The perfect after-work urban astronomy small scope set up
What low-price point small goto scopes would you recommend for after-work urban astronomy emphasizing doubles, lunar and planetary observing? In continuation of my question on the iOptron SmartCube, my observing objectives for 2009 involves returning to my 2007 program of after-work observing from the Salt Lake Valley and practicing on a nightly basis. Of SLAS ideal urban setups, I'd have to list Charlie Green who has imaged down to mag 14 from a permanently mounted background observatory. My own situtation is a little different. I rent and do not own. Although I have set up my 10" outside my back door, like expensive camera gear, telescopes seem to be some type of catnip for the local juvenile deliquents. I have a neighbor who is home during the day and reports to me when the local after school jds are walking around testing doors and windows. (This is a relatively upscale Avenues neighborhood.) This kind of activity seems to be correlated to whenever I set up the large telescope outside. I have been considering a small scope setup for after-work double star, lunar and planetary observing. The key criteria are light weight, setup and align in under 5 minutes and - goto capability. I consider goto to be a must feature for light-polluted urban astronomy, since too much time can be lost doing right-angle slews where there are minimal or no reference stars to traverse between a bright nearby alignment star and the target. For this purpose, I have used both straight alt-az mounted refractors and currently am trying the EQ1 manual small reflector with manual slewing. Since I came into a free but fundamentally sound 4 1/2" reflector, I was thinking in terms of buying a light-weight mount with goto capability. The other obvious option is an ETX with an egg-beater mount. Since in part, much of the future of amateur astronomy is inherently urban astronomy under light polluted skies, what are the best options for a small grab-n-go goto mounted scope that does not involve conspicous consumption overpricing. Clear Skies - Kurt
I would pick the Celestron - NexStar 6SE. Very good pointing and easy setup. I would get a dew shield for it. This unit is light enough to carry out of the house completely assembled. The OPT people recommended it over the Meade 5" ETX's. Alternatively, if you don't need tracking, then the Orion 6" IntelliScope for $399.95 has manual goto and delivers superb images rivaling a 5" APO. This is because of the longer focal ratio. It is superior to the 8" and larger Orion Dobs on the planets because of the greater focal ratio (i.e. correction is not as critical at longer focal ratios). I got one for my grandson and was amazed at the views of Saturn and Jupiter. This unit can also be carried out completely assembled and you don't need a dew shield. See: http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=dobsonians/~pcategory= telescopes/~product_id=27182 -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Canopus56 Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 12:54 PM To: Utah Astronomy List Serv Subject: [Utah-astronomy] The perfect after-work urban astronomy small scope set up What low-price point small goto scopes would you recommend for after-work urban astronomy emphasizing doubles, lunar and planetary observing? In continuation of my question on the iOptron SmartCube, my observing objectives for 2009 involves returning to my 2007 program of after-work observing from the Salt Lake Valley and practicing on a nightly basis. Of SLAS ideal urban setups, I'd have to list Charlie Green who has imaged down to mag 14 from a permanently mounted background observatory. My own situtation is a little different. I rent and do not own. Although I have set up my 10" outside my back door, like expensive camera gear, telescopes seem to be some type of catnip for the local juvenile deliquents. I have a neighbor who is home during the day and reports to me when the local after school jds are walking around testing doors and windows. (This is a relatively upscale Avenues neighborhood.) This kind of activity seems to be correlated to whenever I set up the large telescope outside. I have been considering a small scope setup for after-work double star, lunar and planetary observing. The key criteria are light weight, setup and align in under 5 minutes and - goto capability. I consider goto to be a must feature for light-polluted urban astronomy, since too much time can be lost doing right-angle slews where there are minimal or no reference stars to traverse between a bright nearby alignment star and the target. For this purpose, I have used both straight alt-az mounted refractors and currently am trying the EQ1 manual small reflector with manual slewing. Since I came into a free but fundamentally sound 4 1/2" reflector, I was thinking in terms of buying a light-weight mount with goto capability. The other obvious option is an ETX with an egg-beater mount. Since in part, much of the future of amateur astronomy is inherently urban astronomy under light polluted skies, what are the best options for a small grab-n-go goto mounted scope that does not involve conspicous consumption overpricing. Clear Skies - Kurt _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://gallery.utahastronomy.com Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
participants (2)
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Canopus56 -
Don J. Colton