Filters??

peterako

Hello,

I have been thoroughly enjoying gazing at the stars and planets with my new telescope

I have a Celestron Astromaster 130 with 20, 10 and 4mm lenses and a 2x Barlow.

I got GREAT results looking at Mars and Saturn with what I have but would like to see some more 'detail'.

I accept that the BEST magnification I can expect is close to 200x, but I'm not too worried on that front (as at higher magnifications the field of view decreases -> objects 'move' faster).

Looking at Saturn last night I noticed very little difference when using the 10mm with Barlow (=130x) and using the 4mm (=162.5).
And in both cases Saturn and its rings were white.
I could see the gaps either side of the globe through the inner of the ring My 10 year old confirmed that I didn't dream that this morning.

Would filters bring out 'detail' for me?

Thanks in advance,
Peter

Plug

I have the same scope with the 20mm, 10mm and a 2x barlow. I fine that when I use the barlow with the 10mm it becomes a blur. I can never see any detail with it. Im thinking maybe a 8mm lens would be useful.

peterako

Hi,

I have no problem with the 10mm and x2 barlow. Also with a 4mm it is fine, though the 'field' of view is reduced.

Could it be the atmosphere from where you're viewing? More light polution which will impact more at higher magnification?

I'm very lucky where we are. The view to the east is devoid of housing

Peter

Plug

That explains a lot Im slap bang in the middle of town:(

*EDIT*
@anyone......
I went out and I saw a galaxy or 2 a few minutes ago, I think I could have been looking at M110, I could make out a very faint blur, I found it by accident looking for andromada.
I then moved the scope to the left of the blur and saw a group of scattered stars, Is this andromada or just stars in our own solar system. I found out the blur was M110 through stellarium but I thought it was andromada looking through the scope:(
Does M31 look like a bigger blur or what? Maybe just a scatter of stars?
I was looking through a 20mm lens.

peterako

M31 Viewing - Found this:

http://stargazerslounge.com/astro-lounge/43313-viewing-m31.html

Also invested in these filters:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-MEADE-4pc-Color-Filter-Set-1-Series-4000-Telescope_W0QQitemZ350335954285QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Telescopes?hash=item5191a66d6d

The 12 is great for Saturn as is the 80 (Yellow and Blue)

My Scope may not be up to the other two in the pack.

Peter

slade_x

peterako wrote: »

Would filters bring out 'detail' for me?

Simply put yes, here's a nicely laid out page:

http://sciastro.net/members/portia.php/2009/01/31/g-the-use-of-filters