Short Visual Report - Yes, A Visual Report!

[Juno16]

I love imaging. From my Bortle 7 skies, I tweak out images that make me happy.

Imaging is very challenging and has many variables. That’s what makes it so enjoyable. What is even more challenging is constantly battling the desire to buy new gear and software. The draw to get better images almost borders on an addiction!

Anyway, I bought a new imaging scope earlier in the year. A Sharpstar 61 EDPHII APO to get better wide field images with my smallish sensor ASI533. I love this little dude!

When I bought the Sharpstar, I remember posting that I could configure my Explore Scientific ED102 for visual while the Sharpstar was in service imaging wider-field nebulae.

Well, I actually did that!

At F7, the ES scope isn’t the perfect visual scope especially in my lp, but the crispness of the stars is wonderful.

Took awhile to get around to it. I had to do some work on the ES focuser after removing the electronic focus motor (there’s that budget again), but it is a good thing that I did. I probably thwarted focuser issues ahead.

I must say, the white ES ED102 on the new white HEQ5 Pro mount looks smashing!

Setup is so easy for visual compared to imaging. Plug in the powertank and just set the mount up on my imaging bricks (North) and start the Star alignment with the HC.

After about 20 minutes of “growing pains“ (stupid stuff), I got the first star aligned. The second alignment star was a snap.

I created a small observation list in SkySafari of mainly doubles to get started.

Observations:

Leaving the 12mm reticle eyepiece in place, I moved to Saturn for a peek.

Fairly nice smallish view with the 12mm (60x), so I plopped in my old favorite ep, the Agena Starguider 8mm (89x) and then the Celestron X-Cel 5mm (143x). The seeing actually supported the 5mm with a fairly crisp view. The Cassini Division was evident as was some planetary details.

Went back to the 8mm Agena eyepiece and on to Jupiter.

Pow! Nice view! Back in went the X-Cel 5mm for a finer view!

The two main cloud bands (zones) were popping. I think that the view would have been even better with a uhc filter (I have one somewhere), but even without the filter, planetary details were sharp. Had the GRS been visible at the time, I’m sure I would have been able to spot it.

Tried for the Saturn Nebula and Cat’s Eye nebula and both were there as blobbish and detail-less. Probably because of the bright moon.

Moved to both Messier 2and 15 globular’s. Both fairly bright and large in the 8mm, but I couldn’t resolve single stars. Again, possibly the moonlight reducing the contrast.

Then on to some doubles.

HR 4893, Almach (Gamma Andromedae), Albireo (Beta Cygni), Alberio (Beta Cygni), Alfirk (Beta Cephei), Achird (Eta Cassiopeiae).

Of course, the double standard (pun intended), Alberio was magnificent as always. Bright, colorful, and nicely separated. Also, Almach is just as beautiful, but just slightly more dim.
Achird was really an awesome view with the bright yellow-white main star and much dimmer crystal clear golden dot of the secondary star.

After getting set up, I spent about 1 ½ hours viewing.

The goto’s of the HEQ5 was really spot on with a two star alignment. I found the HC quite easy to navigate (after being used to the Celestron). Maybe a bit easier actually.

I started viewing about 6 years ago and later joined AF in 2016 (hence the 16 in Juno16). About 2 ½ years ago I started dabbling in AP. Not the track record of many folks here, but at 66 its never too late.

Sorry for getting so long winded!

I had a great time and will certainly be out again. At least until galaxy season where the ED102 will be back in imaging service!

[helicon]

Great report Jim and I see that you have come back over to the visual side of things, at least for one night! Thanks for the descriptions for your observations and congrats on earning a well-deserved VROD for today!

[John Donne]

Excellent report Jim !
I have enjoyed reading...it Is NOT long winded...

And...VROD YEA !

[kt4hx]

Very happy to see you out visualizing jim! While I understand that you love imaging and all the dynamics associated with it, there is something special about the unique pleasure of seeing things with your own eyes in real time that brings a visceral enjoyment. Well done my friend and congrats on the VROD.

[Juno16]

Great report Jim and I see that you have come back over to the visual side of things, at least for one night! Thanks for the descriptions for your observations and congrats on earning a well-deserved VROD for today!

Thanks Michael! I surely did not expect that!

I definitely do plan another visual outing. It is really a completely different side of the sky! I did start out there and enjoy it very much.

Excellent report Jim !
I have enjoyed reading...it Is NOT long winded...

And...VROD YEA !

Thanks Mark! I really enjoyed it and will keep it up as long as the ED102 is free.

After the refresher in visual, doing both is the best of both worlds! I think that AP is more appreciated if you also do visual and likewise, visual is better after doing AP.

Thanks buddy!

[Juno16]

Very happy to see you out visualizing jim! While I understand that you love imaging and all the dynamics associated with it, there is something special about the unique pleasure of seeing things with your own eyes in real time that brings a visceral enjoyment. Well done my friend and congrats on the VROD.

Me too Alan and thank you!

Yes, seeing real time is special. Looking back into the Skysafari lists that I have made in the past, I found many of them to be early morning before dawn. I used to enjoy taking out the 130SLT before work some mornings. Great way to start the day out! Of course, no work mornings any more!

[messier 111]

love it, thx .

[John Baars]

Great! Welcome again to the classical visual part of the hobby.
Nice report, you saw some real beauties.
VROD sprang into my mind immediately, congratulations!

[turboscrew]

Nice report. Could have read more...
Anyway, congrats on the VROD!

[Makuser]

Hello Jim. A very nice and informative visual report from you here. And you did a great job of explaining your thought processes as you went along on your session. Thanks for posting this well written report Jim and congratulations on receiving a well deserved TSS VROD Award today.

[Bigzmey]

Nice back to visual report Jim! I would say that F7 scope is perfect for visual, not too fast not too slow, just right.

[Juno16]

Thanks M111 @messier 111 , John @John Baars, Juha @turboscrew, Marshall @Makuser, and Bigz @Bigzmey !!!

It is nice to jump over here with you fellows!!!

Yes I had some really super targets to see and was rewarded well. A very low stress and relaxing session.

The only difficult part was to stop. My wife was waiting for me to watch a movie! I will be planning an early morning session soon.