BT100s. Just not from last night. My intent was a quick look, but, even when I go out for just a half hour to enjoy it's hard for me to not bring out two pieces and compare views.
Eric,
Last night was Oberwerk 22x100s and Celestron 25x100s. I'm working on comparing the two. No comments yet, except to say both show more than 16x70s or 20x80 Standards.
Currently both are undermounted, but OK. A fellow on Amart put a 3246 up for sale yesterday. I offered to buy.
edz
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Teach a kid something today. The feeling you'll get is one of life's greatest rewards.
member#21
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night watch
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/06/04
Posts: 2443
Loc: Salem, MA
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Super EdZ. I look forward to hearing about your BT-100 opinions and experiences.
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NW
Oberwerk BT100
Oberwerk 20x80 Deluxe II
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