My Telescope

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Update: December 2003 - Just recently sold my Meade 4500 4.5inch Newtonian and my 8 inch Celestron G8 SCT for a 10 inch Newtonian Dob which is a custom made scope that was once my Club scope. It is deep red/maroon with a 8X50 finderscope, a brand new focuser, on a custom-made box mount made of wood. It has a 1/10th wave Univ. Optics primary and secondary mirror. The Focal length is 1500mm. Easy to set up and take down. The finderscope is outstanding and the views from the scope are stunning! Definitely blows away my previous SCT. Cool-down time is shorter and the tube is well ventilated. Contrast, brightness and image sharpness is superior since the central obstruction is much less on a newtonian then a SCT.

I have just received my Celestron G8 which is a 8" Schmidt-Cassegain.  This telescope uses a combination of mirror and lens and is very portable and easy to setup.  It is a f/10 system with a focal length of 2032mm.  This scope has received many excellent reviews and this type of design is very popular for astrophotography and its ability to obtain many accessories.  Previously I was using my old scope - a Meade 4500.  What a pleasure, so far, it is to own this scope.   The assembly was a breeze.  Very precise instrument.  Started my observations with it and did some tweaking.  Notice that there are some vibrations which take a while to dampen.  I will use the vibration suppression pads for the tripod and then go from there.  The moon was very crisp.  Images are so much brighter in the G8 compared to my old Meade 4500.  Not surprising since I just went from a 4.5" mirror to an 8" lens/mirror system.  See below for my observation entry of Mars with the G8.  I made my own dew shield for it and so far works well and I attached my (actually jury rigged) ballmount piggyback bracket to the finderscope bracket for piggyback photography.  My next step is to get the vibration pads for the tripod and a polar finder scope.  Later, I may need to improve the tripod since it is only aluminum and way too light for this kind of scope and mount.   I purchased this scope through Rivers Camera Shop in Dover, New Hampshire www.riverscamera.com

what a great job they did (thanks, Dale) in handling the layaway and pickup.  I highly recommend them.  They have wall to wall supplies of camera and telescope related items and a great sales staff.  Awesome customer service!

My main use of the G8 will be for lunar and planetary observations and, of course, astrophotography.

I will definitely have it for observing just in time for this June's Mars opposition.

I would like to thank my fellow club members at the Astronomical Society of Southern New England located in Rehoboth, Mass. for all their generous feedback in my telescope research (see their website at www.ultranet.com/~assne/.

This page will be continuously updated with information re: my personal observations and astrophotography endeavors with my new G8.

September 2001 Update

Some new toys have been added to my G8.  Thanks to Astromart, I was able to acquire a nice polar finder scope, a Telrad and the dual axis motor drives.  The polar finder scope is ok but I now realize that I should have looked for an illuminated one instead.  The Telrad is absolutely wonderful!!  I can't say enough about it.   I highly recommend it.  I took off and sold my 6X30 finderscope that came with the G8 and replaced it with the Telrad.  What a remarkable device.  Easy to apply, setup and use.  It is portable and makes finding your sky target a snap.   It also works nice with the dual drives when trying to slew to a object because you can also look through the bullseye sight until the object is dead center and as long as the Telrad is aligned with your main scope, it should be center in your eyepiece.   The dual axis drives are really sweet.  It is a pleasure now to just polar align the scope and center the object and activate the drives.  No more touching the mount to manually turn the drive knobs.  Also, it allows me to slew at the speed I want to scan the skies as I look through the eyepiece or for my astrophotography.   The only negative I have on the CG-5 drives is the hand controller pad.  The buttons that indicate Dec and RA north/south and east/west should also light up during the night instead of just one small center light that indicates that the power is on.  I have already tested my drives and found that I can keep the object centered in the eyepiece for up to 5 minutes before it would need correction and this is more than enough for me since I like to do short exposure astrophotography like the moon and planets.   Even piggyback wide-angle astrophotography can be accomplished since all I would need to do is keep the exposure times short (under 5 minutes) and push the film instead.   Now that my drives have been tested, I plan to start some astrophotography starting with the easiest test being the moon.  Depending on how that shoot works out, I will move on to piggyback and then planetary photography.  I am very interested at this point to compare my future photos against prior ones taken without guiding abilities.   You can see on my photo page the results.  With now the ability to keep the object centered in the eyepiece without movement since the drives will follow the earth's rotation, I can assume that my photos will be sharper and more detailed.  Some of my earlier lunar images were pretty good but you could see the slight blur and these were exposures of 1/2 to 1 sec.  I don't believe I will have any problems with mirror slap viabration with my 35mm cameras but the fact that the images were unguided, it left me open to object movement due to the earth's rotation.

Other improvements I made to my G8 were to fill the light aluminum tripod legs with bb shot which really added weight and stability to the scope (but quite a task moving around) and I bought the vibration suppression pads for the tripod feet.  These pads really live up to their reviews.  They cutback on my scope vibrations substantially.   Just don't forget to pick them up when ending your observations.  I also purchased a Kendrick dewshield, the kind that's plastic and velcro and can be stored flat.  Just bought (Oct 2001) a JMI Motofocuser and a Meade 12mm Wireless Reticle for my G8 SCT through Astromart.  I'll report on how it works out during my observations and astrophotography.  (Check out Astromart.com) it is a great place to buy, sell and trade everything astronomical for good prices and great people without paying the hugh markups at dealers.

Piggyback 'guided' Astrophotography    10/10/01

10/16/01 Update

Just a quick update to report that the piggyback images described above were a total success!  I was very excited to see the results so positive on my first attempt at guided astrophotography from my G8 as opposed to my barn-door tracker.  All but one of the 24 images showed no star trailing except at the very edges of the images.   The star fields were unbelievable and I picked up the red and blue nebulaes as well as M31 (Andromeda Galaxy) and I am sure many more deep sky objects not yet identified.   My next step is to study the images with my loop and try to identify what I captured.  I am also planning on doing another comparison test roll using instead Provia 100F slide film because of its superb grain and being slower than the EC 200.   I want to compare the differences between the 2 films using the same procedures as above.  I was very pleased to see such results with only a rough polar alignment for my tracking.  Stay tuned for more in-depth information on these images.

11/01 Update

Shot and processed my second comparison film being the Fuji Provia 100F.   Upon examination, I found that using the same exposure time of 60 seconds under very similar conditions as the Elitechrome 200, my images only captured half of the detailed star field and no nebulaes as I saw on the Elitechrome 200.  Both films were pushed to 800.  The Provia100F is a finer grained film with a RMS rating of 8 as compared to the EC 200 with a rating, I believe, of 10.  But, the EC 200 is a workhorse film for low-light situations and can be pushed well and with good reciprocity characteristics.  I was hoping that the extra fine grain of the Provia may give me a better resolution but it seemed that the slower speed of this film was the culprit.   I believe that I need to double my exposure time to 2 minutes or more and push to 800.  Other factors are the films ability to work in low-light and its reciprocity.   My next test will be reusing the Provia100F at 2 to 4 minutes exposure with a push to 800. 

Saturn and Jupiter Observations - Fall 2001

Finally was able to get outside to test my new G8 on Saturn and Jupiter.  I bought the scope in May but Jupiter and Saturn were already too low for good observations and dissappearing from view.  My expectations of what I would see were confirmed to my excitement.  Jupiter and its moons were much larger, brighter and sharper and Saturn even more so.  I went out around 5 am with a dew covered surroundings finding Jupiter midway up in the southeast and Saturn directly above me.   The positions being somewhat high made it a little difficult to get my body into position but better for atmospheric viewing.  With Jupiter, I was able to see the 2 distinct belts and its 4 moons, Callisto, Ganymede, Io and Europa.  Saturn was spectacular!  I observed one equitorial belt and the Cassini division, both of which I have never seen before.  In addition, I observed 5 of Saturn's moons.   Previously I could only see Titan.  I look forward to many more observations this fall and winter as these planets will rise earlier each night and then I will eventually start my planetary photography.  I am also looking forward to the next opposition with these planets.

Mars Opposition Observing Notes

Here are my planet Mars observing data for this year's exciting June Opposition of the red planet.  By June, Mars will be at its closest point to earth at 23 million miles and a diameter of 21'.  Don't miss this exciting event.  It won't happen again for 2 more years!  The initial observations will be from my current scope the 4.5" Meade 4500 Newtonian and then I should be observing Mars with my new Celestron G8 within the next 2 weeks.  I also plan on doing planetary photography.  Feel free to email me with your own observing notes.

Observation 1    Mars     4/24/01    4:15am    Richmond, RI     Clear skies    4.5" Newtonian Reflector     162X    Southern Sky

Planet was a golden/yellow color with the dark surface markings just about noticeable using a 25MM MA combined with a Apochromatic Barlow 2x for 72X.  At 142X Mars was fuzzy.

Observation 2    Mars     4/28/01    4:20am    Richmond, RI     Clear Skies    4.5" Newtonian Reflector     Southern Sky

Same observation as on 4/24 except used an orange filter at 72X and 142X and a yellow filter at same mags.  Could just barely make out the dark surface markings at both powers but clearer at 72X.  The orange filter did increase contrast and made dark markings somewhat more noticeable but the 4.5" mirror is just too small.  My next observation will be with my new Celestron G8. 

Observation 3     Mars     5/6/01    3:30-4:05 am    Richmond, RI     Clear Skies    Celestron G8 SCT

1st Observation with G8

Used 25MM SMA, 25MM SMA with 2X APO Barlow, and a SP 6.2mm eyepieces.  The best observation of Mars was with the 25MM SMA and 2X APO Barlow combo giving 162X.  Mars was pretty sharp and you could really see the dark surface markings stand out.  Good brightness and there was just a hint of a polar cap in those moments of steady seeing.  When I attached the red and orange filters, the surface markings showed higher contrast.  Bigger and brighter and higher contrast images with the G8 as opposed to the Meade 4500.  The 8" mirror/lens system makes a big difference.   The observations should be awesome in June!!!

Observation 4    5/11/01     2:50 am    Richmond, RI    Clear Skies    

2nd Observation with G8

Used 25MM MA eyepiece with 2X Apo Barlow for 162X and red filter.  Dark surface markings on orange/yellow disk seen.  Dark areas most likely to be Syrtis Major region.  Tested new G8 with vibration dampening pads for tripod.  Very impressed with the pads ability to dampen out vibrations from the wind, mount, etc...My estimate is that the vibrations dampened out within 2 to 3 seconds while observing through eyepiece.  Next test is with the camera setup for eyepiece projection.

Observation 5    5/15/01     3 am        Richmond, RI     Clear Skies

3rd Observation with G8

162X was best again with red filter.  Noticed a dark surface configuration which was elongated in nature and very close to one of the poles.  Almost like a polar band.  Could it be Mare Boreum?  This was a different configuration from my last observations.  Note that in all these observations my G8 has not had the proper cool down time so image resolution may be off.   Vibration pads test with camera setup at prime focus was around 3 seconds and about 5 seconds with eyepiece and barlow attached.  327X showed a fuzzy, bright disk with the hint of the surface marking.  Hopefully I will be able to use the higher mags in June when Mars is 20.8 arcsecs across.  The red and orange filters are a must for surface detail.

Observation 6    5/29/01     4:10am    Richmond, RI    Clear Skies     Heavy Dew

4th Observation with G8

This was a disappointing observation due to excessive dewing.  I decided not to put on my dew shield (big mistake) and the corrector plate probably dewed up quickly since the atmosphere was very moist.  The dew also didn't help with the image either.  Mars at 162X with and without the red filter was very fuzzy.  Could not get a sharp image with any detail even after focusing.  Mars is much bigger and brighter now (about 19 arcseconds) in dia.   If figures that after almost 2 weeks of clouds and rain, we get our first real clear night and the atmosphere had to be full of moisture.  The next time I go out I will be sure to put on the dew shield.

Additional observation of the half moon at 9:30 pm and a look at the lunar terminator for the first time with the G8.

What a sight!  Very sharp and high contrast between dark and lighted sides of terminator line.  Craters, rilles, peaks and ridges were outstanding at just about all powers but especially sharp at 327X and 654X.   Notice a percular effect of the craters changing from a normal depression to an elevated mound.  Not sure if this was an optical illusion or something in the atmosphere or the effect of the high contrast along the terminator line.  Also had a nice view at 162X with a red filter.  Tested my weighed down tripod with the vibration dampening pads and found that vibrations dampened out within 2 seconds at the eyepiece!

Observation 7    5/31/01     3:40am    Richmond, RI    Clear    

5th Observation with G8

Mars was best at 81X (my 25mm SMA) with the no.25 red filter. The dark surface markings were very noticeable, but at that power, the planet was still too small to be able to draw anything. I almost didn't go outside to see it because it was too cold (I can't believe I am saying this for almost June) but since we missed many an opportunity due to the clouds and rain, I decided to practice what I preached and take advantage of every window. When I tried to use 162X, it seemed over powered. My guess is that I need to find a middle ground between 81 and 162 so that I can still get the detail but with a larger Mars. This is where it's advantageous to have a barlow or several barlow lens. This doubles or even triples your eyepieces. I own 3 barlow lens. A 2X telenegative, a 2X APO Barlow and a 2X-3X barlow which could be used with the 25mm SMA to convert it to a 8.2mm eyepiece for 247X. My calculations tell me that 340 am I was observing Mars's central meridian at 350 degrees which compared with the map on page 103 (S&T May 01) would give me an observation of Hellespontus, Mare Serpentis and Sinus Sabaeus (a region to the east of Hellas and Syrtis Major).

Observation 8    6/5/01     2:40-3:50am    Richmond, RI    Partly Cldy.

6th Observation with G8

Had my  best Mars observing morning yet!   Obtained some nice views of the dark surface markings as well as 2 bright white areas on the western and southwestern limb and the hint of a polar cap.  Started out around 2:40am using 162X.  At around 3:40am a window of some nice seeing opened up and was able to bump up power to 203X.  Dark surface markings and white areas were noticeable.  Determined that I was witnessing the meridian around 304 degrees and probably observing Syrtis Major, Hellas and some other areas in the vicinity.  Used the #25 red, #80A blue and #21 orange filters but the blue and orange were the best and the #21 orange was first choice.  Really brings out the detail and cuts down the glare.  The #25 red seems too dark.  For 162X I used my 25mm SMA and for the 203X I used the 25mm SMA and a variable barlow set at 2.5X.  Hope to do some eyepiece projection photography on the next observing session if it is clear.  Crucial to use a filter when observing Mars at this point since it is now too bright.  The glare will overpower the mag.

Observation 9    6/7/01     2:15am-4am    Richmond, RI    Clear

7th Observation with G8

Not the best observing session.  Full moon was close to Mars and I believe swamped my scope and washed out the detail.  At the usual 162X, little detail was observed even with the #21 orange filter.  Had to switch to the #25 red and it helped since it is a deeper filter and cuts down on glare more.   More detail was observed but not anywhere like my last observation report.  At 81X Mars was sharper but too small an image for much detail.  Decided once again to hold off on photography until the moon is further from the same field of view. 

Observation 10    6/11/01     2:25-3:10am    Richmond, RI    Clear

8th Observation with G8

Was out again this morning around 2 am. Mars was blazing brilliantly in the SW. Skies were clear. A little nip to the air. Started my observation around 2:25 am. I observed from 2:25 to 3:10 am. I got to see a lot of detail, especially what I believed was Syrtis Major which stood out like a sore thumb. Very dark. I was successful in using both 162X and 247X and saw detail in both mags. I used the #25 red, #21 orange and #80A blue filters on all powers with the #25 red and #80A blue being the best. I tried using the violet #47 filter and yellow-green #11 filter but did not work as well with bringing out detail.  I decided to try and bump up the mag to 347X with my SP 6.4mm and believe it or not I did observe some decent detail. I was surprised that I would see anything at all at that magnification in the position that Mars is in. My calculations tell me that I was indeed observing Syrtis Major, minor, Hellas, Iapygia, Utopia, Aeria and some mares in the region around the 242 degree meridian at 3 am. That very dark area that stood out in my eyepiece was indeed Syrtis Major. It is amazing how well these meridian calculations work.

Observation 11    7/7/01     11:30-11:55 pm    Richmond, RI    Hazy Thin Clouds

9th Observation with G8

Wanted to get out to view Mars while it is still large at about 20 arcseconds.  Used powers of 81X, 162X and 324X.  Saw detail with all 3 powers with 162X being the best.  Used #21 orange, #25 red and #80 blue filters with the orange and red filters being the best in bringing out the dark markings.   Calculations from S&T show that I was viewing the 135 degree CM of Mars. 

Observation 12    7/10/01     10:45-11pm        Richmond, RI     Clear skies with some haze

10th Observation

Mars observation tonight was a complete bust.  No detail was seen at all.  Probably due to very unsettled atmosphere due to thunderstorm development earlier.  Used both 81X and 162X and all my color filters with no luck.

Observation 13    7/11/01     10:30-11:30pm    Richmond             Clear skies

11th Observation

Atmosphere was somewhat better tonight.  81X was my best mag. with some detail showing.  At 162X, no detail seen and Mars appeared as a fuzz ball.  Used orange and red filters.  Calculations show that I was viewing Mars CM at 85 degrees which is the Tharsis, Arcadia, Thaumasia and Solis Lacus regions.

1/9/03 Update

I pretty much have my G8 SCT up to par now with a electronic motor focus, dual drives, Telrad, polar finder scope as well as a bunch of other accessories like vibration suppression pads, cross-hair reticle, f6.3 focal reducer.   I have a 7mm, 9mm, 12.5mm, 18mm University Optics Orthos and a 16mm UO Konig II and a 21mm Siebert.  I also own a UO 2.8X Klee Barlow. 

I have been doing quite a few Saturn and Jupiter observations this fall and winter but I am really gearing up for this August's Mars Opposition where Mars will be the closest to the earth within the last 50,000 years!  I will post a observation log here like I did above of the last Mars opposition in 2001. 

Mars Opposition Observation Log 2003

(Stay tuned!)

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