Astromart

February 28, 2006 03:48 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Bode's Galaxy M81

Posted By Ivan Gastaldo

Johannes, if not THE BEST, definitely ONE OF THE BEST M81s I've ever seen! 8O
Wonderful Image... congratulations!

February 28, 2006 02:57 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Jupiter, Feb 28, GRS + Oval BA

Posted By Ivan Gastaldo

Great shots Anthony! Well done! 8)

March 2, 2006 03:46 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

What should I buy to improve my scope?

Posted By Ivan Gastaldo

Hugh is right, GOOD eyepieces are the best way to improve your scope, not to mention you'll be able to use them in your NEXT scope too... 8) (and please, DO NOT use the barlow that has been included with your scope!(if any))

Clear skies, and good luck!

March 2, 2006 06:02 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

What magnification do you use the most?

Posted By Ivan Gastaldo

Stu, as most have already pointed out, it is all VERY relative... mostly depending on Scope used, Object being observed & seeing conditions...

On my particular scope, being a 2500mm f/l, I find myself using "THE MOST" my 2" 40mm eyepiece yielding a 62.5X magnification and my 2" 14mm UWA yielding 178.5X...

Of course, this does not mean I don't use my other eyepieces... (if the conditions are "excellent" I could push to 400x-500x, but normally I can go to 250x-350x without a problem...) wink

March 2, 2006 07:34 PM Forum: After Dark

Ground Telescopes Useless by 2050

Posted By Ivan Gastaldo

This is sad.... let's hope they are somewhat wrong...

Well, if this happens by 2050 (and I'm still alive), I could always make my 10" LX-200GPS into a fancy fishtank... 8)

Clear skies... enjoy them while you can! wink

March 2, 2006 07:45 PM Forum: Digital SLR AstroPhotography

M42 region luminous version

Posted By Ivan Gastaldo

Beautiful work Ivan... 8)
I fully understand when you say this was a LOT of work... M42 is probably on of the hardest objects to show in its FULL Glory...

March 3, 2006 09:23 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?