Izar and 34 Bootis

Hello all,

Last night was another clear night, although I felt the seeing and transparency were better last Thursday 19 March.

I attempted to split Izar last night, but unfortunately I failed to. I tried at 50X, 100X, 133X, and 200X, but no joy. Unlike the my last session, I was definitely observing Izar, so, maybe it was the scope??? Or could it have been the light pollution??? Then again, it may have been my  inexperience splitting stars.

While I was somewhat disappointed because I had planned to sketch the double star, I took the opportunity to sketch Izar and 34 Bootis. Both stars looked very nice in my eyepiece, and I'll certainly try to split Izar on another occasion.

In terms of the sketch, I added in the diffraction spikes on Izar digitally. Thankfully, it was much easier this time round - learning curve and all that - and I managed to even find the time to enhance the diffraction ring surrounding Izar.

So, even though I failed to split Izar last night it was still an enjoyable session.

Other details from last night's sketching session include:

Objects: Izar and 34 Bootis
Date: 22/03/2020
Location: Dundrum - Bortle 8
Time: 23:18 UT
Seeing: 5pk
Transparency 3
Instrument used: f/8 150mm Newtonian Reflector
Eyepiece: 32mm Plossl
AFOV: 52°
TFOV: 1.39°

Materials used: 2B, 2H graphite pencils. The image was sketched at the eyepiece and inverted using GIMP 2.0

As always many thanks for taking the time to read the above, and your comments and feedback are always welcomed.



Stay safe and clear skies to all,

Darren.

I'm sorry you are having trouble splitting Izar, Darren.

You might just check your collimation of your Newtonian mirror.
This can be easily done out in the garden during the daytime.
Or indoors if you have room.

You may check your mirror if it needs to be cleaned.
But I do doubt that could be a problem.
I know you keep your eyepieces clean.
So you probably keep your mirror clean too.

Clear skies,

Aubrey.

Hi Aubrey, 

Many thanks for your message. I don't believe it is the collimation as I always collimate the mirror with a laser before each session. It might be the mirror though. While I frequently clean my eyepieces (only three days ago was the last time), I've yet to clean the primary mirror in the scope since I purchased it in June 2018. I suppose I'm somewhat nervous about taking the scope apart, and having to reassemble it. However, I feel the primary will need a clean sooner rather than later. So, I might attempt to clean it during this 'lock down', or whatever name we're putting on it. 

So, if anyone here has some good advice on how to clean the primary mirror on a small Dob (6 inches) I'm all ears.

Clear skies to all, 

Darren. 

Hi Darren.
It has been a number of years since I cleaned a Newtonian mirror. But I used to clean my own once a year. I had a 6" first. Then an 8.75" mirror in later years.

I can give you this summary.

Put a good amount of warm water in the kitchen basin.
Submerge the mirror in it and leave it for 5 minutes. Others can correct me on that one. Some dust will rise from the mirror's surface.
Raise the mirror at about 45 degrees angle.
Get good chunks of cotton wool and soak them in soap.
Rub the mirror down with these with vertical strokes.
Your mirror will be clean then.
Put the mirror out of the water to one side.
Leave it for another 5 minutes.
Get a completely clean handkerchief and very gently dry the whole mirror.
Then put the mirror back into your tube.
Check your collimation once again.
You're ready to go!

Now please everyone, if I have left anything out, do NOT hesitate to give your opinions.

Clear skies,

Aubrey.

This is so helpful Aubrey... Thank you very much!

I did not know you had a 6 inch (and 8.75) Newtonian Reflector in the past... I suppose I'll always associate you with your fine William Optics 158mm Apo. 

Thanks again, 

Darren. 

You might consider wearing kitchen gloves while you are at work at the sink, Darren.

Happy cleaning,

Aubrey.