astromattical
professor emeritus
Reged: 06/24/07
Posts: 545
Loc: Maryland
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I just sold my 10" Dob to fund the purchase of a used Orion Apex 102 Maksutov-Cassegrain. I got rid of the Dob because I live in a very light-polluted apartment complex, and see no end in sight for that. Going to be a few more years before I can even consider moving into my own house in a "dark" area. For this reason, I wanted something much more portable and specialized for planetary/lunar observing. Lunar is the big one for me. With the Mak-Cas, I can set the telescope outside to cool down for a bit (looks like it takes an hour, based on reviews), and then observe the moon right outside my apartment.
The only thing I do NOT have is a mount for the telescope. I have an extra $110 from the purchase, and I'd like something with slow motion controls...but it looks like that's impossible for $110. I'll figure something out!
Either way - I can't wait to start looking at the moon. I have looked at it a little with the Dob, but never really stayed there. That's weird because I *LOVE* anything to do with the Apollo Program, and when I see the moon with my own eyes, they stay there. The moon has such an impact on me - we've BEEN there, and it's so close, and it's orbiting our planet...it's really mind-blowing when you think about it!
I should have the telescope on April 1st...*THAT* should go well...and then the mount as soon as I figure something out after my wedding/honeymoon (April 5-April 14).
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-Matt
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Mare Nectaris
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/09/08
Posts: 1114
Loc: Toijala, Finland
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I'm so happy for U!
I think you have found a long lasting friendship there with the Lunar disc. It never ceases to amaze me - and as U mentioned, it is worth all the love, time and effort you can possibly give.
Regarding the cooling down time, I strongly recommend a bit longer time - perhaps 2 hours minimum.
Hope everything turns out as you wish for, and please share the experience with us once U get to see the good old Moon through your Mak-Cas.
... a few days? - Well, who counts the days, but the
m i n u t e s you probably have already all counted for...
Have a nice honey-MOON, too. - See, it's everywhere!
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Share - and you shall have it all
Timo Keski-Petäjä
CtheMoon
Observation shelter KuuMaja (MoonHut)
TAL 250K*Celestron C8-N*SkyWatcher Skymax 150 Pro*TAL1(Mizar)*EQ6 Pro SynScan*Celestron Advanced GT (CG-5 GOTO)*Baader Hyperion Clickstop Zoom 8-24*17 mm UWA-70*TeleVue BIG 2x Barlow*Celestron 2x Barlow Ultima SV Series
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Carol L
Reged: 07/05/04
Posts: 5880
Loc: Tomahawk, WI 45N//89W
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I honestly can't understand why more people don't aim their scopes at Luna, but it's their loss as far as I'm concerned  Happy lunar observing, and congratulations on your upcoming marriage! 
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 *Step-by-Step Lunar Sketching*
CN Gallery
Photo Gallery
8"SCT ~ 120achro ~ 90Mak ~ 80ST ~ 11x70s ~ 22x100s
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ducatirob
professor emeritus
Reged: 06/15/05
Posts: 537
Loc: Centerville, Ohio
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Carol, I agree a lot of times the moon is the first thing I look at when I start observing and many times I spend the whole session enjoying it. My 127mm refractor gives me some great views, also it's seems like when someone who has not looked though a scope views the moon for the first time it leaves a lasting impression. Now for it to clear up! 
Rob
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C6-R /Atlas EQ
Meade AR-5
Meade 90mm refractor
10x50 binoculars
15x70 binoculars
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Mare Nectaris
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/09/08
Posts: 1114
Loc: Toijala, Finland
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BTW,
if I could choose a place to go for a honeymoon with my lovely wife again, I would probably suggest we go to see Plato at Teneriffe ...
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Share - and you shall have it all
Timo Keski-Petäjä
CtheMoon
Observation shelter KuuMaja (MoonHut)
TAL 250K*Celestron C8-N*SkyWatcher Skymax 150 Pro*TAL1(Mizar)*EQ6 Pro SynScan*Celestron Advanced GT (CG-5 GOTO)*Baader Hyperion Clickstop Zoom 8-24*17 mm UWA-70*TeleVue BIG 2x Barlow*Celestron 2x Barlow Ultima SV Series
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astromattical
professor emeritus
Reged: 06/24/07
Posts: 545
Loc: Maryland
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Thanks, everyone!  Glad to be among so many people who really appreciate the Moon for what it is!
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-Matt
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Stephen65
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 04/14/07
Posts: 934
Loc: Melbourne, Australia
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Quote:
I honestly can't understand why more people don't aim their scopes at Luna, but it's their loss as far as I'm concerned
Carol, on New Moon weekends when there is no Moon to observe I often go up to a dark sky site to look at DSO's with a regular crowd of big dob DSO people. You should hear the comments they make about our dear Luna - "Infernal Orb" and "the Moving Streetlight" are just a couple!
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Megrez 90
FLT 132
Mewlon 250
Lots of XWs, an Ethos, Supermonos and some other EPs
Edited by Stephen65 (03/31/08 09:12 PM)
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Tim2723
The Moon Guy
Reged: 02/19/04
Posts: 5121
Loc: Northern New Jersey
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Hi, and congratulations on your new adventures (BOTH OF THEM!!)
Your Orion 102 is a very fine lunar sope.You're certain to appreciate its weight and compactness for the Moon and planets. It's the old saying about the best scope being the one you use the most, and I'll bet you get LOT of use out of it.
If you can locate one of the older AZ-3 mounts, that would carry your scope very well for your budget. Although you won't do long-exposure photography with it, it's easy to use and light to carry, very steady and compact. I use one for a 4' refractor, tracking Luna at 200x and more.
Best of luck with all your future endeavors!
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The crwth will set you free!
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astromattical
professor emeritus
Reged: 06/24/07
Posts: 545
Loc: Maryland
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Thanks Tim! I'll look for an AZ-3 when it's time to get a mount. I was also considering a Vixen Porta Mount. We'll see!
I received the telescope today and it is beautiful! I can't wait to use it!!!
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-Matt
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Tim2723
The Moon Guy
Reged: 02/19/04
Posts: 5121
Loc: Northern New Jersey
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A Porta-Mount would be even nicer. Maybe you'll get a few wedding presents that will bump up the budget for you. That would be a really sweet set up. Best of luck!!
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The crwth will set you free!
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Mare Nectaris
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/09/08
Posts: 1114
Loc: Toijala, Finland
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Quote:
I received the telescope today and it is beautiful! I can't wait to use it!!!
Congrats 
Keep us posted 
Be well and clear skies!
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Share - and you shall have it all
Timo Keski-Petäjä
CtheMoon
Observation shelter KuuMaja (MoonHut)
TAL 250K*Celestron C8-N*SkyWatcher Skymax 150 Pro*TAL1(Mizar)*EQ6 Pro SynScan*Celestron Advanced GT (CG-5 GOTO)*Baader Hyperion Clickstop Zoom 8-24*17 mm UWA-70*TeleVue BIG 2x Barlow*Celestron 2x Barlow Ultima SV Series
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astromattical
professor emeritus
Reged: 06/24/07
Posts: 545
Loc: Maryland
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I'm back, and I just ordered all of my astro-stuff thanks to wedding $$$ from relatives!
My purchase:
Orion RedBeam Mini LED Flashlight
Orion Small Accessory Case
Orion 9mm Expanse EP
Orion Paragon-Plus XHD Tripod
Orion Precision Slow-Motion Adapter
Orion FlexiShield
Orion Solar Filter
Base for my Telrad
See a pattern there? :\
It should be an awesome grab-and-go setup, but stable enough for long viewing sessions as well. I did the best I could with what the budget allowed me to do. The wife has to get an iPod and then the rest is going towards our debt.
I can't wait to get all of my stuff! My telescope is sad sitting in its case all the time.
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-Matt
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Pess
(Title)
Reged: 09/12/07
Posts: 1910
Loc: Toledo, Ohio
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I am getting a little Luney myself. Just bought a new Imaging Source camera and hope to start stacking Plato shots as soon as the weather gives and I get the learning curve out of the way.
Pesse (By the way, never stare at a New Moon, you'll go 'Moon-blind' and won't be able to see a full moon afterward for at least 2 weeks....) Mist
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