[longshadow]

I can't wait!! 100X is about the max I can do with my scope, so the Barlow is going to help immensley!!

just keep in mind the conditions under which you can push the scope to high magnification with the Barlow lens (technically known as a "telenegative lens") will be very rare; if the atmosphere is turbulent at all, it won't do any good to increase the magnification.

[Aric2000]

I am crossing my fingers that the conditions will be good.

We are going to the Goldendale observatory on homeschool field trip at the end of this month.

We will have actual astronomers showing us the telescope etc, then they are going to come outside, where we will have our telescopes set up and help us aim them, focus them, learn how to use them etc.

I am REALLY looking forward to it!!

Also, I just ordered the RS232 cable for my telescope so that I can control it via my little 486 laptop.

I can't wait!!

[edwin hubble]

After a 3 hour drive to the site (through near-tornado conditions), finally a break in the weather.

Mars in great detail. Tonight.
Beautiful, rock-steady haze conditions.

9mm orthoscopic on a huge, old Newtonian with a massive mount. Syrtis Major hemisphere.

[Aric2000]

My Barlow got here today!! YES, maybe I will be able to REALLY see some stuff now.

We shall see!! YES!!