Been very happy with this one

Posted by blue on October 06, 1998 at 21:45:03:

In Reply to: rpcman: Astronomy? posted by Fishfeet on October 06, 1998 at 19:31:04:

: I would like to ask you a few questions regarding astronomy.

: 1) Polar alignment
: 2) What refractor to buy?
: 3) Are reflecters out of the question in poor veiwing areas?(Metro Light)

17 years ago I bought an 8" Scmidt-Cassegrain, and I have been happy with it ever since. It's much more portable than a Newtonia, and leaves you in a better viewing position as well. An equatorial mount is a must, and a clock drive is really nice, too.

I had bought a refractor before, but I would not recommend a refractor to anyone doing astronomy -- it's just too tough to find a good, large lens.

Polar alignment just takes a lot of practice. It helps a lot to first find out your exact latitude, to a hundredth of a degree, and set your mount at that angle. Then level you tripod as one would a transit.

Light pollution is a real drag, but there are plenty of bright objects out there to start with, then when you get a chance to get out into the country, you'll be in for a treat. Again, that's why the Schmidt-Cassegrain is worth the extra bucks. You'll want portability.

Also, don't try to save a few dollars with cheap eyepieces, they make a world of difference. Get the 1.25" ones and not the little metric ones, if you can.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

blue