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Terry Wood

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Taking the plunge

Started by [email protected], 01/05/2015 06:20PM
Posted 01/05/2015 06:20PM | Edited 01/05/2015 06:22PM Opening Post
Santa brought our family a Celestron PowerSeeker 70AZ for Christmas (with the red dot LED finderscope). We have a large east-facing window in our house and setup the 'scope indoors after freezing outside a few nights. I got the bug looking at Jupiter a few days in a row--and also the moon which was almost full. With Jupiter I could see two moons as small white dots and Jupiter also looked like a larger white dot with even the most powerful optics that came bundled with the $50 telescope. It sparked an interest that had laid dormant and I had to see more detail.

We purchased a well treated Celestron C8-A XLT on a CG5 ASGT with the GPS attachment. It actually hasn't arrived yet. I've tried to slow down a bit on ordering odds and ends before it arrives and I see what's what. I have ordered various filters (including OIII) and the f/6.3 reducer. I have an interest in astrophotography and have been reading posts on here as well as information on other sites. I discovered there's an astronomical society within a few miles from my house and have filled out the application.

I have all sorts of questions and don't really know what to ask first. So, I'm basically just introducing myself... I've appreciated Uncle Rod's posts and blog and affection for the C8 + CG5 ASGT. When I bought the C8 and mount I actually hadn't done any research. I'm really grateful that luck was on my side and I actually got something decent. =)

When the new scope arrives, should I take it for a spin or is there a checklist of things to inspect/clean/lube first? It's a used setup. I'm not shy about disassembling things and already read one of the howtos.

Attached Image:

brucesdad13@gmail.com's attachment for post 58987

~ Charlie Stevenson

8" f/5.7 String Telescope - 1st Scope Build; 2nd Place Stellafane 2016 Optical Award for Newtonians 12.5" and Smaller
10" f/4.5 Newtonian (June 2015) mirror refigured by Optic Wave Labs P-V WaveFront 1/14.24, Strehl Ratio 0.993 (Aug '15)
Criterion RV-6 seems to be circa 1973 (June 2015) [For Sale]
Celestron C8-A XLT (January 2015) [For Sale]
Celestron PowerSeeker 70AZ (Christmas 2014)
Aldrich Astronomical Society member since 2015
http://astro.charleskelleystevenson.com/
Posted 01/05/2015 06:49PM #1
Congrats Charles....that's how it begins. My 1st was a old beat up 8" celestron dob I gave $200 for with three EP's. You and your family should get many many hours of enjoyment out of your choice. The C8's are a great 1st real scope and are very capable..... I would highly recommend you think on a set of binoviewers for it. There is no substitute for being able to use both eyes......not necessary by any means but it sure adds a WOW factor over single EP viewing.

20" MidnighTelescopes f/5
8" f/16 Muffoletto Achro
Meade 6" AR6 f/8.0 Achro
Celestron C11
Parallax PI250 10" F/5 Newt
Vixen FL102S,NA140SS,R200SS
80mm Stellarvue Nighthawk with WO APOupgrade lens, 90mm f/16.67 Parallax Achro
LXD75/LX200, Mini-tower, GP-DX, CG5 ASGT, LXD650, GM-8, G11, GM-100, GM-150EX, GM-200 and a Gemini G40
4" portable AP convertable 44" or 70" pier
Stellarvue M7 Alt-Az, TSL7 Pier/Tripod
12.5" f/5 MidnighTelescopes DOB Swayze optics
Monroe GA
Posted 01/15/2015 09:50PM #2
I bought my first copy of the famed Observer's Handbook 2015 and it arrived today. =) Looking forward to reading it cover to cover and hopefully become more conversant wink

Attached Image:

brucesdad13@gmail.com's attachment for post 149144

~ Charlie Stevenson

8" f/5.7 String Telescope - 1st Scope Build; 2nd Place Stellafane 2016 Optical Award for Newtonians 12.5" and Smaller
10" f/4.5 Newtonian (June 2015) mirror refigured by Optic Wave Labs P-V WaveFront 1/14.24, Strehl Ratio 0.993 (Aug '15)
Criterion RV-6 seems to be circa 1973 (June 2015) [For Sale]
Celestron C8-A XLT (January 2015) [For Sale]
Celestron PowerSeeker 70AZ (Christmas 2014)
Aldrich Astronomical Society member since 2015
http://astro.charleskelleystevenson.com/