Focusing and adding a barlow lens?

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Kagemusha
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Focusing and adding a barlow lens?

#1

Post by Kagemusha »


Hello,

I have a beginner scope (Celestron Omni 120az) and the skies cleared enough to finally see Jupiter for the first time.

As I played with the focus using the stock 10mm lens, it started as a bright white dot but to my surprise as I fiddled with the control knobs, I could see Jupiter properly and it’s faint bands.

It was a bit blurry and I could only see half of it for sone reason), not sure if it was due to being indoors behind my balcony window (it’s like minus 5 Celsius out) or some light clouds.

Would adding a barlow lens improve the view or just magnify what I currently see?

Hope I get the chance to head outside as it warms up.
Brand new to backyard astronomy and hoping to learn about astrophotography! Starting this journey with my son. 👨‍👦
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Scope: Stock Celestron Omni AZ120 w/ stock mount and eye pieces
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Ylem United States of America
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Re: Focusing and adding a barlow lens?

#2

Post by Ylem »


Sounds like unstable atmosphere AKA bad seeing conditions.

I usually switch to lower power EPs at that point and just enjoy the evening. A 12 or 15mm might give a sharper view at that point.

Edit; I seemed to miss that part about you being behind the window, (I need a coffee) that will cause problems.
Last edited by Ylem on Fri Dec 31, 2021 4:00 am, edited 1 time in total.
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10538 United States of America
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Re: Focusing and adding a barlow lens?

#3

Post by 10538 »


I definitely agree with Jeff but also looking through a glass window or even an open window will cause major issues with your viewing!
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Lady Fraktor Slovakia
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Re: Focusing and adding a barlow lens?

#4

Post by Lady Fraktor »


Looking through plate glass will definitely distort the view as well as looking through the heat layer on the outside of the glass.
Think of the heat waves you can see off paving or a vehicle roof on a hot day. You want to avoid this.
When outside and the telescope is acclimated properly the 10mm will work fine and Jupiter will show you more detail.
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Re: Focusing and adding a barlow lens?

#5

Post by Bigzmey »


Agreed with window been likely cause for the blurry view. You can do some observing through a window but at lower powers.
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Re: Focusing and adding a barlow lens?

#6

Post by Baurice »


The seeing can vary a lot from night to night without any visual clues as to why. I agree that seeing through a window does not help but if it is uncomfortably cold outside it is possibly better than not seeing anything at all.

One thing more experienced astronomers do is decide not to go out because of poor conditions, then complain that they haven't seen anything for weeks.

I hold my hand up and plead guilty to that.
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