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PHIL HARRINGTON'S COSMIC CHALLENGE

 * Cosmic Challenge: NGC 2403
   
   PhilH - Feb 28 2024 09:37 AM



SKETCHING CONTEST


FEBRUARY 2024 SKETCHING CONTEST WINNER IS ROBERT ASUMENDI. CONGRATULATIONS
ROBERT ON YOUR SOLAR ACTIVE REGION SKETCH.







THIS MONTH

 * The Skies of March, 2024
   
   cookman - Mar 21 2024 03:39 PM



THE ALPO LUNAR OBSERVER

 * Lunar observations from amateur astronomers around the world including those
   here on Cloudy Nights.
 * ALPO March 2024 The Lunar Observer
   
   
   Feb 29 2024 09:59 PM

 * ALPO February 2024 The Lunar Observer
   
   
   Jan 31 2024 10:48 PM




ALPO COMET NEWS

ALPO Comet News for March 2024

Mar 01 2024 04:26 PM



RECENT TOPICS

 * Sun WL 23.03.24 + realtime video
   
   igorrr - Today, 02:07 PM
   
   Solar Observing and Imaging

 * Thumb screw names,
   
   Princess Leah - Today, 01:55 PM
   
   Equipment (No astrophotography)

 * Camera, etc. suggestions - for novice AP hobbyist
   
   lsintampa - Today, 01:55 PM
   
   Beginning Deep Sky Imaging

 * Tutorial on Focusing
   
   rigelsys - Today, 01:53 PM
   
   Vendor and Group Announcements

 * Rear port adapter for a ETX?
   
   CHASLX200 - Today, 01:49 PM
   
   Cats & Casses

 * AR3615 Big Solar Flares! Full Disc & High Res H-alpha | March 23rd 2024
   
   MalVeauX - Today, 01:22 PM
   
   Solar Observing and Imaging

 * Kudos to Lunt Solar Systems
   
   racunniff - Today, 01:18 PM
   
   Solar Observing and Imaging

 * Rigel Systems 40th Year Website Update
   
   rigelsys - Today, 12:48 PM
   
   Vendor and Group Announcements

 * Masking tape for lens blackening?
   
   asmart - Today, 12:21 PM
   
   ATM, Optics and DIY Forum

 * How to adjust the ES 127ED Hex focuser?
   
   K Gephart - Today, 12:13 PM
   
   Refractors



RECENT ADDITIONS

 * EQM35 Pro - getting it working right
   
   Mar 01 2024 09:25 AM by Gianluca67
   
   The EQM35 Pro is a good grab&go mount to go to your favourite dark site with
   a measured photographic payload of about 7 kgs. It can track the sky very
   well but it needs some tweaking to get it work right. Adjusting the
   engagement between worm and worm gears on both axis as well as releasing a
   bit the central nuts of both axis are operations of vital importance to get
   good guiding. It will never perform like an Astrophysics but overall it can
   be a good mount if you want a lightweight, portable mount to use with scopes
   up to 6” under dark skies.

 * Review of a discarded 2003 National Geographic Society 50mm Refractor
   
   Feb 25 2024 12:10 PM by timmywampus
   
   The scope, as tested for this review, would be one that I would be willing to
   give to a person that I did not like, but even then, I like astronomy too
   much to spite someone away from the hobby. For free, this telescope was worth
   picking up and providing a day’s worth of entertainment, but I would rather
   spend $27.99 on other equipment. Conclusion: Do not buy, whether in “Classic”
   or “Modern Era” trim.

 * Daystar Filters’ SR-127 ‘QT’ Dedicated Hydrogen Alpha Solar Telescope
   (Chromosphere Model)
   
   Jan 31 2024 01:33 PM by RHannahoe
   
   In the end, all of my friend’s and my work testing the telescope and
   documenting in detail its deficiencies against its stated specifications were
   a waste of time and energy, and ultimately changed nothing. Daystar would not
   stand behind its product. At this point, I would never purchase another
   telescope from them.



CLOUDY NIGHTS ANNOUNCEMENTS


ON NEW YEAR’S EVE…

31 Dec 2023
...the moderator and administrator staff here at Cloudy Nights would like to
wish you a Happy New Year.  And here’s to clear skies and good health for all
throughout 2024! Full topic ›


ON CHRISTMAS EVE…

24 Dec 2023
...the moderator and administrator staff here at Cloudy Nights would like to
wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and a wonderful holiday season.  And
here’s to clear skies and good health for all throughout the rest of 2023 and on
int... Full topic ›



USER REVIEWS

 * Review of a discarded 2003 National Geographic Society 50mm Refractor
   
   Feb 25 2024 12:10 PM by timmywampus
   
   The scope, as tested for this review, would be one that I would be willing to
   give to a person that I did not like, but even then, I like astronomy too
   much to spite someone away from the hobby. For free, this telescope was worth
   picking up and providing a day’s worth of entertainment, but I would rather
   spend $27.99 on other equipment. Conclusion: Do not buy, whether in “Classic”
   or “Modern Era” trim.

 * Daystar Filters’ SR-127 ‘QT’ Dedicated Hydrogen Alpha Solar Telescope
   (Chromosphere Model)
   
   Jan 31 2024 01:33 PM by RHannahoe
   
   In the end, all of my friend’s and my work testing the telescope and
   documenting in detail its deficiencies against its stated specifications were
   a waste of time and energy, and ultimately changed nothing. Daystar would not
   stand behind its product. At this point, I would never purchase another
   telescope from them.

 * Software Bisque Paramount MyT 10 Year Review
   
   Jan 29 2024 08:16 AM by cchinckley
   
   While a long time ago, I was educated as a physicist and was a power engineer
   until I migrated to other areas of the power industry. Mine is a useful
   perspective to bring to a review of the electro-mechanical equipment used in
   astrophotography, and I am reviewing my Paramount MyT mount after about 10
   years of use. Here is the punch line: while there is serial defect and a
   series of lessons learned, I love this mount and the Software Bisque company,
   and their support of this product is flawless. I have experience with other
   mid-size mounts as well.

 * Unitron Model 114 - a quick look
   
   Jan 28 2024 03:49 PM by bmwscopeguy
   
   If today’s entry level scopes could offer this combination of optical
   performance and smooth/rigid mounts – the manufacturers wouldn’t be bedeviled
   by constant negative reviews.

 * Review of the 20” f/3.4 Reginato Supermaser
   
   Nov 30 2023 01:10 PM by davidefg
   
   It is difficult to find downsides for such a telescope. There are certainly
   some aspects that can be improved, as I pointed out in the review, but
   overall it is a jewel. The best proof is that since I have it I used the
   Takahashi four times: twice to compare it to the Supermaser and twice for
   observations with friends (one of them broke his leg and couldn’t reach the
   eyepiece with the Supermaser).

 * Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ
   
   Oct 30 2023 11:27 AM by bmwscopeguy
   
   Bottom line: They’re worthless – don’t buy one. If someone gives you one, put
   it in the garbage and cut them out of your will. They put out so much good
   astro gear. I can only think that this scope and other bargain basement
   scopes must fall under a different division. But I suppose as long as
   Walmart, Costco and the rest of the retailers can sell them to an
   unsuspecting public – it will continue. Celestron should be embarrassed to
   sell this scope. I can only wonder how many budding astronomists have been
   turned off by scopes like these?

 * North Star Equatorial Platform
   
   Oct 30 2023 11:11 AM by Feidb
   
   If you’ve got a light scope and don’t mind the gross lack of precision, this
   might be the platform for you, but I wouldn’t use anything larger than a 12,
   and that’s pushing it, if you can even get it undamaged right out of the box.
   I’ve heard other stories of it working fine especially if tweaked, but in my
   experience it was an expensive failed lesson.

 * OGMA AP26CC Review
   
   Sep 30 2023 12:52 PM by WhooptieDo
   
   Overall, I am very happy with my OGMA. It's much more reliable than my QHY
   has ever been. Juan has been super receptive to my communications, and I have
   no doubt that if something did go wrong, he'd be 100% behind his product. I
   am still tweaking some settings, and will likely start running 180 second
   exposures as well. If you’re an astrophotographer living in the US, I think
   this one should be a no-brainer.

 * iOptron HAZ-46 Alt Azi Mount Review
   
   Sep 30 2023 12:16 PM by urright4me
   
   I would recommend the HAZ46 mount to anyone that wants a rock solid,
   portable, easy to use mount with excellent GoTo, tracking, and sharp star
   tracking (for up to 30s exposures as tested). It is an expensive mount and
   does not fit every pocket book, so price is one negative aspect especially
   for imaging aficionados who may not want to pay a lot for a simple alt-azi
   mount. I cannot comment on long term astrophotography, however, after
   shooting about 15-20, 30 second exposures with my dslr’s I am very pleased
   with how tight the stars appear. I am happy to say that the HAZ46 strain wave
   gear/motor control system is a vast improvement over the older MiniTower2,
   etc. which I have used for many years. The HAZ46 Mount is a keeper and will
   be fielded at both of the upcoming eclipses for solar imaging and viewing.

 * Brandon Vernonscope 94mmF7 APO first impressions.
   
   Aug 30 2023 03:31 PM by bmwscopeguy
   
   I am fascinated by the scope. It is simple, elegant, well made and performs
   well (in limited testing) – and it has a history, which I always consider
   important. (will your Uber Chinese APO still be around in 50 years with a
   story to tell…?)

 * A quick review of the iStar Phantom FCL 140-6.5
   
   Jun 27 2023 09:15 AM by Stonemeister
   
   I think Ales went the extra mile to make a telescope that can please many
   amateur astronomers. Affordable, excellent glass, and a well thought out
   ring, plate, and handle system. Mine came fully assembled and ready to go
   from Starizona.

 * Explore Scientific, 16 inch / F 4.5 Truss tube Dobsonian
   
   Jun 27 2023 07:40 PM by Mariner13
   
   Yes, it is huge and yes it is heavy but it is exactly as advertised. It is
   absolutely portable. I could dismantle and stow the whole rig, the wife and 1
   and a half kids into my hatchback and drive a 100 Kms without too much
   discomfort. The next time would be a Bortle class 2 sky some 190 Kms away. I
   suppose we will take breaks more often along the way to stretch our legs. The
   mirror box is heavy but nothing that an able backed person couldn’t handle.
   Anyone interested in this one has my whole hearted endorsement.


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