Image of the day

Captured by
Arthur Hogan

Heart and Soul Nebulas

About Astromart

My Account

New to Astromart?

Register an account...

Need Help?

Posts Made By: Judson Mitchell

October 25, 2006 04:00 PM Forum: After Dark

C/2006 M4 (SWAN) Has Brightened Dramatically

Posted By Judson Mitchell
It was easily visible in South Carolina and naked eye in the absence of significant light pollution. The core has become more visible and the halo enlarged considerably. The good news is that is it moving out of the low angle muck faster than the star fields are migrating. It should be a good object for several days to come.

October 25, 2006 04:18 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Seeking Enlightenment...

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Dow
There are some good EP options out there, but it would be important to know first what type of scope you observe with. Dob, Ref, Cas, ? And what size and focal length. Also indicate what type of DSOs you are interested in.

October 26, 2006 11:27 AM Forum: Eyepieces

Siebert Barlows

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Paul
I sent you a private message relating to Siebert Barlows primarily since the one I have is a 1.75X not in the range of 4X as you cited.

November 2, 2006 02:23 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

November DSO List

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Dave
Thanks for the post. You always keep me on my toes with some of your objects, a few of which are going to be a real challenge. A wealth of Herschel objects, but a good number of other items as well. Now if the weather just cooperates and gets good on days other than when the moon is full things can happen. However, I have found that even with the moon near full, a lot of the objects are still findable; the drawback is that the plethora of stars some of the clusters boast may not be visible. But, thanks again for the post.

November 12, 2006 03:56 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Celestron Sky Scout! Yea, baby, Yea!

Posted By Judson Mitchell
I was curious about the 3 degree targeting accuracy and how you determine what in the FOV the device is describing. Thus, how does a newbie know for sure the the object described is the object viewed? Also, is there a site that lists the items in its database? Can it be positioned near a set of Binoculars and used as a Finder? I understand that nearby metal the metal tube of a telescope messes with its ability. Considering the price of an XT8 intelliscope, it baffles me why someone would spend the $399 when for a few bucks more a mute 8" dob will vastly exceed the memory, 14,000 I understand.

November 15, 2006 06:39 PM Forum: Pictures of Me and My Telescope and........

Unusual new scope

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Having never seen one, I was wondering if this could be the highly anticipated backpacker finally hitting the market?

November 27, 2006 03:52 PM Forum: Sports

USC????

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Although I am somewhat biased towards the Big 10 and would love to see a rematch of Ohio State and Michigan; regardless of who goes to the big dance, it will be a quality game. My only wish is that it is on somewhat neutral grounds. A title game at the Rose Bowl would not if USC is selected. Seems it would be appropriate for that factor to be a consideration, but such is not always the case and sites are preselected without consideration for whether it is "neutral" or not. The rating system does have flaws, so why not just go to the overly bias system of voting by sportscasters so that controversy reins which makes for more heated discussions. Regardless, many fans will always feel that they have been cheated. More in my new book "The Coach's Son Pitches and Bats Fourth".

November 28, 2006 07:25 PM Forum: Reflectors

Where can i find heavier collimation springs?

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Osvaldo
Ace Hardware does have an assortment of springs. My selection was I believe a #50 or #52 (somewhere in that range) which I cut in half using a dremel tool. It slid over the extension of the collimation screws. Also, the original springs could be contained inside the new spring, so they were kept as well.

November 29, 2006 12:34 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Recommended Eyepieces for Orion XT12i

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Gary
You will likely get some excellent recommendations for things like type 6 Naglers, but for the $200-300 you intend to spend serious consideration may be given to an 8mm and 13mm Stratus or Hyperion. I have the 8 Stratus and 13 & 17 Hyperions and am quite pleased with them as are friends who have similar sets of Stratus and Hyperions. I observe with a 12" GSO dob and another friend has a 12" Orion XT12i. If not pleased there will be others standing in line to take them off your hands.

November 30, 2006 02:40 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

barlow help!

Posted By Judson Mitchell
Steven
I would suggest that you consider a 2X 2" barlow. The reason is that with a 2" barlow your Hyperions can be inserted as a 2" EP which will give you a magnification that will likely be approximately 2X. Also, when used with a 2" to 1.25" adapter, the magnification will be increased. I found that for my 13mm Hyperion, I got approximately 2.35X with my UO 2X 2" when used with a 2" to 1.25" adapter. That would put your 13mm Hyperion at about 5.5mm which would be a normal practical limit for your scope short of excellent seeing conditions.


Funding Member

Sponsors


View all sponsors

Search