Telescope Reviews: Another great night with the 125

Darn these clouds!!!!! I've said that virtually every night for the past couple of weeks. Would try to sneak out between segments of cloud cover, however, once setup and cooled down, another bank rolls in.

This changed Saturday. I worked afternoon shift and on the way home at 11pm there were clear skies and plenty to see. Soon as I got home I took the ETX125 out and set it up. Let the dog out and went to get the battery power. Eight degrees that night so it didn't take long for the scope to cool down. Used the 2 star alignment (thanks again to CN posters for that tip) and off I went.

First stop, the moon. Nearly full and quite bright. Now I understand why it's best to use a filter when viewing the moon when it reaches this state. I had to look away on a number of occassions and let my eyes readjust.

Next on the tour was Mars. Sitting right below the moon AutoStar put Mars slightly off center. Swapped to the 12.4mm EP and it looked as though Mars had a reddish hue. Whether this was due to light from the moon or wishful thinking on my part I don't know. Tracking worked like a charm. When I let the dog in and stayed in to warmup a bit, Mars was right there centered when I returned.

Saturn was next on the list, and a big smile crept upon my face after the slewing was done and I took a look through the EP. There just off center were the unmistakable rings of Saturn. Great viewing even with the standard 26mm Meade EP. Switched to the Meade 12.4mm and was amazed at the clarity. No need to alter focus. Ithen tried the 6mm Meade EP that came in the kit, however, focus was not to be achieved at that magnification. This may be the extent of the 125 capabilities. I do have an 8mm Hyperion (along with a 17mm Hyperion) on order so I'll see how those work out. Saturn was amazing. It's one thing to see pictures, or telescope viewing at an observatory. Then it's quite another to have the look from your own backyard.

Also viewed Betelgeuse, the Orion Nebula, Sirius, Regulus and a few others I'm neglecting because I don't have my paper with me. All in all a great night of gazing at the skies.

An hour and a half later I packed everything up and called it a night. Successful night at that. Turned in with the knowledge that there's more beauty and wonderment to come, with many cloudless nights in the future.

--------------------
Have fun, clear skies always......peace

Kevin
ETX 125PE UHTC
497 AutoStar w/884 tripod

Edited by PoKev (01/21/08 11:41 AM)