Observing Log 24 July 2022

I had tried to set up the scope and have it do a 2 star alignment a couple of weeks ago, but the battery charge got too low before I could finish. I ordered the AC adapter, and it arrived a few days later. This was the first time I had a chance to get out and try it.

I picked a spot that gave decent views of the southern sky and set three flat paving blocks where the tripod legs would be. Power was run using an extension cord from the wood shop.I set up the telescope at about 23:00.

The 2 star alignment function worked well. The only issue was that one of the stars I picked to try wasn't listed in the catalogue, so I had to pick another. Where I set up trees blocked the north and northeast skies. This limited my choices somewhat.

Tried out the Sky Tour function. Still using the 25mm eyepiece. Some of the objects were hidden behind the trees or were still below the ridge line to the east. Did get a good view of Andromeda. No fine detail, but an elongated oval area, with a definite bluish tint. Tried to see the Blue Snowball Nebula, but didn't separate it from the cluster of stars.

I shifted to Saturn. Images were much steadier than last time. I tried the 9mm eyepiece, but couldn't get it back in the view area. Changed to 13mm, that worked well. Also saw at least one of the moons of Saturn.

A significant amount of my time was spent just learning some controller functions. While in Sky Tour mode, it wouldn't let me manually slew to another target. I backed out of that mode, and it still wouldn't work. I had to turn the mount off and back on again to regain manual function. That loses your alignment. I also kept accidentally grabbing one of the adjustment knobs on the red dot finder, instead of the dimmer/on-off switch. I need to get it out in the daylight and reset it.


So I still need much more time to learn the system well.




 

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