Whitby & District Astronomical Society

Limited instrumentation and equipment alterations to telescope and mount at the Danby Observatory facility have been accomplished during the latter part of April, John McCue, and members of WDAS paying several visits to the facility. John McCue replaced the existing finder scope with a right-angle type allowing for easier observer use – no more squinting along the main tube OTA. John and Mark also fitted a pier extension section to the mount on a very warm afternoon during the Easter break.

This proved relatively straight forward, lifting the mount and scope by 200mm (8"), still allowing sufficient clearance of the run-off roof and gable end above the scope and mount. There is one proviso though, the scope must be parked in the horizontal position, not the normal zero position. Warning notices were left to this effect.

Following further email correspondence regarding connectivity issues from mount to TV monitor, investigations resulting from these and carried out by John McCue, Paul Wood and others finally demonstrated that scope attached image devices, could establish a link to the TV monitor without need of additional cables. Initially performed during daylight hours, this was later verified using celestial objects a few evenings later, when WDAS members again assembled under clear, chilly, skies.

Although the imaging camera device on site is intended for basic solar system object imaging, once connected it was able to capture and show lunar detail on the TV screen via a laptop utilising suitable apps and drivers. Jupiter was also targeted and although there were issues with maintaining target tracking, as well as 'seeing' on the night, the potential for this aspect of viewing was clearly (or unclearly) demonstrated. Once the issue of accurate polar alignment and tracking has been resolved, looking forward, a superior, imager would really enhance the public viewing experience at star party events.

Whilst John Mc, Richard R and Mark D grappled with issues inside, outside Keith D, John L and Brian battled with connectivity issues for Keith's Origin smart scope, eventually acquiring a Wi-Fi signal to allow imaging, building up very pleasing images of M101 and M54.

Meanwhile, inside, the next task of polar aligning the scope, proved to be a 'task too far'. In falling temperatures, understanding instructions, telescope operation, coupled with time constraints (10:40pm by then), do not make for a successful outcome and this was left for another evening.

Later that evening John McCue and the WDAS crew (Keith, John L, Mark and Richard), made another attempt on accurate polar alignment. This may be possible utilising the I-polar electronic polar finder attached to the mount and associated software, however, we were unable make this work on the night, so will need to investigate why. Plan B was to use the ‘star drift’ method of attaining polar alignment, this also proved elusive as regard a satisfactory outcome. Again, further research and 'tinkering' required, better luck and a sleeping bag!

On the positive side, the top saddle bar has arrived and will be fitted early May, together with the Bob's Knob's collimation bolts, making this aspect far easier and safer when required. We also managed to re-calibrate the finder scope more accurately using the illuminated reticule eyepiece in the main scope. There were brief views of the Moon and Jupiter, but Venus proved 'shy', dashing into the treeline in the west just as we were about to centre it!

Another attempt on better polar alignment will be made when skies and conditions allow.