1390 replies to this topic

[j.gardavsky]

Re:

3) shield our optics from light trespass

4) as a subset of #3, shield our own eyes from stray-light

5) attention to diet & rest prior to observing

6) improve our observing ergonomics

 

ad 3)

My 6" F/5 achro has got the 50cm long and slightly conical lens hood to proetct the achromat lens from the stray light sources, and from the stray glow of the night skies.

The focuser is oversized, the zenith diagonals I am using are 2" and they have got added baffles.

 

ad 4)

My observing jacket has an oversized hood.

 

ad 5)

I have significantly reduced the consumption of coffee, and replaced it with the Swiss Ricola tea, based on the alpine herbs.

Before the observing session I take enough rest, or a nap.

 

ad 6)

Throughout the observing session, I enjoy one or two comfortable positions on the chair,

the telescope height is adjusted with the central geared column.

 

Clear skies,

JG

[Mike B]

Re:

3) shield our optics from light trespass

4) as a subset of #3, shield our own eyes from stray-light

5) attention to diet & rest prior to observing

6) improve our observing ergonomics

 

ad 3)

My 6" F/5 achro has got the 50cm long and slightly conical lens hood to proetct the achromat lens from the stray light sources, and from the stray glow of the night skies.

The focuser is oversized, the zenith diagonals I am using are 2" and they have got added baffles.

 

ad 4)

My observing jacket has an oversized hood.

 

ad 5)

I have significantly reduced the consumption of coffee, and replaced it with the Swiss Ricola tea, based on the alpine herbs.

Before the observing session I take enough rest, or a nap.

 

ad 6)

Throughout the observing session, I enjoy one or two comfortable positions on the chair,

the telescope height is adjusted with the central geared column.

 

Clear skies,

JG

Loving it!—guud feedback!

 

re:#3: Any input for depth of hood (aka “dewshield”) as a function of aperture? Same for ‘fractor as for Cat/Mak?

 

re: #5: Was not aware caffeine to be avoided?  That’s a tough pill to swallow!…. But thanks for the awareness!

 

Im down with all the rest! I double-cushion my chair to gain better EP height, and sit there quite comfortably under a black fleece shroud! Must be quite the sight for nosey neighbors 

 

Additionally, I’ve accumulated some good, thermally augmented clothing for winter observing. Cold, achey, shivering muscles & ligaments not conducive to optimal ergonomics at the EP!

[SteveC]

#7) move to a warm weather location. 

[eyeoftexas]

#7) move to a warm weather location. 

But not too warm.  Trust me on that one.

[Mike B]

But not too warm.  Trust me on that one.

I guess if you open yer EP case & find all the rubber caps & eyeguards have melted into a puddle at the bottom, you’ll know it’s too warm there? 

[davidgmd]

Like the pictorial diagram of an optical surface having peaks & valleys amongst a field of surface irregularities (thanks, JG, for the above link!), I have to wonder how much each of these concerns might actually rate toward effect on the resulting EP images on such a diagram:

1) surface polish

2) single-layer coating applied to this surface

3) multi-layer coatings applied to this surface

4) cementing utilized at compound groupings

5) cleanliness of exposed optical surfaces

6) EP baffling & general interior stray-light control

7) EP exit pupil behavior 

8) EP general eyegonomics for extended-duration use

9) resulting “tone” of EP image produced

10) observer’s own eye conditions

11) other???

 

Specifically, I’m wondering whether any of the above might rise to the level of “peak” or “valley” in the overall EP images produced. The term “red herring” having been already used concerning #9 above, might there be other fishy concerns in this list, yet often touted as “peaks”? Or are there “other” issues worthy of considering.

 

More to the practical, what simple steps can we human observers do to enhance our own, personal benefits in using the EPs already in our kit (assuming a serviceable scope in play)?

1) rush out & buy up every Brandon in sight? jk  

2) clean our optics?

3) shield our optics from light trespass

4) as a subset of #3, shield our own eyes from stray-light

5) attention to diet & rest prior to observing

6) improve our observing ergonomics
 

The above list was trotted-out based on steps I’ve myself taken, & can atest to their effectiveness, yet I thot it best to sit back & let us all “hear” what says the forum. 

  

I vote for #7: Haul your gear to the top of Mauna Kea to reduce atmospheric effects.

[j.gardavsky]

Loving it!—guud feedback!

 

re:#3: Any input for depth of hood (aka “dewshield”) as a function of aperture? Same for ‘fractor as for Cat/Mak?

 

re: #5: Was not aware caffeine to be avoided?  That’s a tough pill to swallow!…. But thanks for the awareness!

 

Im down with all the rest! I double-cushion my chair to gain better EP height, and sit there quite comfortably under a black fleece shroud! Must be quite the sight for nosey neighbors 

 

Additionally, I’ve accumulated some good, thermally augmented clothing for winter observing. Cold, achey, shivering muscles & ligaments not conducive to optimal ergonomics at the EP!

Hello David,

 

I have no formula to calculate it, I simply took 2 doorstep mats, very black and very rough, and rolled with them a big tube.

 

Since that, I can observe lots of the DSOs, I have not noticed before.

The count of the diffuse"bright? ha, ha, ha" nebulae in my observing spread sheet is 664 of today,

some of them not catalogized, or not yet reported by others.

These 664 don't incude the popular Messiers, and also not the planetary nebulae.

 

It looks like, the oversized lens hood works,

JG

 

PS: The lens hoods, even if not as much oversized, are also on my binoculars.
 

[jeffmac]

Like the pictorial diagram of an optical surface having peaks & valleys amongst a field of surface irregularities (thanks, JG, for the above link!), I have to wonder how much each of these concerns might actually rate toward effect on the resulting EP images on such a diagram:

1) surface polish

2) single-layer coating applied to this surface

3) multi-layer coatings applied to this surface

4) cementing utilized at compound groupings

5) cleanliness of exposed optical surfaces

6) EP baffling & general interior stray-light control

7) EP exit pupil behavior 

8) EP general eyegonomics for extended-duration use

9) resulting “tone” of EP image produced

10) observer’s own eye conditions

11) other???

 

Specifically, I’m wondering whether any of the above might rise to the level of “peak” or “valley” in the overall EP images produced. The term “red herring” having been already used concerning #9 above, might there be other fishy concerns in this list, yet often touted as “peaks”? Or are there “other” issues worthy of considering.

 

More to the practical, what simple steps can we human observers do to enhance our own, personal benefits in using the EPs already in our kit (assuming a serviceable scope in play)?

1) rush out & buy up every Brandon in sight? jk  

2) clean our optics?

3) shield our optics from light trespass

4) as a subset of #3, shield our own eyes from stray-light

5) attention to diet & rest prior to observing

6) improve our observing ergonomics
 

The above list was trotted-out based on steps I’ve myself taken, & can atest to their effectiveness, yet I thot it best to sit back & let us all “hear” what says the forum. 

7) sit while observing (whenever possible, of course)   

 

Oops! JG beat me to it. My apologies JG.

Edited by jeffmac, 23 September 2023 - 09:47 AM.

[SandyHouTex]

But not too warm.  Trust me on that one.

C'mon man, I assume you're a Texan like me.  We're supposed to be tough and resilient.

[Mike B]

I vote for #7: Haul your gear to the top of Mauna Kea to reduce atmospheric effects.

Sure… just don’t crowd out Stephan O’Meara!….

 

Hmmmm…. You sure this #7 falls under the “simple steps” rubric?

[j.gardavsky]

7) sit while observing (whenever possible, of course)   

 

Oops! JG beat me to it. My apologies JG.

7b) Deep breathing during the observing jobs, as the blood should be pretty much oxygenated

 

Best,

JG
 

[25585]

7) EP exit pupil behavior

 

Equal with effective eye relief.

[davidgmd]

Sure… just don’t crowd out Stephan O’Meara!….

 

Hmmmm…. You sure this #7 falls under the “simple steps” rubric?

  
It’s all relative. Simpler than moving the Moon or planets closer. 

[CeleNoptic]

#7) move to a warm weather location.

 
Better to a steady dark sky... e.g. Atacama Desert. I suspect, the views will make you forget about the rest of the points 
 
 

7b) Deep breathing during the observing jobs, as the blood should be pretty much oxygenated
 
Best,
JG

 
Do you think a small oxygen tank+mask (#7c?) may help to see even more? 

[Mike B]

 
Better to a steady dark sky... e.g. Atacama Desert. I suspect, the views will make you forget about the rest of the points …….
 

 

Wonder if GrubHub delivers there?

[Thomas_M44]

Wonder if GrubHub delivers there?

 
 

Sure, via specially-trained llamas 

 

—Lol!

Edited by Thomas_M44, 24 September 2023 - 01:33 AM.

[j.gardavsky]

 
Better to a steady dark sky... e.g. Atacama Desert. I suspect, the views will make you forget about the rest of the points 
 
 

 
Do you think a small oxygen tank+mask (#7c?) may help to see even more? 

I am taking a deep breath, and making some easy excercises during the breaks in the observing program.

 

Best,

JG

[Mike B]

If you decide to stargaze up at the Atacama, ya may want that Oxygen mask thingy!

[jrazz]

I regularly observe at 12,000ft (Colorado, not Atacama) and while you don’t need oxygen masks your vision does degrade.

Find a nice, flat desert. Nevada or Utah comes to mind.

Other problems there but at least the view is wonderful

[CeleNoptic]

Wonder if GrubHub delivers there?

 
Not sure about GrubHub, but Uber Eats should.
 
 

I am taking a deep breath, and making some easy excercises during the breaks in the observing program.
 
Best,
JG

 
JG,
Thanks for the advise 
Next time when go out with my telescope I'll bring also my 20lb dumbbells.

Edited by CeleNoptic, 24 September 2023 - 10:01 PM.

[Mike B]

 
Not sure about GrubHub, but Uber Eats should.
 
 

 
JG,
Thanks for the advise 
Next time when go out with my telescope I'll bring also my 20lb dumbbells.

I represent that remark! 

 

I regularly observe at 12,000ft (Colorado, not Atacama) and while you don’t need oxygen masks your vision does degrade.

Find a nice, flat desert. Nevada or Utah comes to mind.

Other problems there but at least the view is wonderful

We had good friends in CO Springs- their daughter decided to go uphill for her university edumacation (Adams?)…. She, too, loved her time up there, but did complain of altitude nosebleeds as a byproduct!  Jah, I’ll foller your desert advice…..

[Tom S.]

TPL 12.5mm / 2.5x Powermate    vs.    Pentax XW 5mm  -     quick comparison on Moon and Saturn

 

A) Takahashi TPL 12.5mm combined with a TeleVue 2.5x Powermate, giving 208x in my scope.

 

B) Pentax XW 5mm (by itself).  Also 208x.

 

Scope:  Tak FS-128  (128mm f/8 refractor).   Driven mount.   No filters.  No eyeglasses.  WO dielectric diagonal (mirror, not prism).

 

Seeing: average.   Occasional instants of sharp seeing.

 

Swapped back and forth between A and B repeatedly over about 1.5 hours total.

 

 

MOON, waxing gibbous (75%): The PXW was better.

• In the PXW, subtle albedo differences stood out more clearly.  For example, faint rays were more contrasty against their background, and delicate lighter and darker patches were more easily and comfortably perceived.
• Sharpness seemed about equal.
• The wider FOV of the PXW of course gave a more impressive overall view, presenting an expansive panorama of detailed moonscape.

 

SATURN: The TPL/PM combo was slightly better.

• During instants of steady seeing, edges seemed slightly sharper in the TPL/PM.  Specifically, the outer ring edge against background space, the ring and its shadow crossing the disc, and the Cassini Division, all appeared a tad crisper, sort of like adding a tiny bit of sharpening in Photoshop.
• Albedo differences on the disc were about equal.  (Unlike the effect on the moon, for some reason; maybe because there’s just a lot less of that to see on Saturn?)
• Scatter was minimal in both.  Dimmer moons close to the planet (Tethys, Dione) were equally perceptible.

Additional comments:

• FWIW, color through the TPL/PM combo was slightly cooler (or if you prefer, the PXW was slightly warmer).
• The PXW was more “comfortable” for me to look through, although the TPL/PM combo didn't exactly cause objectionable eye strain.

Clouds moved in and unfortunately prevented a comparison on Jupiter.

Edited by Tom S., 25 September 2023 - 12:45 PM.

[j.gardavsky]

 
Not sure about GrubHub, but Uber Eats should.
 
 

 
JG,
Thanks for the advise 
Next time when go out with my telescope I'll bring also my 20lb dumbbells.

They are needed before you start a hand held binoculars session.

 

De facto, I have a pair under my bed,

JG

 

PS: Not sure, if the dumbbells are still under my bed, as my wife throws the things away, when I am not watching carefully enough.
 

[j.gardavsky]

Enough of good fun,

 

and we might return to the new TAKs,

let's say with the next post #1274.

 

Best,

JG

[25585]

How about a new thread since the eps are actually being used now?