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Sculptor Galaxy (NGC 253)

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Posts Made By: Anthony Lutton

July 26, 2006 03:09 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Re: My thoughts about go-to

Posted By Anthony Lutton
I love all three methods personally.

I started with an ETX-90EC. I'll always love that little guy. It was suprisingly accurate and easy to use (at least in my opinion).

I then moved to a C8 Deluxe with the celestron DSC computer. It worked great for a first "serious" scope. Once I figured out the "warp factor" crap, it worked fine for finding almost anything on my beginners charts.

I had a 8" LX200 for about 5 years and LOVED it. It never failed to impress me on the accuracy and precision of the pointing. I ended up selling it due to wanting more aperture and being short on cash :S

I now have a 14" dob and 80mm refractor (both without encoders) and really enjoy using them manually.

I say stick with whatever floats your boat. Afterall, it IS a hobby that is supposed to be enjoyable on a personal level. Who cares if someone else thinks you do it wrong?

July 26, 2006 03:14 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Dmitri's Visit...

Posted By Anthony Lutton
Wait a minute... you need a FAN when you observe!!?? Too hot for me.

August 12, 2006 04:30 AM Forum: Off Topic Discussions

Can anyone identify this spider?

Posted By Anthony Lutton
Pic 2

November 1, 2006 01:32 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Winter viewing/How to enjoy freezing my #$%@ off.

Posted By Anthony Lutton
Here is a post from 2004 about staying warm. I know there is a thread around here about scope usage in the cold as well.
http://www.astromart.com/forums/viewpost.asp?forum_post_id=272084&poll_id=&news_id=&page=5

July 2, 2007 07:18 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Televue 60

Posted By Anthony Lutton
I don't have one, but I did own a TV Pronto and TV85 at one point or another. If you are wondering about the scope itself, I'd assume it has the excellent fit and finish of any Televue telescope. Excellent optics, excellent mechanical feel and sharp appearance.

My only question is, why 60mm? That is a finderscope in my opinion smile

Unless you plan on using it as a spotter as well, I'd move up to 85mm +. At that size, the aperture:cost ratio is better.

July 4, 2007 08:07 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Too many scopes...Your suggestions?

Posted By Anthony Lutton
Anyone else see the thread title as:

"%#^ !#%$ &#@@$% ...Your suggestions?"

Maybe he used a phrase that is banned on Astromart? 8)

On a serious note, I find that 2 telescopes is a great compromise. I have my small scope (which has been an ETX-90, 80mm refractor and 3.5" reflector) and my larger scope (which has been a 10" dob, 8" SCT and 14" dob).

July 17, 2007 06:57 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Is it worth converting my 12" DOB to GO TO?

Posted By Anthony Lutton
Herb Barnett said:

Good day!

OK. By posing this question you probably can tell I'm a bit wet behind the ears.

I've had my 12" Deep Space Hunter DOB for a few years and dabbled off and on(much like the viewing conditions in southwest Washington). When I purchased the scope the kind folk at the shop did me a service by talking me out of the $4k goto model. Instead they recommended that I buy the DOB for $700 and LEARN the sky. My problem being is that my available time for viewing and good viewing don't match up as much as I'd like to. Frustration sets in blah blah blah....when I can find what I'm looking for. When I do find my target I have to hug this big ole tube to keep it aligned.

I have seen very few options available to computerize/GOTO my 12" DOB without breaking the bank. If anyone has info on this conversion that can be performed by a novice I would most appreciate the flyer. If your opinion is that I'm wasting my time please let me know.

Thanks,

IRScanMan

Herb, why not sell the dob here on Astromart and go for something like: http://tinyurl.com/2opy8u

It would be close to the same amount of money you have invested. It'd be a tiny bit smaller/lighter and have push-to capability. A number of club users in my area have these and they are quite nice.

If not, you can invest ~$500 in something like http://www.skyeng.com/ and get virtually the same thing.

July 24, 2007 02:56 PM Forum: After Dark

Rover's are still alive!

Posted By Anthony Lutton
These things are amazing. I still check the JPL website every few days to see new pictures.

July 31, 2007 10:04 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Cluster Questions

Posted By Anthony Lutton
Lee,
Check out http://www.thinkastronomy.com/M13/index.html

A great little program for getting an overall feel of what our galaxy and it's inhabitants are up too.

August 23, 2007 04:09 PM Forum: ASTRONOMY

Astronomy - Oberserving/Hours/Quitting Time

Posted By Anthony Lutton
If I'm at home, I hardly ever observe longer than a few hours. 10pm-1am during the summer months and 8pm-12am during the winter. On the weekends when I go out to our club dark sky site (80 mins away) it is typically until the moon interferes or morning.

I'm a strictly visual observer, so the length I'm outside usually depends on the seeing conditions. Temperature usually doesn't bother me, but sometimes dew will force me to come in. Bleh!

The last few weekends (from 3/4 moon to last weekend) I've been out Friday or Saturday night pulling all nighters. Other than the humidity, temperature and schedules have been excellent.

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