Re: finding m34 and Double Cluster and others with Dob

I was able to find the Double Cluster and M34 using binoculars with
advice from this group However, I couldn't locate them with my 4.5
Dob. Also, in general, I can locate larger sky objects with my Dob
such as M44 and M41, but I haven't been successful with smaller sky
objects. I am still getting used to the inverted image, but I may be
following the skychart in the wrong direction. I view mainly from the
southeast, south and Northwest.

Suggestions?

Do you have a 1x finder (e.g. Rigel Quickfinder)? If you do, you should be
able to put the 1x finder on/near the target you just found with the binos,
and use a low-power eyepiece to scan around a bit and find whatever.
Good/easy stuff looks obvious in a scope, and finding the Double Cluster is
sort of like finding the Moon - hard to miss! One problem you may be having
is using too much magnification, and not recognizing what you are looking
at. To minimally frame the Double Cluster you need to get around 2 degrees
true field-of-view (with our 10" f/6, I have to settle for around 1.8
degrees), so you want to use your lowest power/longest focal length
eyepiece. TFOV = (AFOV of eyepiece) / Mag. For example, a plossl eyepiece
typically has around 50degrees AFOV, so you would need an eyepiece focal
length that gives you around 25x to get 2 degrees TFOV. With a little
practice, you will find that finding a target with your scope after finding
it with binos is usually trivial, assuming the target fits in the fov.

Dennis


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Relevant Pages

  • Re: finding m34 and Double Cluster and others with Dob
    ... brucegooglegroups wrote: ... advice from this group However, I couldn't locate them with my 4.5 ... Also, in general, I can locate larger sky objects with my Dob ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • finding m34 and Double Cluster and others with Dob
    ... I was able to find the Double Cluster and M34 using binoculars with ... advice from this group However, I couldn't locate them with my 4.5 ... Also, in general, I can locate larger sky objects with my Dob ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: Buying Assistance Requested
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