Image of the day

Captured by
Byron Davies

M-52, NGC-7635, SH2-157, SH2-158, SH2-159, SH2-161, NGC-7510

My Account

New to Astromart?

Register an account...

Need Help?

StarSplitter 5.9mm First Light

Started by Jud, 06/28/2006 03:29AM
Posted 06/28/2006 03:29AM Opening Post
This is only a novice first light on a SP 5.9mm EP. Telescope was a 12" F/5 HOC Dob. There was some thin high clouds and significant light domes. At the edge of red/orange on the light pollution scale. Seeing was maximum Pickering 5 and commonly less, however a reasonably steady image of Jupiter was possible.

On axis focus of the SP was sharp and maintained until about 80% out where sharpness began to deteriorate. Not objectionably but obvious. I was able to refocus "down" to regain sharpness at about 90-95% out to the edge. This direction of refocussing may say someting to those more knowledgeable about EPs. I would be interested in their comments. I did not observe any chromatic aberrations or distortions at the edge of the FOV. It was difficult to make any comparisons to other EPs. I used a barlowed 11mm Tele Vue Plossl (220X); the StarSplitter was about 255X; and an 8mm Hyperion barlowed to about 320X. As power increased a corresponding decrease in sharpness and contrast was observed which should be expected. No real other comparisons or conclusions therefore could be made by me. On a 3-4th mag star slight bloating began at about 90% out and gradually increased to the edge.

I Yam What I Yam!
Posted 06/28/2006 05:23AM #1
Hi Jud,
What you are describing is field curvature. This is not that uncommon. It is somewhat unusual for a short f/l EP though.
Sounds like the EP performed well on axis, so that is a good thing.
What did you think of the image overall? Have you ever tried an Ortho of that f/l or any other planetary EPs?

[SIZE="Large"][/SIZE][COLOR="Blue"][/COLOR] Floyd Blue grin
Amateur Imager
Posted 06/28/2006 12:14PM #2
That's similar to my experience with the Starsplitter on my fast scope - quite noticeable field curvature, but no other serious abberations. Very impressive for a realtively cheap eyepiece on my f/4 scope! On my f/8 scope the field curvature is not noticeable, presumably due to the greater depth of focus on slower scopes.