Suffice it to say it was the first attempt on the new Alt Az mount. I was able to pan around the skies between Gemini, Taurus, and Auriga which was simply breathtaking in terms of a rich field experience.
I saw several knots of stars, a double reminiscent of Albireo in the summer and many groupings just on the edge of the small scope's capabilities, most of which were unresolved. By 4:20 the fog started rising from the lake and the moist forest ground, so the stars at that point were dwindling towards invisibility.
Still a nice experience of the Winter sky. I aimed to see the Flaming Star nebula which appeared nebulous and crowned by its associated cluster. This was the Auriga target rather than the showy M36-M37-M38 combo. I last observed the object several years ago with my Z10 before the advent of
In terms of views, the 25mm Plossl performed capably and presented a flat field with no curvature or
If the fog lifts I will likely add a second early morning session before sunrise. By that time, Leo will have come into view, so I'd like to observe M65 and M66 through the 102 mm scope. I'd rate the skies at
