Telescope Reviews: Re: First Light

Wobrack - how smooth is the az (lateral) motion on your base? Mine is pretty stiff, even after installing "Magic Sliders" that others have suggested. I had a lot of problems getting objects centered in the view - the resistance requierd me to give it a nudge and then it slid too far. I'm going to try some automotive wax on the sliders to see if that helps, but I think it's going to need more.

I did get mine out for first light tonight, but conditions were pretty bad. Cloudy, windy, turbulent air, a full moon and light from the neighbors all made it tough. I was determined to get it in use short of anything but rain however

We got some good views of Saturn, a bit washed out with all the light, but pretty still. Looked at a few doubles, and found M44 just to see if it was possible in these conditions. It was far to bright to make out much but I was really happy that I found it almost immediately with the Telrad, not being able to see it naked eye. As it happens, M44 is right at 4 degrees from the center star of Cancer, heading towards Pollux. Putting the outer ring of the Telrad on that star put M44 just on the edge of the view in the 32mm.

Big plans the next two weekends for me, getting out to dark skies to push this thing some. I was in Ft Mill tonight, not far from you, so I'm guessing you had similar conditions.

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Chris

All that is required to enjoy astronomy is a clear night and the desire to learn.

Zhumell 10" Dobsonian

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