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VdB 141 Ghost Nebula

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Posts Made By: Doug Culbertson

August 27, 2003 03:21 PM Forum: Binoviewers

Mid-price bioviewer?

Posted By Doug Culbertson
Well, while I own the TeleVue myself, if I were looking into a mid priced binoviewer I would look at the Denkmeier standard ($599?) and the Siebert Black Night ($469? depending on options) I add the question marks, because I am not absolutely certain of the prices, but they should be close. Also, you may need the corrector to go with either of these binos if you are using a Newt or refractor, which adds to the cost. At any rate, both of these binos are getting pretty decent reviews, and they are both Astromart sponsors...always a plus in my book.

Doug
Midway, FL

August 28, 2003 03:38 PM Forum: Solar System Observing

MARS was better in viewing - - a month ago.

Posted By Doug Culbertson
Well, a month ago I couldn't see Mars due to the clouds, and now I have managed to observe it for six of the last seven nights. So, I would have to say no, it wasn't better a month ago!

FWIW, I have found that the absolute sharpest views I have had of Mars have been by using my binoviewer with 10mm Antares Ultras, or by using the Baader Moon and Skyglow filter to cut down some of the glare. The OIII filter, mentioned earlier, worked pretty well, but the first two methods are much better to me.

Doug
Midway, FL

September 2, 2003 07:21 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Ideas?

Posted By Doug Culbertson
Try for the Astronomical League's Herschel 400. The blurb says that it is a list for 6" and larger scopes...prove 'em wrong! Could be a challenge, but you sound like you are up for a challenge.

Doug
Midway, FL

September 4, 2003 12:54 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Thanks

Posted By Doug Culbertson
Daryl,

All of the Astronomical League's observing clubs can be found here : http://www.astroleague.org/al/obsclubs/obsclub.html

Have fun!

Doug
Midway, FL

September 8, 2003 04:51 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Scope Cover

Posted By Doug Culbertson
Scope Coat, althogh it appears that they now simply call it a telescope cover...you can get them at AstroSystems
http://www.astrosystems.biz/covers.htm

Doug
Midway, FL

September 9, 2003 02:14 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Equipment you most regretted selling.....

Posted By Doug Culbertson
My 14.5" Starmaster with Zambuto mirror and goto/tracking. Sold it in a fit of aperture fever and bought an 18"...which killed my back (18" purchase coincided with a back injury). The 18" is now gone.

Doug
Midway, FL

September 11, 2003 12:29 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Parallax Instruments web site?

Posted By Doug Culbertson
http://www.parallaxinstruments.com/

So happens that they are an Astromart sponsor!

Doug
Midway, FL

September 17, 2003 04:56 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Re: New O-III Filter???

Posted By Doug Culbertson
My Astronomik OIII filter gives me green stars...My older Lumicon OIII filter gave me pinkish/red stars, as well as a hint of astigmatism. The Orion Ultrablock I had gave me blue stars, so I guess that all of these narrowband/line filters add some sort of color to stars. But, when used on the intended targets, like planetary nebulae or emission nebulae, I get no added color to speak of (other than on field stars, of course), and the detail is greatly enhanced.

FWIW, I have used at least one of the above filters in an MN66, 8" dob, 14.5" Starmaster and 18" Starmaster.

Doug
Midway, FL

September 17, 2003 06:41 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Mounting Blues

Posted By Doug Culbertson
I would not recommend the LXD55 mount for the MN66. I have the MN66 myself, and tried the Orion Skyview Pro...a nice sturdy mount that I find to be more stable than the LXD55 that two friends have (at least the tripod is!). As much as I liked it overall, the SVP was marginal at best, and I sent it back. I would recommend a Losmandy GM8, at a minimum, but preferably something sturdier. I exchanged my SVP for the Orion Atlas, which is the same as the Skywatcher EQ6 mount. I think that this mount will do quite nicely, as I am purely a visual kind of guy, and I think the periodic error is a bit much on these mounts for imaging.

While I can understand the appeal of a nice goto mount, I would look at other options for this scope. Just my opinion...

Doug
Midway, FL

September 18, 2003 03:32 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Best Coatings In the West?

Posted By Doug Culbertson
I don't know how important the IAD coatings at Spectrum are, but they are the best *looking* coatings that I have ever seen, and I have used them as well as Clausing. As one club member put it, "This coating looks more luxurious than mine."

Look at it this way, Steve Swayze, Carl Zambuto and John Hall (Pegasus. I think he does anyway) now use Spectrum for their mirrors, so that is who I would use for my Swayze mirror!

Doug
Midway, FL

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