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[dweiland]

Well.... I couldn't resist. I really wanted to post a write up comparing the Tele Vue Powermate to the Big Barlow... but... a lack of patience got the better of me and I went ahead and purchased. It arrived today.

First, some background. I just bought a 10 inch dobsonian. It came with a 25mm and 10mm 1.25 inch sirius plossl eyepieces. Though my eyepieces are 1.25 inch, the telescope can actually handle 2 inch or 1.25 inch (it has an adaptor). Anyway, after reading through some great posts and great advice, I arrived at the conclusion that it made sense to purchase a 2x barlow. Knowing that a lens can last a lifetime, my goal was to purchase quality equipment. And away I went...

I'll post what I (a very much novice astronomer) considered to be a good writeup explaining what a Powermate was (it is basically a better barlow):

www.televue.com/engine/page.asp?ID=42

I'm not sure why I zero'd in on Tele Vue. I know that it is one of the better manufacturers but... I'm curious if anyone else out there has other recommendations! Yes, I'll probably feel a little buyers remorse but I'd still rather know whats out there.

Anyway, I set up shop on the roof tonite and tried out the new Powermate. Analysis is as follows:

• Saturn - much bigger - much more awesome.
  
• Moon - much more detail - much much more awesome.
  
• Mars - kind of unimpressive - but a much bigger unimpressive.
  
• M51 - I think I found it but still no whirlpool.
  
• Clouds - still my worst enemy!
  

I dragged the girlfriend up to the roof to stargaze with me. She operated the flashlight as I set up. And, for the most part, shared in my amazement. It is important to note, however, that I do not disclose equipment costs with her - this could only cause trouble.

Now, I am really excited about the new "power" the Powermate adds to my telescope. And... unfortunately, it is probably only going to drive me to spend more money. I say this becuase I am looking at the size of 2 inch eyepieces and I'm thinking the experience from all 2 inch eyepieces probably puts the 1.25 to shame.

I have a few questions for the more experienced forum members:

1. What can I do to bring out more detail in the planets? I know there are filters out there (are they a gimmick?). What kind of filters? Does quality matter?

2. Should I hold off on purchasing an expensive 17mm lens? Do people fall into different camps - naglers vs other kinds of wide fields?

3. Joe, when is the next lunar observation? I'll try to make it down there if I don't have class that night!

I'm very grateful for all the insight on this forum!

-Dave

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

that I do not disclose equipment costs with her - this could only cause trouble

Dave, you are a wise man...

And excellent that your new items have arrived. Usually when someone gets a new astro stuff, they bring the clouds along with them...so we blame you.

Filters....yes, a good accessory to have.

First - To get better detail on planets...wait until they are as close to straight up or zenith. There, you are looking through less of a turbulent atmosphere and at their clearest.

Filters are not a gimmick and primarily for planetary work. The filters will bring out details not normally seen without. You can buy them separately or in a set which includes a red, green, yellow, blue and Lunar filter. Each of the color filters will block out all other colors and accentuate certain features like: blue for atmospheric, green and red for terrestrial markings, yellow for higher contrast in Saturn & Jupiter.

I always pop in a red filter for Mars...otherwise it's a dull salmon color. The red filter brings out terrestrial details and brings out the ice cap nicely. And people dig how "red" the planet is. I used it at the last "Mars Madness", when Mars came very close to the Earth...it was impressive. But, now that the red planet is moving away, it is more "unimpressive" each day. And I use a yellow for Saturn and for Solar projection.

The lunar filter will bring good contrast between the bright highlands and the darker maria. And it's good for cutting down the overpowering brightness of a full Moon.

These are basic filters and one is just as good as the other in my opinion. There are also more specialized filters, to bring out details in nebulae, galaxies and cut down in light pollution...and quite expensive. They tend to lend a greenish-blueish hue to the target, and although do bring out more detail, it looks un-natural. But, they are nice to have.

With M51, The Whirlpool Galaxy, most you will get is a dim smudge and brighter central core. Experienced observers who use "averted" vision can pick out a arm or two, but usually with much larger scopes.

You have a 25mm and 10mm now. With the barlow - you got virtual 12.5mm & 5mm. Yes...there is a gap between the 12.5mm and the 25mm and a 17mm would fit in nicely. A 40mm would be great...but, now starts the money pit of accessories. It's an enjoyable pursuit and will never end.

Naglers are probably considered the king of eyepieces. Razor sharp and bright, Mr. Nagler takes pride in his work...and it shows. Like automobiles, each person has their own preference, but it's is agreed that 2" eyepieces are the most desired.

The Chicago Astronomers enjoy catching the Full Moon rise over the lake by the South Lawn of the Adler Planetarium each month. The next one will be Wednesday - April 28th...at sunset If cloudy, then the day after. I will make the official announcement here on the Chicago Astronomer site, emails and Twitter. It would be great to have you join us for this event...

Keep all of us updated on your observations and we can follow along with your adventures!