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All, <BR>
<BR>
I had an hour to observe tonight. I was able to accomplish setting up the small Celestron FirstScope in less than a few minutes.<BR>
<BR>
I viewed all of the Auriga clusters with ease, could even see the dark lane in M-37. The cluster appeared very contentrated and rich. Some resolve of the brighter stars. <BR>
<BR>
A very good resolve of stars especially in the more course M-36 cluster. M-38 appeared as a sprinkling of pinpoints. <BR>
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M-1 or the Crab Nebula was very easy, presenting an elongated shape with a very even texture. The Orion Nebula was very surprising, taking up the entire field using a 20 mm Vixen LV and a 2x barlow for a full 1.7° FOV. Three of the trapezium stars could be seen easily at 50x, using a 12 mm Konig with a 2x barlow. The forth star was fleeting and I could not hold constantly. <BR>
<BR>
M-81 and M-82 looked great, presenting the shapes not much different than my 4-inch. Some details could be seen rather easily for my sketch. <BR>
<BR>
Again, the scope is smooth, easy to adjust the tension, and the focuser works extremely well. The secret is to use good EP's. A barlow really improves coma at the edge of the field. <BR>
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<STRONG>I set the scope up, observed all of the listed objects, did a sketch </STRONG>on <STRONG>M-36, M-37,</STRONG> the <STRONG>Crab</STRONG> <STRONG>nebula, M-42 </STRONG>including the <STRONG>trapezium</STRONG>, and <STRONG>M-81 and M-82</STRONG>. I then bought the scope in and wrote this observing report all within 1.5 hours. I also took some pictures and uploaded onto my computer for this e-mail. <BR>
<BR>
This scope performs as well or possibly better than the last 60 mm refractor that I owned. <STRONG>The views are not much different as compared to a very good quality 80 mm f/15 Japanese refractor that I had quite a few years ago</STRONG>. <BR>
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I will try to send my sketches out tomorrow. <BR>
<BR>
<STRONG>Best $42 dollars that I have ever spent for astronomy equipment.</STRONG> <BR>
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Time: 9:45 PM (EST) ... going to bed. <BR>
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Roger <FONT face=Arial> <BR><FONT size=4></FONT> </FONT><BR><FONT face=Arial></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial> <BR><BR> <BR></FONT><EM><FONT face=Arial><STRONG> </STRONG></FONT>The moon and stars to govern the night..... Psalm 136:9</EM><BR><BR><BR><BR> <br /><hr />Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. <a href='http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469227/direct/01/' target='_new'>Sign up now.</a></body>
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