[LVAS] Observing Session completed

[roger ivester]

All, 

 

I had an hour to observe tonight. I was able to accomplish setting up the small Celestron FirstScope in less than a few minutes.

 

I viewed all of the Auriga clusters with ease, could even see the dark lane in M-37. The cluster appeared very contentrated and rich. Some resolve of the brighter stars. 

 

A very good resolve of stars especially in the more course M-36 cluster. M-38 appeared as a sprinkling of pinpoints. 

 

M-1 or the Crab Nebula was very easy, presenting an elongated shape with a very even texture. The Orion Nebula was very surprising, taking up the entire field using a 20 mm Vixen LV and a 2x barlow for a full 1.7° FOV. Three of the trapezium stars could be seen easily at 50x, using a 12 mm Konig with a 2x barlow. The forth star was fleeting and I could not hold constantly. 

 

M-81 and M-82 looked great, presenting the shapes not much different than my 4-inch. Some details could be seen rather easily for my sketch. 

 

Again, the scope is smooth, easy to adjust the tension, and the focuser works extremely well. The secret is to use good EP's. A barlow really improves coma at the edge of the field. 

 

I set the scope up, observed all of the listed objects, did a sketch on M-36, M-37, the Crab nebula, M-42 including the trapezium, and M-81 and M-82. I then bought the scope in and wrote this observing report all within 1.5 hours. I also took some pictures and uploaded onto my computer for this e-mail. 

 

This scope performs as well or possibly better than the last 60 mm refractor that I owned. The views are not much different as compared to a very good quality 80 mm f/15 Japanese refractor that I had quite a few years ago.  

 

I will try to send my sketches out tomorrow. 

 

Best $42 dollars that I have ever spent for astronomy equipment. 

 

Time: 9:45 PM (EST) ... going to bed. 

 

Roger          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
    The moon and stars to govern the night.....   Psalm 136:9



 		 	   		  
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