Image of the day

Captured by
Gary Taylor

M27 - Dumbell Nebula

About Astromart

My Account

New to Astromart?

Register an account...

Need Help?

Posts Made By: Walt Soderman

February 28, 2009 03:26 AM Forum: Celestron

Wedge Orientation - C8 Deluxe

Posted By Walt Soderman
Any reason why it would be bad to rotate my wedge and use the 'other' set of holes to mount my C8? I'd like to sit directly behind the scope and observe, but the tripod leg goes straight back if I use the threaded holes for the wedge. The additional holes are not threaded, but I could purchase machine screws, washers and nuts to secure, I think. The C8 owners manual says to use the threaded holes, which I do realize are located directly above each tripod leg. I assume this provides the best stability, right? Anybody tried using the other set of holes?

Walt

March 1, 2009 06:10 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Is Mars-Eye Finder same as Giant Mars Finder?

Posted By Walt Soderman
Are these the same? I see great reviews that are several years old for the Giant Mars Finder, but I can only locate the Mars-Eye Finder for sale. The few pictures I find look somewhat different, and the one-line write-up at Apogee for the Mars-Eye Finder doesn't mention the green dot feature of the Giant Mars Finder.

Walt

March 20, 2009 02:51 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Focuser Travel & 2" Diagonal on Celestron 80ED

Posted By Walt Soderman
Hi! I purchased a Celestron 80ED and replaced the stock diagonal with a 2" Celestron #93519. Tonight I noticed that with some eyepieces (and particularly with my Ultima barlow) I can't get focus because the focuser will not travel inward quite far enough. It appears that the problem may be with a threaded ring on the 2" diagonal that is not necessary with the 80ED but actually prevents sliding the 2" diagonal closer to the end of the focuser. The threaded ring is 'captive' to the diagonal and therefore can't be removed. Is this diagonal incompatible with the 80ED? What exactly is the problem, and how can I fix it without cutting off the ring on the 2" diagonal?

Thanks for your help.

Walt

March 20, 2009 11:04 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Dealing with eyepieces...

Posted By Walt Soderman
This may sound pretty basic to most folks, but I have not been able to figure out the best way to bring along and juggle eyepieces without it being a hassle. I don't want to drag a case of eyepieces outside, but I don't like eyepieces rolling around in the bottom of my backpack of other stuff...and keeping up with the caps in the dark (leave 'em off, cap/uncap constantly?). I like those nifty platforms with holes for eyepieces that you can use to accessorize a mount, but then I figure dew will be gathering on all my eyepieces sitting out. What have you found to work best for you?

Walt

March 22, 2009 03:16 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Pronouncing funky star names

Posted By Walt Soderman
I continually read the star names. I know that some of them originate with Arabic translations of Greek names as well as other origins...but none of that helps me pronounce these things. What is your pronunciation guide for the star names (and some constellations)? Do you folks just show up at star parties and wait to hear how somebody else says it? How do you go from reading it, to pronouncing it for the first time without ever having heard it...without sounding like an idiot? :S

Walt

December 20, 2009 12:06 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

The Night Sky Planisphere...Is It Just Me?

Posted By Walt Soderman
Everybody seems to love Chandler's Night Sky Planisphere...but me. I bought one, but find myself continually frustrated by the fact that when using the south-facing side, the planisphere coverage does not extend to the zenith. It seems freaky to have to flip to the north-facing side in order to see the higher sky towards the south. Facing north is terrific. Facing south gives me that 'looking through a straw' feeling, making it more difficult to 'get the big picture'. Am I not using this thing properly? I understand that this planisphere is designed to more accurately represent proportion, but I'm thinking of switching to one that lets me see more of the southern sky...even if not in ideal proportion. Any advice?

Walt

March 22, 2010 02:11 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Measuring Transparency

Posted By Walt Soderman
My understanding is that transparency is measured by determining the limiting magnitude (magnitude of faintest star visible to the naked eye). But doesn't light pollution influence this, as well? How, then, do I accurately measure transparency in the presence of light pollution?

Walt

March 24, 2010 12:51 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Measuring Transparency

Posted By Walt Soderman
Walt Soderman said:

My understanding is that transparency is measured by determining the limiting magnitude (magnitude of faintest star visible to the naked eye). But doesn't light pollution influence this, as well? How, then, do I accurately measure transparency in the presence of light pollution?

Walt

Funding Member

Sponsors


View all sponsors

Search