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RICHARD COFER

VdB 141 Ghost Nebula

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Posts Made By: Rick Wiseman

October 18, 2006 04:27 PM Forum: After Dark

After dark into the daylight

Posted By Rick Wiseman
Thanks for your report, Greg, I loved it. You are a true skywatcher! smile

Best wishes,
Rick W

November 8, 2006 10:23 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Meade DS line

Posted By Rick Wiseman
Andrew,

I'm a bit sorry you changed your mind so fast. It really depends on your commitment to stay with astronomy. It might be better to try a 'cheaper' scope first, then move up later if you want.

I have happily used my Meade DS-90AT (90mm refractor) for 2 1/2 years. Cheap price wasn't a problem. I used the goto at first, but now I don't anymore. Goto works fine, just eats up batteries, and I now enjoy finding the objects I want by star hopping.

I think the optics are very good and the altaz mount is solid enough for visual observing. I have found 109 of the 110 Messier objects (I still need M106) smile . I like the portablility and just move it out of my garage to the back yard and I am on my way. I haven't gone to a bigger scope yet, can't afford one.

Also, see my email from the other day in Chinese telescopes - maybe we all need to own a crummy scope at first in order to appreciate our upgardes.

Regards,
Rick

November 18, 2006 03:50 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Can you see these galactic details?

Posted By Rick Wiseman
Inge,

Here goes for my 90mm refractor:

1: Dust bands in M82 B
2: Spiral arms of M61 E
3: Equatorial dust band of NGC891 E
4: Spiral arms of M33 C
5: The obscuring cloud of M64 ("Black eye") D
6: Spiral arms of M51 D
7: Emission nebula, NGC604 in M33 D
8: Dust bands in NGC3556 D
9: Spiral arms of M99 D
10: One dust band in the Andromeda galaxy D
11: Spiral arms of M101 D
12: Equatorial dust band of NGC3628 (The one near M65/66) D
13: Two dust bands in the Andromeda galaxy D
14: Emission nebulae in the spiral arms of M101 E
15: Spiral arms of M100 D
16: Equatorial dust band of NGC4565 (Coma Berenices) E
17: "Bend" of galaxy NGC4656 (Canes Venatici) E
18: Spiral arms of NGC2403 E
19: Spiral arms of NGC2903 E
20: Bridge between M51 and companion galaxy D

Are there some entries for medium sized scopes 8" or 10" reflectors or 5" refractors? This would seem to be my next step up.

Needing some clear skies here! Best wishes
Rick W

December 30, 2006 01:55 AM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Object database preferences

Posted By Rick Wiseman
Richard,

Have you ever looked at Messier45.com? I love it. Messiers, NGCs, whatever catalog number you might have. Try it, you'll like it. grin

Rick

December 30, 2006 09:25 PM Forum: Meade

Autostar 497 gone banana's on LX90

Posted By Rick Wiseman
Mike,

The thing about the threes, it sounds like the 3-button is stuck, or is putting the 3 into a buffer or something without entering it to the controller. Then when you press 7 or another button, it puts a seven, enter and all the three's go in!

I don't know if this is any help or if anything can be done to repair it. But you can test by using another hand set.

Rick

January 14, 2007 03:37 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Oh, how did this happen?

Posted By Rick Wiseman
Kay,

Please do enjoy your six inch scope. Observing's the thing. There are probably a couple thousand things you can observe with it in the night sky. Each season there is something new, and you can always look up your favorites over and over again.

I know it's hard when you see all the beautiful scopes on Astromart.

Have fun,
Rick

January 20, 2007 08:30 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Observing session January 19

Posted By Rick Wiseman
Ah, what a great session, and what a great report.

Thanks, Dmitri

Rick W

February 3, 2007 03:17 AM Forum: Solar System Observing

Must be getting Old !!

Posted By Rick Wiseman
Nah, John. I don't think it is getting old. After all we are all getting older at the same rate. Even a twenty something year old would experience the same slow down after an initial period of enthusiasm. I don't think this means you (or me!) are finished observing. Just relax and have fun and get peace from your observing.

Our skies have been cloudy all fall and winter here in Ohio, too. Clear tonight, but, FULL MOON. AAAAAAGH!

Best wishes,
Rick Wiseman

February 8, 2007 02:53 AM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

February DSO List

Posted By Rick Wiseman
Dave,

I have used your monthly lists for a year or so. The top ten list is a great addition. Thanks.

Rick W

February 17, 2007 04:02 AM Forum: Solar System Observing

Coping with the shadow of the secondary?

Posted By Rick Wiseman
Bill,

This problem goes away by using a 12.5mm EP instead of the 25mm on my little reflector. This gives twice the magnification of course and a smaller exit pupil. I only see the shadow with very bright objects like the moon or during the day.

Try a little higher magnification until the shadow goes away.

Regards,
Rick

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