Beginner/Amateur Setup 2022

For people new to astronomy who want to ask those questions that they were afraid to ask. Receive helpful answers here.
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taikiat
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2022 2:29 pm
Favourite scope: Celestron Nexstar 6SE

Re: Beginner/Amateur Setup 2022

Post by taikiat »

So, a mixed bag of feelings.
Brought my scope to Astro where even the technical staff was not confident of restoring the optics, and would have set me back 300 bucks. Really felt lousy to have dealt for a run down scope for that cost (my newbie mistake).

But, fortunately I chanced upon a senior stargazer, shoutout to Wee Ern for patiently helping me clean the optics further and teaching me collimation. After collimation I could finally look at Saturn with decent clarity, even her moons. Jupiter and her moons were also well and clear. Although the 10mm + 2x barlow didn't give me what I expected. at 300x for a 6" run down scope I think I have reached its limits.

All in all, I hope to further my interest, and if I have to suck it up to get a new OTA I just have to sit tight and camp for the right one. Next one would probably be an 8" (aperture greed). Thanks all for the guidance!
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joachim.ong
Posts: 96
Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2011 3:40 pm
Favourite scope: 150cm Telescope at Gunma Observatory
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Re: Beginner/Amateur Setup 2022

Post by joachim.ong »

Nice to hear back and good to know you've gotten some decent views! I suggest giving a few months to really tease out all the scope can give and understand where it stands before thinking about an upgrade. Also for planets at high magnification, apart from perfect collimation, good seeing (atmospheric stability) is very very very important. Absolutely need to stay clear of any tall buildings or potential heat sources. Even with my C8 i find it difficult to observe at more than x250 power so i think your C6 is doing fine. As you get more observing experience you might slowly start to be able to pick out more detail. Sitting and slowing things down helps too. Have fun and hope your kid enjoys the views!
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taikiat
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2022 2:29 pm
Favourite scope: Celestron Nexstar 6SE

Re: Beginner/Amateur Setup 2022

Post by taikiat »

Stretching it to 300x, i have taken pics of Saturn and Jupiter but frankly I feel the 6se could do more. Not sure if it has to do with collimation, viewing conditions, or lack of the right filter. Jupiters bands aee barely visible and she was extra bright to the point of glare. Saturn ring division wasnt visible as well. Pardon the blur as i was taking pics with a manually held handphone.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/sbFmxHqmJARVgmkVA
https://photos.app.goo.gl/vN9jPs9Qv79P65G67
Hardwarezone
Posts: 350
Joined: Fri May 17, 2013 2:50 am
Favourite scope: maksutov

Re: Beginner/Amateur Setup 2022

Post by Hardwarezone »

The colourless fault could be due to too low to horizon
if higher than 45 degree and around 150x mag still colorless then can move onto guessing other fault
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taikiat
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2022 2:29 pm
Favourite scope: Celestron Nexstar 6SE

Re: Beginner/Amateur Setup 2022

Post by taikiat »

Jupiter https://photos.app.goo.gl/2GzqhGk5PEEhWg2p7
Saturn 1 https://photos.app.goo.gl/vKvjzcMQ47yufSiT9
Saturn 2 https://photos.app.goo.gl/zPW8iGbfnhcr56D56

Well, it seems like some post processing could reveal a lot more. ASI462MC really pulling its weight. Now just waiting for clear skies to get those quality frames!
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