Moon, Venus and Jupiter.

Thanks guys, the great thing at this stage is you learn something new every time you go out. I was playing around with M42, M43, M45 and betelgeuse tonight. Need to get the camera set on the mount for tracking, can't believe how quickly star trails build up. Also the tripod is very light and I think the even the shutter releasing is causing blurries. That said I'm hooked now so onward and upward hopefully.

Cheers

What kind of mount are you using if you don't mind me asking ?

Celestron cg5 Martin, bought a william optics 110 flt to go with it but unfortunately the focuser wasn't working when it arrived so it had to go back to be fixed, hopefully will have it back next week. One of those things, but it's killing me to have the mount with no scope during this weather.

That is remarkable, Reggy, your focuser stopped working on your 110 flt. I bought my flt 158 late 2009, and my focuser never worked for the first 6 months. So I sent it back to William Optics. They did do a marvellous modification on it and it has never failed me ever since. It was worth waiting for in the end.

Aubrey.

Hi Aubrey, was horrified to be honest, happened on setup for first light with the scope. One of the four bearings that align the friction rail collapsed. had only heard great things about W.O before buying so hopefully they will get it sorted, although I am a bit nervous as to durability to be honest.

Reggy

Reggy - it always seems to happen - usually when I have an equipment issue, the weather is glorious. Of course, the weather will also be glorious for astronomy during Euro 2012. Decisions will need to be made...

Hope you get the scope back ASAP and the weather holds out for you.

As regards WO, I can understand your nervousness but my experience of the reputable and well-known quality manufacturers is that all ends well. That's why you pay a premium for such products - any issuesare resolve quicklyand woithout quibble and down-time is kept to a minimum.

Cheers
Dave