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16  General Chat / General Discussion / Re: At Last ! on: 22-Nov-2011 23:46:04 GMT
Not sure about the black bobs and black streaks but sounds like eye lashes in the way. This really does happen, as for the white disc please read on.

The problem with our  weather is that although it is a wonderfuly clear sky and the stars are shining, you may find that the actual seeing is unsteady. This will result in a washy image with little detail visible. Couple that with tube currents and you will struggle to see any detail.

Try focusing a star such as Polaris or Arcturus until it is a pin point and then take the focus inwards so that star image becomes a blob with rings (it should look like my avatar). You can also take the focus outwards and get a similair result. What you should see, in ideal conditions, would be a steady bullseye type effect with concentric rings.
What you will probaly get is the concentric rings with wavering eddies of air that pass across the light path of the tube. These are, simply, thermal air currents withen the tube and should, given an hour or so settle when the scope comes to equilibrium with the outside temp.
In our out of focus image you may also see flashing bands that move across the field of view which are caused by the bad seeing condions of the atmosphere.
When you try to observe a focused star it may appear to 'dance' across the field of view especially if under high magnification. Observing the planets under these conditions can be awful with detail almost invisible, in fact a sky that is slightly hazy can often result in a better image due to the air being staedy.

Video link that show tube currents:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed3fYJmgOIo

Bad seeing due to unsteady atmosphere:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=3SOQ-NUbyUo
17  General Chat / General Discussion / Re: Lot of stars out tonight on: 17-Nov-2011 21:35:12 GMT
Celestron are one of the better makes and also quality. Very popular 'scopes are the Skywatcher range, good size aperture at reasonable prices too. Have a look at this site:
http://www.firstlightoptics.com/az-goto.html

Hopefuly Brendan will come in on this chat as I think he is pretty up to date with what is what on the market. I bought my scopes a long time ago and will they will probaly see me out. I should add that BBC Star Gazing Live will be on in January 2012 and, as this year, stocks will be flying off the shelf and lots of people will be strugling to get them for a while after. Please don't rush into buying without chatting to us in person as there are many factors to look at.
How much are you preared to go up to?
What to do you want to observe?
Do you want to take images  or just observe visually?
How strong are you? How heavy a scope can you lift?
Do you want a scope that will fit in a car?
Many things to take into account and chat about.
18  Astronomical Equipment / Help and Advice / Re: Not really a new topic. on: 17-Nov-2011 20:49:48 GMT
Okay John, I think that I have sorted it out now. It was locked but not sure how or why. Give it another go.
19  General Chat / General Discussion / Re: Hi everyone on: 17-Nov-2011 20:47:49 GMT
Sory I missed you Lee but I didn't get there until 20:15. Cath up with you next week.
20  General Chat / General Discussion / Re: Lot of stars out tonight on: 17-Nov-2011 20:43:50 GMT
Lee, hang on to that money until you come and chat to us.
Better save it and get a good scope. An 8 inch reflecting telescope for sale at the mo for £300 (approx) but might be a bit big to start with!
21  Astronomical Equipment / Help and Advice / Re: apps on: 17-Nov-2011 20:36:42 GMT
Posted on behalf of John  Crockatt:
   
Not really a new topic.
« on: 16-Nov-2011 12:10:30 GMT »
   
I want to reply to the string under "Apps",  but when I go to the last message in that string there is no "reply" button for me to press.

If I go into the "Hi guys" string there is a reply button there. Strange !

If I could get a reply button in"Apps", this is what I would say.

"Planetarium is a first class App fo our purposes, and if it will work on your device it will do what you need.  It is freeware."
John Crockatt
22  Astronomical Equipment / Help and Advice / Re: apps on: 15-Nov-2011 18:17:55 GMT
I have not used one myself but a couple of the Wednesday group have and I was impresssed how easy it was to find the planets in the twighlight. If I come across any apps I will point them your way.
23  General Chat / General Discussion / Re: Hi guys on: 14-Nov-2011 20:45:08 GMT
Nice one Lee, might be worth looking at this link:
http://stargazerslounge.com/discussions-scopes-whole-setups/115337-any-ideas-what-like.html

An independent review, I do not need to say any more.
24  General Chat / General Discussion / Re: Hi guys on: 14-Nov-2011 20:12:36 GMT
Hi Lee, good to see that you are getting into astronomy and keen to have a telescope. Could I ask if you have actually handed over your money as yet and if not then make your way tp Pex Hill before you do. :-) I can't comment on a public forum  as regards to what are a good brand and which are not but I think a good gab at the obs with like minded people may worth the visit. Come over, any Wednesday evening, 7:00 pm onwards and ask for Brenden. or myself.
Regards from Dave.
25  Astronomical Equipment / Help and Advice / Re: Hello guys on: 17-Oct-2011 20:39:59 BST
Hi David, you are most welcome to visit us at the observatory any Wedneday evening. We are open from 19:00 and, hopefuly, if clear will have several scopes avaiable (16 inch Dobs) for observing. We are based in Cronton and can be found from the link below:
http://www.liverpoolas.org/content/view/18/37/

Ask for Brendan when you arrive, look forward to meeting you.
regards from Dave.
26  Events / Sidewalk Astronomy / Re: pex hill observing on: 27-Sep-2011 15:40:11 BST
Ahh Jimmy, you mean that Martin as in Brendan Martin. I'm with you now.
27  Astronomical Equipment / Help and Advice / Re: Eye Piece Advice on: 25-Sep-2011 16:09:10 BST
Hi David,
Sorry about the delay but a large group of us are over in Norfolk at the moment and will be bacl in liverpool and on line in the next day or so. I am sure some body in the know will be in touch soon.
Regards from Dave
28  General Chat / General Discussion / Re: Can we visit your Observatory on: 05-Sep-2011 17:47:16 BST
mmm......coffee :-)
Hope your day went well Julie and you managed to contact Brendan.
29  General Chat / General Discussion / Re: Can we visit your Observatory on: 04-Sep-2011 16:50:30 BST
Hi Julie, yes we would be only to happy for you to come and visit us next week. If you would like to contact me on xxxxxxxxxx or email me at xxxxxxxxxxxxxco.uk
cheers
Brendan (Observatory Director)

Hi Brendan, I was wondering if it might be best, once you have copied the telephone number, to remove it from the message incase a 'trawler' collects the numer to sell on to dodgy people!
30  General Chat / General Discussion / Re: 18 incher on: 01-Sep-2011 19:35:23 BST
Tell your wife that the 12 inch is going to be the finder scope.
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