After a few weeks of keeping an eye on Trade Me, a pretty cheap Nova 114/500 Newtonian on an EQ-1 mount popped up. I grabbed it with pretty low expectations.
I do not expect to use this for astrophotography, but I will probably attempt it to see what I can learn.
Using the scope has already taught me so much (all of these things I am doing poorly). I have realised:
- the importance of even rudimentary polar alignment;
- how hard it is to find stuff – even large and bright planets;
- I have learnt to love the EQ mount. My clumsy attempts at tracking some of the planets was ok, and it got better on the second attempt.
- the conditions were excellent and are likely to have raised unrealistic expectations for future viewing.
I am also very fortunate to have had such incredible seeing conditions, and Saturn and Jupiter in excellent positions for viewing. My kids will be bummed next time they look at those planets.
