Jim

Do you think we could get the SV Mothership into Chaco? Jan and I would love to
do a trip there. Since Buddy is probably smaller than your grandson, I could
probably bring a160 with me.

Vic


--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "jmcarpen" <carp.jm@...> wrote:
>
> We did a campsite mini public service event last week while in Chaco Canyon,
NM.  I only had my SV66 with me, but Venus and the Pleaides were some of the
primary targets viewed, although they were still fairly widely separated at that
time.  Other campers were impressed with the views through the little 66.  I
wish I'd had something a little larger, but we had our grandson with us and the
mobile warming hut was packed to the max and that's all we could fit in.
>
> JimC
> Denver
>
> --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, jonathan king <umustbjoking@> wrote:
> >
> >
> > You know, the ones who modeled the proof of  global warming garments.... For
those of you with clear skies tonite or tomorrow nite, check out Venus sliding
thru the Pleaides... saw a brief glimpse thru lite clouds at 12x in binos last
night.... lovely!      JON KING Gloomytown
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

Truly and amazing image!!! I love the red in the background of the image.  Wow!
Bill A.

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "Jonathan Talbot" <hurricane4@...> wrote:
>
> Hi folks,
>
> The quality of SV scopes shines again as an image I took with the highly
capable SV80ST2 won 2nd place in the March PixInsight imaging contest.  This
scope may be a small 3"'s but packs a powerful punch in terms of color
correction and optical quality.  Here is the link and thanks to Vic for
producing such a nice wide field imaging platform.  As some of you
astrophotographers may know, PixInsight is rapidly becoming a benchmark in image
processing software.  It was highlighted at the 2010 and 2011 AIC imaging
conference in San Jose CA.
>
> http://pixinsight.com/forum/index.php?topic=4081.0
>
> best,
>
> Jon Talbot
>

Over the past few weeks I have been monitoring Mars both visually and thru
imaging.
Members of my club have been submitting images/drawings to ALPO USA, ALPO Japan,
and now the BAA.

My recent foray has been to draw the planet once in with a red filter and once
with a blue filter.  The red filters allows for observation of the high contrast
martian surface details.  Bright areas in the blue filtered image correspond
(save the NPC) to clouds over the planet's surface.

Last night was second light for my new SV 105 Triplet APO mounted on an Orion
Atlas.

This scope is amazing!! Literally!!  On the first night, I was able to obtain
high contrast views of the surface detail using a 2.5 mm TMB planetary eyepiece
(This is a killer eyepiece for the SV105) with the red filter attached.  This
was at 294X.
Drawings of the planet were done with both the red and blue filter.  The clouds
over the Chryse area and converging on Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus were very
apparent.

Last night, (4/6/12), I got to show the scope off to my friend and a few other
NJAA club members.  My buddy and I first looked at Mars with the red filter at
366X using the 2X TV big Barlow and 4mm Radian.  The planet and markings were
sharp and crisp.
So sharp that we decided to push the magnification higher!  My next increase was
to 588X  (yes 588!) with the TMB 2.5 mm planetary, red filter, and 2X TV Barlow.
Low and behold the image was sharp.   (This was all around 10:30 pm EST with
Mars overhead form NJ)

  Obviously not as crisp as at 366X but, in moments of good seeing, I could see
more detail at 588X than at 366X.  For example, some of the differences in
shading was observed and some smaller detail popped in an out.    The dark
markings located north of Arabia up to the NPC, were popping in and out with
amazing detail.  (Note, Mars is 12.1 arc sec. in diameter)

At 366X the Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus, were obvious with clouds encroaching
on these structures centered on the Chryse region between the two.    Good
detail could be made of the Margaritifer Sinus, Sinus Meridiani, Sinus sabeus
structures with the gap between Margaritifer and Meridiani obvious.  Also a
scoop/gap between sabeaus and Merindiani was observed.    (I hate Martian
names).

For anyone who would like to replicate viewing the Martian surface at 588X
beware that you will most likely need to use a Red filter to do so.  But on the
good side, the past two nights have only had average seeing at best.

I purchased the SV105 mainly for astrophotography, but with views like these,
man its going to hard to switch out the eyepiece for a camera with Mars high up.
I knew this scope would be spectacular visually and the f7 is perfect for such
work!!  Luv it!

Bill A.
www.njaaresearch.blogspot.com

Great report, Bill!  Sometimes pushing the limits with "stupid high power" can
be quite fun. :-)
CS,
Scott, in NC

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "classylp" <classylp@...> wrote:
>
> Over the past few weeks I have been monitoring Mars both visually and thru
imaging.
> Members of my club have been submitting images/drawings to ALPO USA, ALPO
Japan, and now the BAA.
>
> My recent foray has been to draw the planet once in with a red filter and once
with a blue filter.  The red filters allows for observation of the high contrast
martian surface details.  Bright areas in the blue filtered image correspond
(save the NPC) to clouds over the planet's surface.
>
> Last night was second light for my new SV 105 Triplet APO mounted on an Orion
Atlas.
>
> This scope is amazing!! Literally!!  On the first night, I was able to obtain
high contrast views of the surface detail using a 2.5 mm TMB planetary eyepiece
(This is a killer eyepiece for the SV105) with the red filter attached.  This
was at 294X.
> Drawings of the planet were done with both the red and blue filter.  The
clouds over the Chryse area and converging on Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus were
very apparent.
>
> Last night, (4/6/12), I got to show the scope off to my friend and a few other
NJAA club members.  My buddy and I first looked at Mars with the red filter at
366X using the 2X TV big Barlow and 4mm Radian.  The planet and markings were
sharp and crisp.
> So sharp that we decided to push the magnification higher!  My next increase
was to 588X  (yes 588!) with the TMB 2.5 mm planetary, red filter, and 2X TV
Barlow.
> Low and behold the image was sharp.   (This was all around 10:30 pm EST with
Mars overhead form NJ)
>
>  Obviously not as crisp as at 366X but, in moments of good seeing, I could see
more detail at 588X than at 366X.  For example, some of the differences in
shading was observed and some smaller detail popped in an out.    The dark
markings located north of Arabia up to the NPC, were popping in and out with
amazing detail.  (Note, Mars is 12.1 arc sec. in diameter)
>
> At 366X the Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus, were obvious with clouds
encroaching on these structures centered on the Chryse region between the two.
Good detail could be made of the Margaritifer Sinus, Sinus Meridiani, Sinus
sabeus
> structures with the gap between Margaritifer and Meridiani obvious.  Also a
scoop/gap between sabeaus and Merindiani was observed.    (I hate Martian
names).
>
> For anyone who would like to replicate viewing the Martian surface at 588X
beware that you will most likely need to use a Red filter to do so.  But on the
good side, the past two nights have only had average seeing at best.
>
> I purchased the SV105 mainly for astrophotography, but with views like these,
man its going to hard to switch out the eyepiece for a camera with Mars high up.
I knew this scope would be spectacular visually and the f7 is perfect for such
work!!  Luv it!
>
> Bill A.
> www.njaaresearch.blogspot.com
>

Hi Vic,

You should be able to do it if you take it slow and easy.  There's 13 miles of
gravel road, which can vary from "no problemo" to "no way Jose" depending on how
long since the last grader went over it.  It had just been graded a week or so
before we got there, so we just had a few short stretches of washboarding to
contend with.  The campground host told me he'd come in around the first of
March and there were severe ruts -- he was in a p/u towing a fairly large 5th
wheel.  We probably averaged 25 mph overall on the gravel, going from as slow as
15 mph in the washboards to 35 mph where it was smooth.  But be careful of the
shoulders, which can be very soft and sandy in spots.  It can also get pretty
slippery when it's wet.

It's very dark there at night, so viewing can be fantastic.  They have a small
dome at the visitor center with a ~20" dob on a tracking platform, a couple of
smaller dobs, and a couple of SCTs -- none of which were set up or available
while we were there.  The Albuquerque astro club runs monthly public star
parties there from April or May through September.  One of the park rangers has
a background in astronomy, so that makes it interesting as well.

BTW, it's a dry campground, so be prepared for semi-boondocking conditions. 
It's also first-come first served -- no reserved campsites except for a small
group area.  Given the ancient astronomy history of the site, I suspect it gets
pretty crowded around the soltices and equinoxes.

I'd say go for it, but be prepared.  BTW, we ran into Jim & Becky Bissette in
Taos on our way home -- a pleasant coincidence.

JimC
Denver

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, vic@... wrote:
>
> Jim
>
> Do you think we could get the SV Mothership into Chaco? Jan and I would love
to do a trip there. Since Buddy is probably smaller than your grandson, I could
probably bring a160 with me.
>
> Vic
>

So the Mother Ship does have the hovercraft surround skirt option, doesnt it? So
washboard roads should be no problem... JKING

To: Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com
From: carp.jm@...
Date: Fri, 6 Apr 2012 15:41:42 +0000
Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: Venus with Seven Sisters (ref: Chaco Canyon)




























       Hi Vic,



You should be able to do it if you take it slow and easy.  There's 13 miles of
gravel road, which can vary from "no problemo" to "no way Jose" depending on how
long since the last grader went over it.  It had just been graded a week or so
before we got there, so we just had a few short stretches of washboarding to
contend with.  The campground host told me he'd come in around the first of
March and there were severe ruts -- he was in a p/u towing a fairly large 5th
wheel.  We probably averaged 25 mph overall on the gravel, going from as slow as
15 mph in the washboards to 35 mph where it was smooth.  But be careful of the
shoulders, which can be very soft and sandy in spots.  It can also get pretty
slippery when it's wet.



It's very dark there at night, so viewing can be fantastic.  They have a small
dome at the visitor center with a ~20" dob on a tracking platform, a couple of
smaller dobs, and a couple of SCTs -- none of which were set up or available
while we were there.  The Albuquerque astro club runs monthly public star
parties there from April or May through September.  One of the park rangers has
a background in astronomy, so that makes it interesting as well.



BTW, it's a dry campground, so be prepared for semi-boondocking conditions. 
It's also first-come first served -- no reserved campsites except for a small
group area.  Given the ancient astronomy history of the site, I suspect it gets
pretty crowded around the soltices and equinoxes.



I'd say go for it, but be prepared.  BTW, we ran into Jim & Becky Bissette in
Taos on our way home -- a pleasant coincidence.



JimC

Denver



--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, vic@... wrote:

>

> Jim

>

> Do you think we could get the SV Mothership into Chaco? Jan and I would love
to do a trip there. Since Buddy is probably smaller than your grandson, I could
probably bring a160 with me.

>

> Vic

>


















[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Bill -
Interesting report.  Pushing the limits, indeed.  You mention some drawings ...
if they were attached, I can't see them.  Perhaps you could upload them to the
photo section or place them in your blog.  I'd like to see them.  Thanks.
- Bruce


--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "classylp" <classylp@...> wrote:
>
> Over the past few weeks I have been monitoring Mars both visually and thru
imaging.
> Members of my club have been submitting images/drawings to ALPO USA, ALPO
Japan, and now the BAA.
>
> My recent foray has been to draw the planet once in with a red filter and once
with a blue filter.  The red filters allows for observation of the high contrast
martian surface details.  Bright areas in the blue filtered image correspond
(save the NPC) to clouds over the planet's surface.
>
> Last night was second light for my new SV 105 Triplet APO mounted on an Orion
Atlas.
>
> This scope is amazing!! Literally!!  On the first night, I was able to obtain
high contrast views of the surface detail using a 2.5 mm TMB planetary eyepiece
(This is a killer eyepiece for the SV105) with the red filter attached.  This
was at 294X.
> Drawings of the planet were done with both the red and blue filter.  The
clouds over the Chryse area and converging on Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus were
very apparent.
>
> Last night, (4/6/12), I got to show the scope off to my friend and a few other
NJAA club members.  My buddy and I first looked at Mars with the red filter at
366X using the 2X TV big Barlow and 4mm Radian.  The planet and markings were
sharp and crisp.
> So sharp that we decided to push the magnification higher!  My next increase
was to 588X  (yes 588!) with the TMB 2.5 mm planetary, red filter, and 2X TV
Barlow.
> Low and behold the image was sharp.   (This was all around 10:30 pm EST with
Mars overhead form NJ)
>
>  Obviously not as crisp as at 366X but, in moments of good seeing, I could see
more detail at 588X than at 366X.  For example, some of the differences in
shading was observed and some smaller detail popped in an out.    The dark
markings located north of Arabia up to the NPC, were popping in and out with
amazing detail.  (Note, Mars is 12.1 arc sec. in diameter)
>
> At 366X the Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus, were obvious with clouds
encroaching on these structures centered on the Chryse region between the two.
Good detail could be made of the Margaritifer Sinus, Sinus Meridiani, Sinus
sabeus
> structures with the gap between Margaritifer and Meridiani obvious.  Also a
scoop/gap between sabeaus and Merindiani was observed.    (I hate Martian
names).
>
> For anyone who would like to replicate viewing the Martian surface at 588X
beware that you will most likely need to use a Red filter to do so.  But on the
good side, the past two nights have only had average seeing at best.
>
> I purchased the SV105 mainly for astrophotography, but with views like these,
man its going to hard to switch out the eyepiece for a camera with Mars high up.
I knew this scope would be spectacular visually and the f7 is perfect for such
work!!  Luv it!
>
> Bill A.
> www.njaaresearch.blogspot.com
>

Hi Bruce,

  Here is a link to the drawings:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/w_anthony_fine_art/7051151497/in/photostream

  Here is an image of the scope on the mount:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/w_anthony_fine_art/7051151551/in/photostream

I am not the best artist.  Hence, some of the detail surpased my ability to
capture it.  Please note that on the image, a dotted circle corresponds to a
bright/white area.

Also, this is the raw drawing that I will need to redo (add text in photoshop)
for correct submission to ALPO and the BAA.

Bill


--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "Bruce Agee" <brucea@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Bill -
> Interesting report.  Pushing the limits, indeed.  You mention some drawings
... if they were attached, I can't see them.  Perhaps you could upload them to
the photo section or place them in your blog.  I'd like to see them.  Thanks.
> - Bruce
>
>
> --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "classylp" <classylp@> wrote:
> >
> > Over the past few weeks I have been monitoring Mars both visually and thru
imaging.
> > Members of my club have been submitting images/drawings to ALPO USA, ALPO
Japan, and now the BAA.
> >
> > My recent foray has been to draw the planet once in with a red filter and
once with a blue filter.  The red filters allows for observation of the high
contrast martian surface details.  Bright areas in the blue filtered image
correspond (save the NPC) to clouds over the planet's surface.
> >
> > Last night was second light for my new SV 105 Triplet APO mounted on an
Orion Atlas.
> >
> > This scope is amazing!! Literally!!  On the first night, I was able to
obtain high contrast views of the surface detail using a 2.5 mm TMB planetary
eyepiece (This is a killer eyepiece for the SV105) with the red filter attached.
This was at 294X.
> > Drawings of the planet were done with both the red and blue filter.  The
clouds over the Chryse area and converging on Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus were
very apparent.
> >
> > Last night, (4/6/12), I got to show the scope off to my friend and a few
other NJAA club members.  My buddy and I first looked at Mars with the red
filter at 366X using the 2X TV big Barlow and 4mm Radian.  The planet and
markings were sharp and crisp.
> > So sharp that we decided to push the magnification higher!  My next increase
was to 588X  (yes 588!) with the TMB 2.5 mm planetary, red filter, and 2X TV
Barlow.
> > Low and behold the image was sharp.   (This was all around 10:30 pm EST with
Mars overhead form NJ)
> >
> >  Obviously not as crisp as at 366X but, in moments of good seeing, I could
see more detail at 588X than at 366X.  For example, some of the differences in
shading was observed and some smaller detail popped in an out.    The dark
markings located north of Arabia up to the NPC, were popping in and out with
amazing detail.  (Note, Mars is 12.1 arc sec. in diameter)
> >
> > At 366X the Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus, were obvious with clouds
encroaching on these structures centered on the Chryse region between the two.
Good detail could be made of the Margaritifer Sinus, Sinus Meridiani, Sinus
sabeus
> > structures with the gap between Margaritifer and Meridiani obvious.  Also a
scoop/gap between sabeaus and Merindiani was observed.    (I hate Martian
names).
> >
> > For anyone who would like to replicate viewing the Martian surface at 588X
beware that you will most likely need to use a Red filter to do so.  But on the
good side, the past two nights have only had average seeing at best.
> >
> > I purchased the SV105 mainly for astrophotography, but with views like
these, man its going to hard to switch out the eyepiece for a camera with Mars
high up.   I knew this scope would be spectacular visually and the f7 is perfect
for such work!!  Luv it!
> >
> > Bill A.
> > www.njaaresearch.blogspot.com
> >
>

Aw shucks, it was worth a try :)  Actually I do have several pieces of used
astro gear, my TV NP101 and Pronto are among them as are some of my TV eps and
2.5 Powermate.  I prefer to buy used equipment from the local scope shop or
someone I know locally as I can actually see the product.  I'm just
old-fashioned...

Mary


--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "scott_nc" <ssatko@...> wrote:
>
> Mary,
> No offense, but I think I'll just take David E's advice instead.  Besides, I
thought you weren't a fan of used astro gear! ;-)
> CS,
> Scott, in NC
>
> --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "flyingpinkpig" <flyingpinkpig@> wrote:
> >
> > Scott,
> >
> > You can send your TV Eps to me :)
> >
> > Mary
> >
>

Absolutely incredible report Bill!  I would love to be able to push
magnifications up that high here.  What an incredible scope you have!  You need
to get another one, that way you have one for visual and the other for AP :)

Mary


--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "classylp" <classylp@...> wrote:
>
> Over the past few weeks I have been monitoring Mars both visually and thru
imaging.
> Members of my club have been submitting images/drawings to ALPO USA, ALPO
Japan, and now the BAA.
>
> My recent foray has been to draw the planet once in with a red filter and once
with a blue filter.  The red filters allows for observation of the high contrast
martian surface details.  Bright areas in the blue filtered image correspond
(save the NPC) to clouds over the planet's surface.
>
> Last night was second light for my new SV 105 Triplet APO mounted on an Orion
Atlas.
>
> This scope is amazing!! Literally!!  On the first night, I was able to obtain
high contrast views of the surface detail using a 2.5 mm TMB planetary eyepiece
(This is a killer eyepiece for the SV105) with the red filter attached.  This
was at 294X.
> Drawings of the planet were done with both the red and blue filter.  The
clouds over the Chryse area and converging on Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus were
very apparent.
>
> Last night, (4/6/12), I got to show the scope off to my friend and a few other
NJAA club members.  My buddy and I first looked at Mars with the red filter at
366X using the 2X TV big Barlow and 4mm Radian.  The planet and markings were
sharp and crisp.
> So sharp that we decided to push the magnification higher!  My next increase
was to 588X  (yes 588!) with the TMB 2.5 mm planetary, red filter, and 2X TV
Barlow.
> Low and behold the image was sharp.   (This was all around 10:30 pm EST with
Mars overhead form NJ)
>
>  Obviously not as crisp as at 366X but, in moments of good seeing, I could see
more detail at 588X than at 366X.  For example, some of the differences in
shading was observed and some smaller detail popped in an out.    The dark
markings located north of Arabia up to the NPC, were popping in and out with
amazing detail.  (Note, Mars is 12.1 arc sec. in diameter)
>
> At 366X the Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus, were obvious with clouds
encroaching on these structures centered on the Chryse region between the two.
Good detail could be made of the Margaritifer Sinus, Sinus Meridiani, Sinus
sabeus
> structures with the gap between Margaritifer and Meridiani obvious.  Also a
scoop/gap between sabeaus and Merindiani was observed.    (I hate Martian
names).
>
> For anyone who would like to replicate viewing the Martian surface at 588X
beware that you will most likely need to use a Red filter to do so.  But on the
good side, the past two nights have only had average seeing at best.
>
> I purchased the SV105 mainly for astrophotography, but with views like these,
man its going to hard to switch out the eyepiece for a camera with Mars high up.
I knew this scope would be spectacular visually and the f7 is perfect for such
work!!  Luv it!
>
> Bill A.
> www.njaaresearch.blogspot.com
>

Hey Mary,
Nothing wrong with that!  You're lucky that you actually have a store nearby
that sells high-quality used astro gear.  OTOH, maybe it's best for me that I
only have AM and CN to buy used gear from! ;-)
CS,
Scott, in NC

-----Original Message-----

From: flyingpinkpig
Sent: 6 Apr 2012 17:56:31 GMT
To: Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: Planetary eyepiece case.../

Aw shucks, it was worth a try :)  Actually I do have several pieces of used
astro gear, my TV NP101 and Pronto are among them as are some of my TV eps and
2.5 Powermate.  I prefer to buy used equipment from the local scope shop or
someone I know locally as I can actually see the product.  I'm just
old-fashioned...

Mary


--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "scott_nc" <ssatko@...> wrote:
>
> Mary,
> No offense, but I think I'll just take David E's advice instead.  Besides, I
thought you weren't a fan of used astro gear! ;-)
> CS,
> Scott, in NC
>
> --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "flyingpinkpig" <flyingpinkpig@> wrote:
> >
> > Scott,
> >
> > You can send your TV Eps to me :)
> >
> > Mary
> >
>




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thanks, Bill for the link to your fine art!  It's really not bad.  I'd call you
a modern "Percival Lowell" as long as you didn't take it negatively.  I hope
you'll post a photo or two once you get into the astrophotography part.

Bruce

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "classylp" <classylp@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Bruce,
>
>  Here is a link to the drawings:
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/w_anthony_fine_art/7051151497/in/photostream
>
>  Here is an image of the scope on the mount:
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/w_anthony_fine_art/7051151551/in/photostream
>
> I am not the best artist.  Hence, some of the detail surpased my ability to
capture it.  Please note that on the image, a dotted circle corresponds to a
bright/white area.
>
> Also, this is the raw drawing that I will need to redo (add text in photoshop)
for correct submission to ALPO and the BAA.
>
> Bill
>
>
> --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "Bruce Agee" <brucea@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Bill -
> > Interesting report.  Pushing the limits, indeed.  You mention some drawings
... if they were attached, I can't see them.  Perhaps you could upload them to
the photo section or place them in your blog.  I'd like to see them.  Thanks.
> > - Bruce
> >
> >
> > --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "classylp" <classylp@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Over the past few weeks I have been monitoring Mars both visually and thru
imaging.
> > > Members of my club have been submitting images/drawings to ALPO USA, ALPO
Japan, and now the BAA.
> > >
> > > My recent foray has been to draw the planet once in with a red filter and
once with a blue filter.  The red filters allows for observation of the high
contrast martian surface details.  Bright areas in the blue filtered image
correspond (save the NPC) to clouds over the planet's surface.
> > >
> > > Last night was second light for my new SV 105 Triplet APO mounted on an
Orion Atlas.
> > >
> > > This scope is amazing!! Literally!!  On the first night, I was able to
obtain high contrast views of the surface detail using a 2.5 mm TMB planetary
eyepiece (This is a killer eyepiece for the SV105) with the red filter attached.
This was at 294X.
> > > Drawings of the planet were done with both the red and blue filter.  The
clouds over the Chryse area and converging on Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus were
very apparent.
> > >
> > > Last night, (4/6/12), I got to show the scope off to my friend and a few
other NJAA club members.  My buddy and I first looked at Mars with the red
filter at 366X using the 2X TV big Barlow and 4mm Radian.  The planet and
markings were sharp and crisp.
> > > So sharp that we decided to push the magnification higher!  My next
increase was to 588X  (yes 588!) with the TMB 2.5 mm planetary, red filter, and
2X TV Barlow.
> > > Low and behold the image was sharp.   (This was all around 10:30 pm EST
with Mars overhead form NJ)
> > >
> > >  Obviously not as crisp as at 366X but, in moments of good seeing, I could
see more detail at 588X than at 366X.  For example, some of the differences in
shading was observed and some smaller detail popped in an out.    The dark
markings located north of Arabia up to the NPC, were popping in and out with
amazing detail.  (Note, Mars is 12.1 arc sec. in diameter)
> > >
> > > At 366X the Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus, were obvious with clouds
encroaching on these structures centered on the Chryse region between the two.
Good detail could be made of the Margaritifer Sinus, Sinus Meridiani, Sinus
sabeus
> > > structures with the gap between Margaritifer and Meridiani obvious.  Also
a scoop/gap between sabeaus and Merindiani was observed.    (I hate Martian
names).
> > >
> > > For anyone who would like to replicate viewing the Martian surface at 588X
beware that you will most likely need to use a Red filter to do so.  But on the
good side, the past two nights have only had average seeing at best.
> > >
> > > I purchased the SV105 mainly for astrophotography, but with views like
these, man its going to hard to switch out the eyepiece for a camera with Mars
high up.   I knew this scope would be spectacular visually and the f7 is perfect
for such work!!  Luv it!
> > >
> > > Bill A.
> > > www.njaaresearch.blogspot.com
> > >
> >
>

Great report! I too have pushed Mars to 400x or more with my SV102ABV. For
some reason, Mars seems to tolerate this kind of stupid high power when
other planetary objects won't.

David E

----- Original Message -----
From: "classylp" <classylp@...>
To: <Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, April 06, 2012 11:09 AM
Subject: [Stellarvue] 2nd Light! Mars at 588X and 366X


> Over the past few weeks I have been monitoring Mars both visually and thru
> imaging.
> Members of my club have been submitting images/drawings to ALPO USA, ALPO
> Japan, and now the BAA.
>
> My recent foray has been to draw the planet once in with a red filter and
> once with a blue filter.  The red filters allows for observation of the
> high contrast martian surface details.  Bright areas in the blue filtered
> image correspond (save the NPC) to clouds over the planet's surface.
>
> Last night was second light for my new SV 105 Triplet APO mounted on an
> Orion Atlas.
>
> This scope is amazing!! Literally!!  On the first night, I was able to
> obtain high contrast views of the surface detail using a 2.5 mm TMB
> planetary eyepiece (This is a killer eyepiece for the SV105) with the red
> filter attached.  This was at 294X.
> Drawings of the planet were done with both the red and blue filter.  The
> clouds over the Chryse area and converging on Mare Acidalium, Aurorae
> Sinus were very apparent.
>
> Last night, (4/6/12), I got to show the scope off to my friend and a few
> other NJAA club members.  My buddy and I first looked at Mars with the red
> filter at 366X using the 2X TV big Barlow and 4mm Radian.  The planet and
> markings were sharp and crisp.
> So sharp that we decided to push the magnification higher!  My next
> increase was to 588X  (yes 588!) with the TMB 2.5 mm planetary, red
> filter, and 2X TV Barlow.
> Low and behold the image was sharp.   (This was all around 10:30 pm EST
> with Mars overhead form NJ)
>
> Obviously not as crisp as at 366X but, in moments of good seeing, I could
> see more detail at 588X than at 366X.  For example, some of the
> differences in shading was observed and some smaller detail popped in an
> out.    The dark markings located north of Arabia up to the NPC, were
> popping in and out with amazing detail.  (Note, Mars is 12.1 arc sec. in
> diameter)
>
> At 366X the Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus, were obvious with clouds
> encroaching on these structures centered on the Chryse region between the
> two.    Good detail could be made of the Margaritifer Sinus, Sinus
> Meridiani, Sinus sabeus
> structures with the gap between Margaritifer and Meridiani obvious.  Also
> a scoop/gap between sabeaus and Merindiani was observed.    (I hate
> Martian names).
>
> For anyone who would like to replicate viewing the Martian surface at 588X
> beware that you will most likely need to use a Red filter to do so.  But
> on the good side, the past two nights have only had average seeing at
> best.
>
> I purchased the SV105 mainly for astrophotography, but with views like
> these, man its going to hard to switch out the eyepiece for a camera with
> Mars high up.   I knew this scope would be spectacular visually and the f7
> is perfect for such work!!  Luv it!
>
> Bill A.
> www.njaaresearch.blogspot.com
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe, send an email to:
> Stellarvue-unsubscribe@egroups.com.
>
> Remember: the archives are a rich source of information and they are
> searchable.
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

Great report, Bill. "Who would have thought it?!
Well, apparently David did! - Robert, Spring Valley, IL

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "David and Sharon Elosser" <pde444@...>
wrote:
>
> Great report! I too have pushed Mars to 400x or more with my SV102ABV. For
> some reason, Mars seems to tolerate this kind of stupid high power when
> other planetary objects won't.
>
> David E
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "classylp" <classylp@...>
> To: <Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Friday, April 06, 2012 11:09 AM
> Subject: [Stellarvue] 2nd Light! Mars at 588X and 366X
>
>
> > Over the past few weeks I have been monitoring Mars both visually and thru
> > imaging.
> > Members of my club have been submitting images/drawings to ALPO USA, ALPO
> > Japan, and now the BAA.
> >
> > My recent foray has been to draw the planet once in with a red filter and
> > once with a blue filter.  The red filters allows for observation of the
> > high contrast martian surface details.  Bright areas in the blue filtered
> > image correspond (save the NPC) to clouds over the planet's surface.
> >
> > Last night was second light for my new SV 105 Triplet APO mounted on an
> > Orion Atlas.
> >
> > This scope is amazing!! Literally!!  On the first night, I was able to
> > obtain high contrast views of the surface detail using a 2.5 mm TMB
> > planetary eyepiece (This is a killer eyepiece for the SV105) with the red
> > filter attached.  This was at 294X.
> > Drawings of the planet were done with both the red and blue filter.  The
> > clouds over the Chryse area and converging on Mare Acidalium, Aurorae
> > Sinus were very apparent.
> >
> > Last night, (4/6/12), I got to show the scope off to my friend and a few
> > other NJAA club members.  My buddy and I first looked at Mars with the red
> > filter at 366X using the 2X TV big Barlow and 4mm Radian.  The planet and
> > markings were sharp and crisp.
> > So sharp that we decided to push the magnification higher!  My next
> > increase was to 588X  (yes 588!) with the TMB 2.5 mm planetary, red
> > filter, and 2X TV Barlow.
> > Low and behold the image was sharp.   (This was all around 10:30 pm EST
> > with Mars overhead form NJ)
> >
> > Obviously not as crisp as at 366X but, in moments of good seeing, I could
> > see more detail at 588X than at 366X.  For example, some of the
> > differences in shading was observed and some smaller detail popped in an
> > out.    The dark markings located north of Arabia up to the NPC, were
> > popping in and out with amazing detail.  (Note, Mars is 12.1 arc sec. in
> > diameter)
> >
> > At 366X the Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus, were obvious with clouds
> > encroaching on these structures centered on the Chryse region between the
> > two.    Good detail could be made of the Margaritifer Sinus, Sinus
> > Meridiani, Sinus sabeus
> > structures with the gap between Margaritifer and Meridiani obvious.  Also
> > a scoop/gap between sabeaus and Merindiani was observed.    (I hate
> > Martian names).
> >
> > For anyone who would like to replicate viewing the Martian surface at 588X
> > beware that you will most likely need to use a Red filter to do so.  But
> > on the good side, the past two nights have only had average seeing at
> > best.
> >
> > I purchased the SV105 mainly for astrophotography, but with views like
> > these, man its going to hard to switch out the eyepiece for a camera with
> > Mars high up.   I knew this scope would be spectacular visually and the f7
> > is perfect for such work!!  Luv it!
> >
> > Bill A.
> > www.njaaresearch.blogspot.com
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > To unsubscribe, send an email to:
> > Stellarvue-unsubscribe@egroups.com
> >
> > Remember: the archives are a rich source of information and they are
> > searchable.
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

Bruce,

  Thanks for the compliment.  Percival Lowell!! I wish I had his money (well, for
back then) but hope I don't go crazy!  Lol..
Will post my astrophotos, don't worry about that!
Here is a link to some of my astrophotos so far:
http://www.wanthonyphotography.com/gallery.cfm?gallery=Astronomy

Bill

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "Bruce Agee" <brucea@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks, Bill for the link to your fine art!  It's really not bad.  I'd call
you a modern "Percival Lowell" as long as you didn't take it negatively.  I hope
you'll post a photo or two once you get into the astrophotography part.
>
> Bruce
>
> --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "classylp" <classylp@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Bruce,
> >
> >  Here is a link to the drawings:
> > http://www.flickr.com/photos/w_anthony_fine_art/7051151497/in/photostream
> >
> >  Here is an image of the scope on the mount:
> > http://www.flickr.com/photos/w_anthony_fine_art/7051151551/in/photostream
> >
> > I am not the best artist.  Hence, some of the detail surpased my ability to
capture it.  Please note that on the image, a dotted circle corresponds to a
bright/white area.
> >
> > Also, this is the raw drawing that I will need to redo (add text in
photoshop) for correct submission to ALPO and the BAA.
> >
> > Bill
> >
> >
> > --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "Bruce Agee" <brucea@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi Bill -
> > > Interesting report.  Pushing the limits, indeed.  You mention some
drawings ... if they were attached, I can't see them.  Perhaps you could upload
them to the photo section or place them in your blog.  I'd like to see them. 
Thanks.
> > > - Bruce
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "classylp" <classylp@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Over the past few weeks I have been monitoring Mars both visually and
thru imaging.
> > > > Members of my club have been submitting images/drawings to ALPO USA,
ALPO Japan, and now the BAA.
> > > >
> > > > My recent foray has been to draw the planet once in with a red filter
and once with a blue filter.  The red filters allows for observation of the high
contrast martian surface details.  Bright areas in the blue filtered image
correspond (save the NPC) to clouds over the planet's surface.
> > > >
> > > > Last night was second light for my new SV 105 Triplet APO mounted on an
Orion Atlas.
> > > >
> > > > This scope is amazing!! Literally!!  On the first night, I was able to
obtain high contrast views of the surface detail using a 2.5 mm TMB planetary
eyepiece (This is a killer eyepiece for the SV105) with the red filter attached.
This was at 294X.
> > > > Drawings of the planet were done with both the red and blue filter.  The
clouds over the Chryse area and converging on Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus were
very apparent.
> > > >
> > > > Last night, (4/6/12), I got to show the scope off to my friend and a few
other NJAA club members.  My buddy and I first looked at Mars with the red
filter at 366X using the 2X TV big Barlow and 4mm Radian.  The planet and
markings were sharp and crisp.
> > > > So sharp that we decided to push the magnification higher!  My next
increase was to 588X  (yes 588!) with the TMB 2.5 mm planetary, red filter, and
2X TV Barlow.
> > > > Low and behold the image was sharp.   (This was all around 10:30 pm EST
with Mars overhead form NJ)
> > > >
> > > >  Obviously not as crisp as at 366X but, in moments of good seeing, I
could see more detail at 588X than at 366X.  For example, some of the
differences in shading was observed and some smaller detail popped in an out.   
The dark markings located north of Arabia up to the NPC, were popping in and out
with amazing detail.  (Note, Mars is 12.1 arc sec. in diameter)
> > > >
> > > > At 366X the Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus, were obvious with clouds
encroaching on these structures centered on the Chryse region between the two.
Good detail could be made of the Margaritifer Sinus, Sinus Meridiani, Sinus
sabeus
> > > > structures with the gap between Margaritifer and Meridiani obvious. 
Also a scoop/gap between sabeaus and Merindiani was observed.    (I hate Martian
names).
> > > >
> > > > For anyone who would like to replicate viewing the Martian surface at
588X beware that you will most likely need to use a Red filter to do so.  But on
the good side, the past two nights have only had average seeing at best.
> > > >
> > > > I purchased the SV105 mainly for astrophotography, but with views like
these, man its going to hard to switch out the eyepiece for a camera with Mars
high up.   I knew this scope would be spectacular visually and the f7 is perfect
for such work!!  Luv it!
> > > >
> > > > Bill A.
> > > > www.njaaresearch.blogspot.com
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Vic needs to add a 1.6mm to his Planetary eyepiece lineup!

David E

----- Original Message -----
From: "astrogeezer41" <astrogeezer41@...>
To: <Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, April 06, 2012 2:46 PM
Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: 2nd Light! Mars at 588X and 366X


> Great report, Bill. "Who would have thought it?!
> Well, apparently David did! - Robert, Spring Valley, IL
>
> --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "David and Sharon Elosser" <pde444@...>
> wrote:
>>
>> Great report! I too have pushed Mars to 400x or more with my SV102ABV.
>> For
>> some reason, Mars seems to tolerate this kind of stupid high power when
>> other planetary objects won't.
>>
>> David E
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "classylp" <classylp@...>
>> To: <Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com>
>> Sent: Friday, April 06, 2012 11:09 AM
>> Subject: [Stellarvue] 2nd Light! Mars at 588X and 366X
>>
>>
>> > Over the past few weeks I have been monitoring Mars both visually and
>> > thru
>> > imaging.
>> > Members of my club have been submitting images/drawings to ALPO USA,
>> > ALPO
>> > Japan, and now the BAA.
>> >
>> > My recent foray has been to draw the planet once in with a red filter
>> > and
>> > once with a blue filter.  The red filters allows for observation of the
>> > high contrast martian surface details.  Bright areas in the blue
>> > filtered
>> > image correspond (save the NPC) to clouds over the planet's surface.
>> >
>> > Last night was second light for my new SV 105 Triplet APO mounted on an
>> > Orion Atlas.
>> >
>> > This scope is amazing!! Literally!!  On the first night, I was able to
>> > obtain high contrast views of the surface detail using a 2.5 mm TMB
>> > planetary eyepiece (This is a killer eyepiece for the SV105) with the
>> > red
>> > filter attached.  This was at 294X.
>> > Drawings of the planet were done with both the red and blue filter.
>> > The
>> > clouds over the Chryse area and converging on Mare Acidalium, Aurorae
>> > Sinus were very apparent.
>> >
>> > Last night, (4/6/12), I got to show the scope off to my friend and a
>> > few
>> > other NJAA club members.  My buddy and I first looked at Mars with the
>> > red
>> > filter at 366X using the 2X TV big Barlow and 4mm Radian.  The planet
>> > and
>> > markings were sharp and crisp.
>> > So sharp that we decided to push the magnification higher!  My next
>> > increase was to 588X  (yes 588!) with the TMB 2.5 mm planetary, red
>> > filter, and 2X TV Barlow.
>> > Low and behold the image was sharp.   (This was all around 10:30 pm EST
>> > with Mars overhead form NJ)
>> >
>> > Obviously not as crisp as at 366X but, in moments of good seeing, I
>> > could
>> > see more detail at 588X than at 366X.  For example, some of the
>> > differences in shading was observed and some smaller detail popped in
>> > an
>> > out.    The dark markings located north of Arabia up to the NPC, were
>> > popping in and out with amazing detail.  (Note, Mars is 12.1 arc sec.
>> > in
>> > diameter)
>> >
>> > At 366X the Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus, were obvious with clouds
>> > encroaching on these structures centered on the Chryse region between
>> > the
>> > two.    Good detail could be made of the Margaritifer Sinus, Sinus
>> > Meridiani, Sinus sabeus
>> > structures with the gap between Margaritifer and Meridiani obvious.
>> > Also
>> > a scoop/gap between sabeaus and Merindiani was observed.    (I hate
>> > Martian names).
>> >
>> > For anyone who would like to replicate viewing the Martian surface at
>> > 588X
>> > beware that you will most likely need to use a Red filter to do so.
>> > But
>> > on the good side, the past two nights have only had average seeing at
>> > best.
>> >
>> > I purchased the SV105 mainly for astrophotography, but with views like
>> > these, man its going to hard to switch out the eyepiece for a camera
>> > with
>> > Mars high up.   I knew this scope would be spectacular visually and the
>> > f7
>> > is perfect for such work!!  Luv it!
>> >
>> > Bill A.
>> > www.njaaresearch.blogspot.com
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > ------------------------------------
>> >
>> > To unsubscribe, send an email to:
>> > Stellarvue-unsubscribe@egroups.com
>> >
>> > Remember: the archives are a rich source of information and they are
>> > searchable.
>> >
>> > Yahoo! Groups Links
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe, send an email to:
> Stellarvue-unsubscribe@egroups.com.
>
> Remember: the archives are a rich source of information and they are
> searchable.
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

Oh man! 1.6mm..  Where do I depost my money!
Exit pupil.. -.53 mm.. Lol!
Bill

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "David and Sharon Elosser" <pde444@...>
wrote:
>
> Vic needs to add a 1.6mm to his Planetary eyepiece lineup!
>
> David E
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "astrogeezer41" <astrogeezer41@...>
> To: <Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Friday, April 06, 2012 2:46 PM
> Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: 2nd Light! Mars at 588X and 366X
>
>
> > Great report, Bill. "Who would have thought it?!
> > Well, apparently David did! - Robert, Spring Valley, IL
> >
> > --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "David and Sharon Elosser" <pde444@>
> > wrote:
> >>
> >> Great report! I too have pushed Mars to 400x or more with my SV102ABV.
> >> For
> >> some reason, Mars seems to tolerate this kind of stupid high power when
> >> other planetary objects won't.
> >>
> >> David E
> >>
> >> ----- Original Message -----
> >> From: "classylp" <classylp@>
> >> To: <Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com>
> >> Sent: Friday, April 06, 2012 11:09 AM
> >> Subject: [Stellarvue] 2nd Light! Mars at 588X and 366X
> >>
> >>
> >> > Over the past few weeks I have been monitoring Mars both visually and
> >> > thru
> >> > imaging.
> >> > Members of my club have been submitting images/drawings to ALPO USA,
> >> > ALPO
> >> > Japan, and now the BAA.
> >> >
> >> > My recent foray has been to draw the planet once in with a red filter
> >> > and
> >> > once with a blue filter.  The red filters allows for observation of the
> >> > high contrast martian surface details.  Bright areas in the blue
> >> > filtered
> >> > image correspond (save the NPC) to clouds over the planet's surface.
> >> >
> >> > Last night was second light for my new SV 105 Triplet APO mounted on an
> >> > Orion Atlas.
> >> >
> >> > This scope is amazing!! Literally!!  On the first night, I was able to
> >> > obtain high contrast views of the surface detail using a 2.5 mm TMB
> >> > planetary eyepiece (This is a killer eyepiece for the SV105) with the
> >> > red
> >> > filter attached.  This was at 294X.
> >> > Drawings of the planet were done with both the red and blue filter.
> >> > The
> >> > clouds over the Chryse area and converging on Mare Acidalium, Aurorae
> >> > Sinus were very apparent.
> >> >
> >> > Last night, (4/6/12), I got to show the scope off to my friend and a
> >> > few
> >> > other NJAA club members.  My buddy and I first looked at Mars with the
> >> > red
> >> > filter at 366X using the 2X TV big Barlow and 4mm Radian.  The planet
> >> > and
> >> > markings were sharp and crisp.
> >> > So sharp that we decided to push the magnification higher!  My next
> >> > increase was to 588X  (yes 588!) with the TMB 2.5 mm planetary, red
> >> > filter, and 2X TV Barlow.
> >> > Low and behold the image was sharp.   (This was all around 10:30 pm EST
> >> > with Mars overhead form NJ)
> >> >
> >> > Obviously not as crisp as at 366X but, in moments of good seeing, I
> >> > could
> >> > see more detail at 588X than at 366X.  For example, some of the
> >> > differences in shading was observed and some smaller detail popped in
> >> > an
> >> > out.    The dark markings located north of Arabia up to the NPC, were
> >> > popping in and out with amazing detail.  (Note, Mars is 12.1 arc sec.
> >> > in
> >> > diameter)
> >> >
> >> > At 366X the Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus, were obvious with clouds
> >> > encroaching on these structures centered on the Chryse region between
> >> > the
> >> > two.    Good detail could be made of the Margaritifer Sinus, Sinus
> >> > Meridiani, Sinus sabeus
> >> > structures with the gap between Margaritifer and Meridiani obvious.
> >> > Also
> >> > a scoop/gap between sabeaus and Merindiani was observed.    (I hate
> >> > Martian names).
> >> >
> >> > For anyone who would like to replicate viewing the Martian surface at
> >> > 588X
> >> > beware that you will most likely need to use a Red filter to do so.
> >> > But
> >> > on the good side, the past two nights have only had average seeing at
> >> > best.
> >> >
> >> > I purchased the SV105 mainly for astrophotography, but with views like
> >> > these, man its going to hard to switch out the eyepiece for a camera
> >> > with
> >> > Mars high up.   I knew this scope would be spectacular visually and the
> >> > f7
> >> > is perfect for such work!!  Luv it!
> >> >
> >> > Bill A.
> >> > www.njaaresearch.blogspot.com
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > ------------------------------------
> >> >
> >> > To unsubscribe, send an email to:
> >> > Stellarvue-unsubscribe@egroups.com
> >> >
> >> > Remember: the archives are a rich source of information and they are
> >> > searchable.
> >> >
> >> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > To unsubscribe, send an email to:
> > Stellarvue-unsubscribe@egroups.com
> >
> > Remember: the archives are a rich source of information and they are
> > searchable.
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

With two SV105s I would just tape them together and binoview!!
Lol..!

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "flyingpinkpig" <flyingpinkpig@...> wrote:
>
> Absolutely incredible report Bill!  I would love to be able to push
magnifications up that high here.  What an incredible scope you have!  You need
to get another one, that way you have one for visual and the other for AP :)
>
> Mary
>
>
> --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "classylp" <classylp@> wrote:
> >
> > Over the past few weeks I have been monitoring Mars both visually and thru
imaging.
> > Members of my club have been submitting images/drawings to ALPO USA, ALPO
Japan, and now the BAA.
> >
> > My recent foray has been to draw the planet once in with a red filter and
once with a blue filter.  The red filters allows for observation of the high
contrast martian surface details.  Bright areas in the blue filtered image
correspond (save the NPC) to clouds over the planet's surface.
> >
> > Last night was second light for my new SV 105 Triplet APO mounted on an
Orion Atlas.
> >
> > This scope is amazing!! Literally!!  On the first night, I was able to
obtain high contrast views of the surface detail using a 2.5 mm TMB planetary
eyepiece (This is a killer eyepiece for the SV105) with the red filter attached.
This was at 294X.
> > Drawings of the planet were done with both the red and blue filter.  The
clouds over the Chryse area and converging on Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus were
very apparent.
> >
> > Last night, (4/6/12), I got to show the scope off to my friend and a few
other NJAA club members.  My buddy and I first looked at Mars with the red
filter at 366X using the 2X TV big Barlow and 4mm Radian.  The planet and
markings were sharp and crisp.
> > So sharp that we decided to push the magnification higher!  My next increase
was to 588X  (yes 588!) with the TMB 2.5 mm planetary, red filter, and 2X TV
Barlow.
> > Low and behold the image was sharp.   (This was all around 10:30 pm EST with
Mars overhead form NJ)
> >
> >  Obviously not as crisp as at 366X but, in moments of good seeing, I could
see more detail at 588X than at 366X.  For example, some of the differences in
shading was observed and some smaller detail popped in an out.    The dark
markings located north of Arabia up to the NPC, were popping in and out with
amazing detail.  (Note, Mars is 12.1 arc sec. in diameter)
> >
> > At 366X the Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus, were obvious with clouds
encroaching on these structures centered on the Chryse region between the two.
Good detail could be made of the Margaritifer Sinus, Sinus Meridiani, Sinus
sabeus
> > structures with the gap between Margaritifer and Meridiani obvious.  Also a
scoop/gap between sabeaus and Merindiani was observed.    (I hate Martian
names).
> >
> > For anyone who would like to replicate viewing the Martian surface at 588X
beware that you will most likely need to use a Red filter to do so.  But on the
good side, the past two nights have only had average seeing at best.
> >
> > I purchased the SV105 mainly for astrophotography, but with views like
these, man its going to hard to switch out the eyepiece for a camera with Mars
high up.   I knew this scope would be spectacular visually and the f7 is perfect
for such work!!  Luv it!
> >
> > Bill A.
> > www.njaaresearch.blogspot.com
> >
>

David,
  I agree!  It is a combination of the magnitude of the planet coupled with the
features.  Still, Saturn was pretty rocking at 366X.
Not so hot at 588X, but it was very low at the time...
Bill

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "David and Sharon Elosser" <pde444@...>
wrote:
>
> Great report! I too have pushed Mars to 400x or more with my SV102ABV. For
> some reason, Mars seems to tolerate this kind of stupid high power when
> other planetary objects won't.
>
> David E
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "classylp" <classylp@...>
> To: <Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Friday, April 06, 2012 11:09 AM
> Subject: [Stellarvue] 2nd Light! Mars at 588X and 366X
>
>
> > Over the past few weeks I have been monitoring Mars both visually and thru
> > imaging.
> > Members of my club have been submitting images/drawings to ALPO USA, ALPO
> > Japan, and now the BAA.
> >
> > My recent foray has been to draw the planet once in with a red filter and
> > once with a blue filter.  The red filters allows for observation of the
> > high contrast martian surface details.  Bright areas in the blue filtered
> > image correspond (save the NPC) to clouds over the planet's surface.
> >
> > Last night was second light for my new SV 105 Triplet APO mounted on an
> > Orion Atlas.
> >
> > This scope is amazing!! Literally!!  On the first night, I was able to
> > obtain high contrast views of the surface detail using a 2.5 mm TMB
> > planetary eyepiece (This is a killer eyepiece for the SV105) with the red
> > filter attached.  This was at 294X.
> > Drawings of the planet were done with both the red and blue filter.  The
> > clouds over the Chryse area and converging on Mare Acidalium, Aurorae
> > Sinus were very apparent.
> >
> > Last night, (4/6/12), I got to show the scope off to my friend and a few
> > other NJAA club members.  My buddy and I first looked at Mars with the red
> > filter at 366X using the 2X TV big Barlow and 4mm Radian.  The planet and
> > markings were sharp and crisp.
> > So sharp that we decided to push the magnification higher!  My next
> > increase was to 588X  (yes 588!) with the TMB 2.5 mm planetary, red
> > filter, and 2X TV Barlow.
> > Low and behold the image was sharp.   (This was all around 10:30 pm EST
> > with Mars overhead form NJ)
> >
> > Obviously not as crisp as at 366X but, in moments of good seeing, I could
> > see more detail at 588X than at 366X.  For example, some of the
> > differences in shading was observed and some smaller detail popped in an
> > out.    The dark markings located north of Arabia up to the NPC, were
> > popping in and out with amazing detail.  (Note, Mars is 12.1 arc sec. in
> > diameter)
> >
> > At 366X the Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus, were obvious with clouds
> > encroaching on these structures centered on the Chryse region between the
> > two.    Good detail could be made of the Margaritifer Sinus, Sinus
> > Meridiani, Sinus sabeus
> > structures with the gap between Margaritifer and Meridiani obvious.  Also
> > a scoop/gap between sabeaus and Merindiani was observed.    (I hate
> > Martian names).
> >
> > For anyone who would like to replicate viewing the Martian surface at 588X
> > beware that you will most likely need to use a Red filter to do so.  But
> > on the good side, the past two nights have only had average seeing at
> > best.
> >
> > I purchased the SV105 mainly for astrophotography, but with views like
> > these, man its going to hard to switch out the eyepiece for a camera with
> > Mars high up.   I knew this scope would be spectacular visually and the f7
> > is perfect for such work!!  Luv it!
> >
> > Bill A.
> > www.njaaresearch.blogspot.com
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > To unsubscribe, send an email to:
> > Stellarvue-unsubscribe@egroups.com
> >
> > Remember: the archives are a rich source of information and they are
> > searchable.
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

Bill,

It looks like you've done quite a bit of good work already with your Canon
Rebel.  Besides the nebulae, I liked the simplicity of the Big Dipper photo. 
Some of your photos didn't have specs of how you took them.  I'm curious about
"The Sun in White Light" on the second page.  How did you capture that photo so
fully in the frame as compared to the lunar eclipse photo?  (Simply cropped the
photo? Different telescope?, Focal Reducer? )

Thanks

- Bruce

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "classylp" <classylp@...> wrote:
>
> Bruce,
>
>  Thanks for the compliment.  Percival Lowell!! I wish I had his money (well,
for back then) but hope I don't go crazy!  Lol..
> Will post my astrophotos, don't worry about that!
> Here is a link to some of my astrophotos so far:
> http://www.wanthonyphotography.com/gallery.cfm?gallery=Astronomy
>
> Bill
>
> --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "Bruce Agee" <brucea@> wrote:
> >
> > Thanks, Bill for the link to your fine art!  It's really not bad.  I'd call
you a modern "Percival Lowell" as long as you didn't take it negatively.  I hope
you'll post a photo or two once you get into the astrophotography part.
> >
> > Bruce
> >
> > --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "classylp" <classylp@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi Bruce,
> > >
> > >  Here is a link to the drawings:
> > > http://www.flickr.com/photos/w_anthony_fine_art/7051151497/in/photostream
> > >
> > >  Here is an image of the scope on the mount:
> > > http://www.flickr.com/photos/w_anthony_fine_art/7051151551/in/photostream
> > >
> > > I am not the best artist.  Hence, some of the detail surpased my ability
to capture it.  Please note that on the image, a dotted circle corresponds to a
bright/white area.
> > >
> > > Also, this is the raw drawing that I will need to redo (add text in
photoshop) for correct submission to ALPO and the BAA.
> > >
> > > Bill
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "Bruce Agee" <brucea@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Hi Bill -
> > > > Interesting report.  Pushing the limits, indeed.  You mention some
drawings ... if they were attached, I can't see them.  Perhaps you could upload
them to the photo section or place them in your blog.  I'd like to see them. 
Thanks.
> > > > - Bruce
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "classylp" <classylp@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Over the past few weeks I have been monitoring Mars both visually and
thru imaging.
> > > > > Members of my club have been submitting images/drawings to ALPO USA,
ALPO Japan, and now the BAA.
> > > > >
> > > > > My recent foray has been to draw the planet once in with a red filter
and once with a blue filter.  The red filters allows for observation of the high
contrast martian surface details.  Bright areas in the blue filtered image
correspond (save the NPC) to clouds over the planet's surface.
> > > > >
> > > > > Last night was second light for my new SV 105 Triplet APO mounted on
an Orion Atlas.
> > > > >
> > > > > This scope is amazing!! Literally!!  On the first night, I was able to
obtain high contrast views of the surface detail using a 2.5 mm TMB planetary
eyepiece (This is a killer eyepiece for the SV105) with the red filter attached.
This was at 294X.
> > > > > Drawings of the planet were done with both the red and blue filter. 
The clouds over the Chryse area and converging on Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus
were very apparent.
> > > > >
> > > > > Last night, (4/6/12), I got to show the scope off to my friend and a
few other NJAA club members.  My buddy and I first looked at Mars with the red
filter at 366X using the 2X TV big Barlow and 4mm Radian.  The planet and
markings were sharp and crisp.
> > > > > So sharp that we decided to push the magnification higher!  My next
increase was to 588X  (yes 588!) with the TMB 2.5 mm planetary, red filter, and
2X TV Barlow.
> > > > > Low and behold the image was sharp.   (This was all around 10:30 pm
EST with Mars overhead form NJ)
> > > > >
> > > > >  Obviously not as crisp as at 366X but, in moments of good seeing, I
could see more detail at 588X than at 366X.  For example, some of the
differences in shading was observed and some smaller detail popped in an out.   
The dark markings located north of Arabia up to the NPC, were popping in and out
with amazing detail.  (Note, Mars is 12.1 arc sec. in diameter)
> > > > >
> > > > > At 366X the Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus, were obvious with clouds
encroaching on these structures centered on the Chryse region between the two.
Good detail could be made of the Margaritifer Sinus, Sinus Meridiani, Sinus
sabeus
> > > > > structures with the gap between Margaritifer and Meridiani obvious. 
Also a scoop/gap between sabeaus and Merindiani was observed.    (I hate Martian
names).
> > > > >
> > > > > For anyone who would like to replicate viewing the Martian surface at
588X beware that you will most likely need to use a Red filter to do so.  But on
the good side, the past two nights have only had average seeing at best.
> > > > >
> > > > > I purchased the SV105 mainly for astrophotography, but with views like
these, man its going to hard to switch out the eyepiece for a camera with Mars
high up.   I knew this scope would be spectacular visually and the f7 is perfect
for such work!!  Luv it!
> > > > >
> > > > > Bill A.
> > > > > www.njaaresearch.blogspot.com
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Great report Bill, 588x WOW!

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "classylp" <classylp@...> wrote:
>
> Over the past few weeks I have been monitoring Mars both visually and thru
imaging.
> Members of my club have been submitting images/drawings to ALPO USA, ALPO
Japan, and now the BAA.
>
> My recent foray has been to draw the planet once in with a red filter and once
with a blue filter.  The red filters allows for observation of the high contrast
martian surface details.  Bright areas in the blue filtered image correspond
(save the NPC) to clouds over the planet's surface.
>
> Last night was second light for my new SV 105 Triplet APO mounted on an Orion
Atlas.
>
> This scope is amazing!! Literally!!  On the first night, I was able to obtain
high contrast views of the surface detail using a 2.5 mm TMB planetary eyepiece
(This is a killer eyepiece for the SV105) with the red filter attached.  This
was at 294X.
> Drawings of the planet were done with both the red and blue filter.  The
clouds over the Chryse area and converging on Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus were
very apparent.
>
> Last night, (4/6/12), I got to show the scope off to my friend and a few other
NJAA club members.  My buddy and I first looked at Mars with the red filter at
366X using the 2X TV big Barlow and 4mm Radian.  The planet and markings were
sharp and crisp.
> So sharp that we decided to push the magnification higher!  My next increase
was to 588X  (yes 588!) with the TMB 2.5 mm planetary, red filter, and 2X TV
Barlow.
> Low and behold the image was sharp.   (This was all around 10:30 pm EST with
Mars overhead form NJ)
>
>  Obviously not as crisp as at 366X but, in moments of good seeing, I could see
more detail at 588X than at 366X.  For example, some of the differences in
shading was observed and some smaller detail popped in an out.    The dark
markings located north of Arabia up to the NPC, were popping in and out with
amazing detail.  (Note, Mars is 12.1 arc sec. in diameter)
>
> At 366X the Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus, were obvious with clouds
encroaching on these structures centered on the Chryse region between the two.
Good detail could be made of the Margaritifer Sinus, Sinus Meridiani, Sinus
sabeus
> structures with the gap between Margaritifer and Meridiani obvious.  Also a
scoop/gap between sabeaus and Merindiani was observed.    (I hate Martian
names).
>
> For anyone who would like to replicate viewing the Martian surface at 588X
beware that you will most likely need to use a Red filter to do so.  But on the
good side, the past two nights have only had average seeing at best.
>
> I purchased the SV105 mainly for astrophotography, but with views like these,
man its going to hard to switch out the eyepiece for a camera with Mars high up.
I knew this scope would be spectacular visually and the f7 is perfect for such
work!!  Luv it!
>
> Bill A.
> www.njaaresearch.blogspot.com
>

143X per inch. You gotta love "hand crafted" apo triplets!

;-)

Vic Maris


--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "classylp" <classylp@...> wrote:
>
> Over the past few weeks I have been monitoring Mars both visually and thru
imaging.
> Members of my club have been submitting images/drawings to ALPO USA, ALPO
Japan, and now the BAA.
>
> My recent foray has been to draw the planet once in with a red filter and once
with a blue filter.  The red filters allows for observation of the high contrast
martian surface details.  Bright areas in the blue filtered image correspond
(save the NPC) to clouds over the planet's surface.
>
> Last night was second light for my new SV 105 Triplet APO mounted on an Orion
Atlas.
>
> This scope is amazing!! Literally!!  On the first night, I was able to obtain
high contrast views of the surface detail using a 2.5 mm TMB planetary eyepiece
(This is a killer eyepiece for the SV105) with the red filter attached.  This
was at 294X.
> Drawings of the planet were done with both the red and blue filter.  The
clouds over the Chryse area and converging on Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus were
very apparent.
>
> Last night, (4/6/12), I got to show the scope off to my friend and a few other
NJAA club members.  My buddy and I first looked at Mars with the red filter at
366X using the 2X TV big Barlow and 4mm Radian.  The planet and markings were
sharp and crisp.
> So sharp that we decided to push the magnification higher!  My next increase
was to 588X  (yes 588!) with the TMB 2.5 mm planetary, red filter, and 2X TV
Barlow.
> Low and behold the image was sharp.   (This was all around 10:30 pm EST with
Mars overhead form NJ)
>
>  Obviously not as crisp as at 366X but, in moments of good seeing, I could see
more detail at 588X than at 366X.  For example, some of the differences in
shading was observed and some smaller detail popped in an out.    The dark
markings located north of Arabia up to the NPC, were popping in and out with
amazing detail.  (Note, Mars is 12.1 arc sec. in diameter)
>
> At 366X the Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus, were obvious with clouds
encroaching on these structures centered on the Chryse region between the two.
Good detail could be made of the Margaritifer Sinus, Sinus Meridiani, Sinus
sabeus
> structures with the gap between Margaritifer and Meridiani obvious.  Also a
scoop/gap between sabeaus and Merindiani was observed.    (I hate Martian
names).
>
> For anyone who would like to replicate viewing the Martian surface at 588X
beware that you will most likely need to use a Red filter to do so.  But on the
good side, the past two nights have only had average seeing at best.
>
> I purchased the SV105 mainly for astrophotography, but with views like these,
man its going to hard to switch out the eyepiece for a camera with Mars high up.
I knew this scope would be spectacular visually and the f7 is perfect for such
work!!  Luv it!
>
> Bill A.
> www.njaaresearch.blogspot.com
>

Thanks Jim. I was all over the southwest in my youth but for some reason never
made Chaco. It is definately on my bucket list.

Yeah running into Jim and Becky in Taos is a rather amazing coincidence.

Vic Maris



--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "jmcarpen" <carp.jm@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Vic,
>
> You should be able to do it if you take it slow and easy.  There's 13 miles of
gravel road, which can vary from "no problemo" to "no way Jose" depending on how
long since the last grader went over it.  It had just been graded a week or so
before we got there, so we just had a few short stretches of washboarding to
contend with.  The campground host told me he'd come in around the first of
March and there were severe ruts -- he was in a p/u towing a fairly large 5th
wheel.  We probably averaged 25 mph overall on the gravel, going from as slow as
15 mph in the washboards to 35 mph where it was smooth.  But be careful of the
shoulders, which can be very soft and sandy in spots.  It can also get pretty
slippery when it's wet.
>
> It's very dark there at night, so viewing can be fantastic.  They have a small
dome at the visitor center with a ~20" dob on a tracking platform, a couple of
smaller dobs, and a couple of SCTs -- none of which were set up or available
while we were there.  The Albuquerque astro club runs monthly public star
parties there from April or May through September.  One of the park rangers has
a background in astronomy, so that makes it interesting as well.
>
> BTW, it's a dry campground, so be prepared for semi-boondocking conditions. 
It's also first-come first served -- no reserved campsites except for a small
group area.  Given the ancient astronomy history of the site, I suspect it gets
pretty crowded around the soltices and equinoxes.
>
> I'd say go for it, but be prepared.  BTW, we ran into Jim & Becky Bissette in
Taos on our way home -- a pleasant coincidence.
>
> JimC
> Denver
>
> --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, vic@ wrote:
> >
> > Jim
> >
> > Do you think we could get the SV Mothership into Chaco? Jan and I would love
to do a trip there. Since Buddy is probably smaller than your grandson, I could
probably bring a160 with me.
> >
> > Vic
> >
>

That would be nice. It would probably get less than half the mileage tho. Then I
would have to sell my Stellarvue. And as they say, you can have my Stellarvue
when you pry it out of my cold, dead hands.....

Or when I finally make that 160 for "me" and sell the 115. ;-)

Vic


--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, jonathan king <umustbjoking@...> wrote:
>
>
> So the Mother Ship does have the hovercraft surround skirt option, doesnt it?
So  washboard roads should be no problem... JKING
>
> To: Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com
> From: carp.jm@...
> Date: Fri, 6 Apr 2012 15:41:42 +0000
> Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: Venus with Seven Sisters (ref: Chaco Canyon)
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>       Hi Vic,
>
>
>
> You should be able to do it if you take it slow and easy.  There's 13 miles of
gravel road, which can vary from "no problemo" to "no way Jose" depending on how
long since the last grader went over it.  It had just been graded a week or so
before we got there, so we just had a few short stretches of washboarding to
contend with.  The campground host told me he'd come in around the first of
March and there were severe ruts -- he was in a p/u towing a fairly large 5th
wheel.  We probably averaged 25 mph overall on the gravel, going from as slow as
15 mph in the washboards to 35 mph where it was smooth.  But be careful of the
shoulders, which can be very soft and sandy in spots.  It can also get pretty
slippery when it's wet.
>
>
>
> It's very dark there at night, so viewing can be fantastic.  They have a small
dome at the visitor center with a ~20" dob on a tracking platform, a couple of
smaller dobs, and a couple of SCTs -- none of which were set up or available
while we were there.  The Albuquerque astro club runs monthly public star
parties there from April or May through September.  One of the park rangers has
a background in astronomy, so that makes it interesting as well.
>
>
>
> BTW, it's a dry campground, so be prepared for semi-boondocking conditions. 
It's also first-come first served -- no reserved campsites except for a small
group area.  Given the ancient astronomy history of the site, I suspect it gets
pretty crowded around the soltices and equinoxes.
>
>
>
> I'd say go for it, but be prepared.  BTW, we ran into Jim & Becky Bissette in
Taos on our way home -- a pleasant coincidence.
>
>
>
> JimC
>
> Denver
>
>
>
> --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, vic@ wrote:
>
> >
>
> > Jim
>
> >
>
> > Do you think we could get the SV Mothership into Chaco? Jan and I would love
to do a trip there. Since Buddy is probably smaller than your grandson, I could
probably bring a160 with me.
>
> >
>
> > Vic
>
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Bruce,

Thankyou for the compliments!

For the two images,both were shot with the WO FD 80 at 555mm focal length.
There is simply a difference in the crop of the original image.
For the Sun in White Light image, I took about 6 Tiffs and combined them in
Registax 6.

To be honest, I am not overly happy with the image.  I should have used a 2X
barlow for more solar detail.

With the SV105 I will be able to produce better solar images.
I hope to use the DSLR in movie mode or my club's monochrome DMK21AU04 ccd/video
camera.   The focal length of the SV105 should be perfect for such endevours.

Bill

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "Bruce Agee" <brucea@...> wrote:
>
> Bill,
>
> It looks like you've done quite a bit of good work already with your Canon
Rebel.  Besides the nebulae, I liked the simplicity of the Big Dipper photo. 
Some of your photos didn't have specs of how you took them.  I'm curious about
"The Sun in White Light" on the second page.  How did you capture that photo so
fully in the frame as compared to the lunar eclipse photo?  (Simply cropped the
photo? Different telescope?, Focal Reducer? )
>
> Thanks
>
> - Bruce
>
> --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "classylp" <classylp@> wrote:
> >
> > Bruce,
> >
> >  Thanks for the compliment.  Percival Lowell!! I wish I had his money (well,
for back then) but hope I don't go crazy!  Lol..
> > Will post my astrophotos, don't worry about that!
> > Here is a link to some of my astrophotos so far:
> > http://www.wanthonyphotography.com/gallery.cfm?gallery=Astronomy
> >
> > Bill
> >
> > --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "Bruce Agee" <brucea@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Thanks, Bill for the link to your fine art!  It's really not bad.  I'd
call you a modern "Percival Lowell" as long as you didn't take it negatively.  I
hope you'll post a photo or two once you get into the astrophotography part.
> > >
> > > Bruce
> > >
> > > --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "classylp" <classylp@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Hi Bruce,
> > > >
> > > >  Here is a link to the drawings:
> > > >
http://www.flickr.com/photos/w_anthony_fine_art/7051151497/in/photostream
> > > >
> > > >  Here is an image of the scope on the mount:
> > > >
http://www.flickr.com/photos/w_anthony_fine_art/7051151551/in/photostream
> > > >
> > > > I am not the best artist.  Hence, some of the detail surpased my ability
to capture it.  Please note that on the image, a dotted circle corresponds to a
bright/white area.
> > > >
> > > > Also, this is the raw drawing that I will need to redo (add text in
photoshop) for correct submission to ALPO and the BAA.
> > > >
> > > > Bill
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "Bruce Agee" <brucea@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Hi Bill -
> > > > > Interesting report.  Pushing the limits, indeed.  You mention some
drawings ... if they were attached, I can't see them.  Perhaps you could upload
them to the photo section or place them in your blog.  I'd like to see them. 
Thanks.
> > > > > - Bruce
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "classylp" <classylp@> wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Over the past few weeks I have been monitoring Mars both visually
and thru imaging.
> > > > > > Members of my club have been submitting images/drawings to ALPO USA,
ALPO Japan, and now the BAA.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > My recent foray has been to draw the planet once in with a red
filter and once with a blue filter.  The red filters allows for observation of
the high contrast martian surface details.  Bright areas in the blue filtered
image correspond (save the NPC) to clouds over the planet's surface.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Last night was second light for my new SV 105 Triplet APO mounted on
an Orion Atlas.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > This scope is amazing!! Literally!!  On the first night, I was able
to obtain high contrast views of the surface detail using a 2.5 mm TMB planetary
eyepiece (This is a killer eyepiece for the SV105) with the red filter attached.
This was at 294X.
> > > > > > Drawings of the planet were done with both the red and blue filter. 
The clouds over the Chryse area and converging on Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus
were very apparent.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Last night, (4/6/12), I got to show the scope off to my friend and a
few other NJAA club members.  My buddy and I first looked at Mars with the red
filter at 366X using the 2X TV big Barlow and 4mm Radian.  The planet and
markings were sharp and crisp.
> > > > > > So sharp that we decided to push the magnification higher!  My next
increase was to 588X  (yes 588!) with the TMB 2.5 mm planetary, red filter, and
2X TV Barlow.
> > > > > > Low and behold the image was sharp.   (This was all around 10:30 pm
EST with Mars overhead form NJ)
> > > > > >
> > > > > >  Obviously not as crisp as at 366X but, in moments of good seeing, I
could see more detail at 588X than at 366X.  For example, some of the
differences in shading was observed and some smaller detail popped in an out.   
The dark markings located north of Arabia up to the NPC, were popping in and out
with amazing detail.  (Note, Mars is 12.1 arc sec. in diameter)
> > > > > >
> > > > > > At 366X the Mare Acidalium, Aurorae Sinus, were obvious with clouds
encroaching on these structures centered on the Chryse region between the two.
Good detail could be made of the Margaritifer Sinus, Sinus Meridiani, Sinus
sabeus
> > > > > > structures with the gap between Margaritifer and Meridiani obvious. 
Also a scoop/gap between sabeaus and Merindiani was observed.    (I hate Martian
names).
> > > > > >
> > > > > > For anyone who would like to replicate viewing the Martian surface
at 588X beware that you will most likely need to use a Red filter to do so.  But
on the good side, the past two nights have only had average seeing at best.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I purchased the SV105 mainly for astrophotography, but with views
like these, man its going to hard to switch out the eyepiece for a camera with
Mars high up.   I knew this scope would be spectacular visually and the f7 is
perfect for such work!!  Luv it!
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Bill A.
> > > > > > www.njaaresearch.blogspot.com
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Vic (or anyone else who knows),
I'll be attending my first NEAF this year and was wondering (since I've heard
conflicting things from different people):  Are NEAF purchases strictly cash
only, or do vendors take credit cards as well?  I'm wondering about this
specifically with regards to SV, but am interested in the other major vendors'
policies as well.
Thanks in advance,
Scott, in NC

Hmmm ... it's only about 550 miles due East from Chaco Canyon NHP to Comanche
Springs Astronomy Campus in Texas ... so consider an extra day's drive after
your visit and there'll be two SV 152s waiting for you to use or, if you want to
do some comparos (you would not be disappointed!), there's a gaggle of other
similar-sized APOs we could set up for you!

... and we have nice RV spaces including some new pull-through ones since Jim
visited us ...

And (Hey!) you could meet up en route with Eicher at his observatory en route,
then cart him over to see us, too!

Free to scope-builders, of course ...

Ever hopeful,

Jeff B.

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, vic@... wrote:
>
> That would be nice. It would probably get less than half the mileage tho. Then
I would have to sell my Stellarvue. And as they say, you can have my Stellarvue
when you pry it out of my cold, dead hands.....
>
> Or when I finally make that 160 for "me" and sell the 115. ;-)
>
> Vic
>
>
> --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, jonathan king <umustbjoking@> wrote:
> >
> >
> > So the Mother Ship does have the hovercraft surround skirt option, doesnt
it? So  washboard roads should be no problem... JKING
> >
> > To: Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com
> > From: carp.jm@
> > Date: Fri, 6 Apr 2012 15:41:42 +0000
> > Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: Venus with Seven Sisters (ref: Chaco Canyon)
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >       Hi Vic,
> >
> >
> >
> > You should be able to do it if you take it slow and easy.  There's 13 miles
of gravel road, which can vary from "no problemo" to "no way Jose" depending on
how long since the last grader went over it.  It had just been graded a week or
so before we got there, so we just had a few short stretches of washboarding to
contend with.  The campground host told me he'd come in around the first of
March and there were severe ruts -- he was in a p/u towing a fairly large 5th
wheel.  We probably averaged 25 mph overall on the gravel, going from as slow as
15 mph in the washboards to 35 mph where it was smooth.  But be careful of the
shoulders, which can be very soft and sandy in spots.  It can also get pretty
slippery when it's wet.
> >
> >
> >
> > It's very dark there at night, so viewing can be fantastic.  They have a
small dome at the visitor center with a ~20" dob on a tracking platform, a
couple of smaller dobs, and a couple of SCTs -- none of which were set up or
available while we were there.  The Albuquerque astro club runs monthly public
star parties there from April or May through September.  One of the park rangers
has a background in astronomy, so that makes it interesting as well.
> >
> >
> >
> > BTW, it's a dry campground, so be prepared for semi-boondocking conditions. 
It's also first-come first served -- no reserved campsites except for a small
group area.  Given the ancient astronomy history of the site, I suspect it gets
pretty crowded around the soltices and equinoxes.
> >
> >
> >
> > I'd say go for it, but be prepared.  BTW, we ran into Jim & Becky Bissette
in Taos on our way home -- a pleasant coincidence.
> >
> >
> >
> > JimC
> >
> > Denver
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, vic@ wrote:
> >
> > >
> >
> > > Jim
> >
> > >
> >
> > > Do you think we could get the SV Mothership into Chaco? Jan and I would
love to do a trip there. Since Buddy is probably smaller than your grandson, I
could probably bring a160 with me.
> >
> > >
> >
> > > Vic
> >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

The answer is yes and no and it depends.  Most vendors will make better deals
with cash.  Nearly all but the smallest of firms take credit cards.  Both are
accepted atrpthe SV booth in past years.  Cash rules everywhere though and some
specials are cash only.

Hope that helps.

John S.
--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "scott_nc" <ssatko@...> wrote:
>
> Vic (or anyone else who knows),
> I'll be attending my first NEAF this year and was wondering (since I've heard
conflicting things from different people):  Are NEAF purchases strictly cash
only, or do vendors take credit cards as well?  I'm wondering about this
specifically with regards to SV, but am interested in the other major vendors'
policies as well.
> Thanks in advance,
> Scott, in NC
>

Scott,

Based on the last time I spoke with Vic I don't think he is going to be taking
credit cards this year at NEAF.

David B.

Pen Argyl, PA

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "scott_nc" <ssatko@...> wrote:
>
> Vic (or anyone else who knows),
> I'll be attending my first NEAF this year and was wondering (since I've heard
conflicting things from different people):  Are NEAF purchases strictly cash
only, or do vendors take credit cards as well?  I'm wondering about this
specifically with regards to SV, but am interested in the other major vendors'
policies as well.
> Thanks in advance,
> Scott, in NC
>

Continuing this thread... Last night was my first chance to check out the new
Planetary EPs. I was out for a few hours. There was a bit of wind and a
prominent moon. Not ideal conditions but I did have clear skies...in Northeast
Ohio, that is saying something.

I'm fairly new so have not had a chance to collect many quality EPs...as luck
would have it, Vic released these just in time for me to continue my investment
in SV gear. For the comparison, I used a Televue Nagler 13mm into my SVR90. Up
until now, the Nagler has been my favorite for it's clarity and detail.
Initially I started with the TV (to get a baseline) and then moved to the SV6.1
(103X), progressed to the SV4.9 (128X), and finally (when the atmosphere was
stable enough) the SV2.9 (217X). I intentionally allowed the objects to move
across the entire FOV to check for any variation.  Early on, I concentrated on
Venus and the Pleiades since they were still well above the western horizon.
Once they got lower and atmospheric instability was more apparent, I moved on to
M42, Mars, and Jupiter. Venus was as pretty as I've ever seen her. The
termination was razor sharp and every bit as detailed across all SV eyepieces.
The Trapezium in M42 were pin pricks of light peaking thru the "cloud". Though
Mars is much smaller than its peers, the dappled orange and gray/brown colors
were stable which only faded near the ice cap. For Jupiter, the cloud bands
showed as much contrast as I could ever remember and the 4 moons that were
visible remained very stable as the magnification was increased. Of course the
increase in magnification is always appreciated but I was pleased to see no loss
of contrast or detail across the FOV in all SV EPs. I would say that for this
night and the conditions, using the SV2.9 may have been overly optimistic. When
seeing conditions allow, this will be a great EP for detailed observing.
Hmmm...I may have a new favorite EP, the SV4.9. Keven To:
Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com
From: bellis@...
Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2012 02:24:40 +0000
Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: My first light too, SV Planetaries!
































David



I got out again last evening and took a look at the Moon with the new SV
planetaries. I also noticed the glaring when observing the terminator. It's the
only less than perfect thing I've seen with these eyepieces. I don't spend much
time looking at the Moon so it's not a big issue for me, but I know a lot of you
enjoy Luna so perhaps this deserves a closer look by Vic.



For me these eyepieces are a bit of a "tease." The focus is so clean and there
is such detail in the diffraction pattern I know that the view is being
dominated by the seeing. As Mary has commented, the seeing here in the Denver
area (leeward of the Rockies) is seldom good. Last night was about a 5 on the
Pickering scale (http://www.damianpeach.com/pickering.htm). I think the best
I've seen here is about a 6 on that scale. I can't imagine what it must be like
to observe when the seeing is a 7 or 8!



In any case, I know I have the eyepieces that will perform for those rare nights
when the atmosphere is still and quiet.



Benton



--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "David and Sharon Elosser" <pde444@...>
wrote:

>

> Thanks Bruce, for that great first light report. Luck would have it, I don't
know why, but the skies literally cleared up for a while last night. These
Planetaries are really nice, with excellent contrast and sharpness across the
field. The 6.1mm lost a bit of resolution at the edge with my SV102ABV (F/7.75)
doublet. I noticed this looking at Algieba, a moderately tight double, easily
resolved in the center but blurred a bit at the edge. The other two focal
lengths were noticeably sharper at the edge. It was quite a bit of fun watching
the two components disappear past the field stop, one by one, as I let them
drift through the eyepiece.

>

> Lunar view: excellent sharpness and contrast. There is a bit of glaring in
this design off the terminator, but a waxing gibbous moon is a severe test for
glaring on any eyepiece. Resolution was the worst with the 2.9 (272x) but that
was due to atmospheric conditions.

>

> Mars: WOW! This is the best I've seen so far. Mars is a bit disappointly small
this year, it will make closer approaches in a few years time. With the 6.1
(130x) I could just make out the polar cap and some hints of albiedo features.
With the 4.9 (161x) I detected the albiedo features with more clarity, and the
2.9 was still not too much power, during periods of steady air. Now Mars is so
small all the main features tend to blend together, but using Calsky.com I could
discern basic features. The polar ice cap is the easiest to spot. A large bright
area on the western side is the Arabia Terra region. On the north eastern area
is Tempe Terra, with another bright zone near the middle, Xanthe Terra. A large
dark grey area below the polar cap reaching down through the middle is the
Acidalia Planitia region, and along the southern portion Margaritifer Terra
skirts the limb with another broad, dark gray stroke. Nice detail considering
conditions, and no filter was used! Mars was a lovely orange color with the dark
regions showing up blue-gray. We definately have a winner with this set!

>

> David E

>





















[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]