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Planetary ghosting

Started by Dm3_87, 10/01/2003 01:26AM
Posted 10/01/2003 01:26AM Opening Post
Whenever I view mars lately at relativly high powers ~180x, I see two images, one much dimmer than the first. When I get the focus precise, it Almost goes away but never completely. My first instinct was internal reflections because the second was dimmer, but I think it has to do with the collimation. What would cause this? secondary misalignment or primary? It could also be the focuser.. Anyone know how to square the focuser perfectly? thanks
Posted 10/01/2003 03:17AM #1
Marc,

Have you noticed this every time you view or just within the last few days ?

If its just in the last few days, I would wait a few more and make sure the atmosphere is not the cause. Any time the scope just suddenly seems out of whack, check the atmosphere first.

An example, for three nights I thought I could see a ghost super-emposed (I could) on Mars while viewing. Then on the fourth night, it was gone. And its happened before. If you defocus slightly you may be able to see the underlying cause. Look for air rushing and distorting the image. Even on excellent nights slow movement of the air may be detected.

If its been every time you view then it may be something else. But, I have a feeling its not the scope. Could even be the EP you use or the angle at which you view.
Posted 10/01/2003 07:20PM #2
Marc - Are you using a zoom eyepiece?

Gerald