Jul 31, 2010

Big Jupiter

I have the new scope running very well now. The mirrors are collimated (aligned) pretty well now, the mirror still cools off really slowly but I installed some computer fans and I've figured out how to use them to best blow the tube currents out of the way while imaging. I also took a nice focuser off another scope and put it on the new one as an upgrade, added a motorized filter wheel, and am using an extension tube to squeeze out some more magnification. This pic is Jupiter & Co from Friday morning, taken in average conditions with clouds moving in and out of the area. Click on if for the full version!