After a long, rainy summer and way too much time spent working away from my telescopes, we finally had a clear night. I saw that jupiter was going to clear the side of my building at around 1 am and instead of using the FS 78 I decided I wanted to try the big gun for probably the first and last time this summer. I mounted my TOA 130 on the Teegul (I know, but it handled it. Not well as the vibration was terrible but if I put jupiter on the edge of the field it settled down by the time it reached the middle) I've never seen jupiter so clearly or just so LARGE in an eyepiece. Lots of bands visible in the southern hemisphere but no red (light tan) spot to be seen. Must be not there at this time or I need more time and practice. I had a good 20 minutes of spectacular views then the clouds set in. All in all a great time that made up for the terrible rainy and windy summer.
I can hardly wait until I have the time to head out of town for a few nights and use the scope on the mount designed for it. Maybe when I retire in 15 or 20 years.
I can hardly wait until I have the time to head out of town for a few nights and use the scope on the mount designed for it. Maybe when I retire in 15 or 20 years.
