Up shortly after 2 am – skies somewhat clear – dressed, got tea, and was in observatory by 2:30 am using 120mm Skywatcher and my grab ‘n go kit – 32mm TV Plossl, 8-24 Hyperion zoom and 6-3 Nagler zoom.
My first target was Rasalhagethi (Alpha Herculis) and it showed nicely in the Hyperion zoom, splitting cleanly at 8 and one click-stop above 8. However, it split much better with the 6-3 Nagler zoom. Some flaring of the primary with the 8-24 Hyperion – pure, round star images with 2-3 diffraction rings using the 6-3 zoom. Judging from the drift, secondary is due east of primary.
These two zooms are far from par focal with one another. However, in double star work I can use the 32mm Plossl and go directly to the 6-3 Nagler with little or no refocusing.I was amazed to find this was so.
I was working at my liesure with no targets in mind. Figured I would check out Gamma Delphinus, then move on to the last quarter moon which was now above my tree line. Gamma split easily – even split at 24mm, but was real nice at 8mm. No flaring with these two more evenly matched stars (4.5 and 5.5). Restored some faith in the Hyperion zoom. Of course, they are also more than twice is far apart as Rasalgethi.
I was enjoying this when zoom – the clouds came in – in about five minutes it was 80% overcast. So my observing session went simply from 2:30 am to 3:15 am, then I packed up and headed in.
Ah well – given the terrible weather we’ve been having, this was a refreshing little interlude – and for a while the skies were very clear and very steady.
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