(meteorobs) OT: Telescopes

[Kim Hay]

Hi Kim

> It's OT time of year!
>
> I'm considering (strongly) buying my first decent telescope within the
> next month.  I had some experience using the Celestron nexstar goto scopes
> last year, which sort of lit the fire to own one myself.

good for you.
>
> But a bit of looking around has shown me that I could get much better
> aperture for far less money if I forget the computereized slewing
> functions and go with a dobsonian mount.  Right now I'm considering a
> Celestron 12" dobsonian.

We have an 8" Skywatcher, and enjoy it immensely. I can move it around
quite easily, however, we add a milk crate underneath for height, so you
don't have to bend over as far (bad back syndrome)

We took our 8" out west in a van , over gravel roads, and it stayed
aligned.  Our scope weighs around 30 lbs.

I like the dobs, more light power for the dollar, but it really depends on
if you want trackability or not.

> Oh, and to get us back on topic, I'll probably try my hand at telescopic
> meteors...

Early this morning - I was out finishing up my Messier list, looking at my
last Messier (M86) and a very fast meteor went through the field.

Awesome, it was a great morning (2:00-3:45 am) -4C, frost on everything,
train whistle in the distance, water flowing from the local falls, and
geese honking, with the cyotes running a muck in the fields.

Oh yes, Saturn and Jupiter were excellent as well.





Kim Hay
http://www.starlightcascade.ca
Observatory & Gardens