[Riley]

Points noted.

I have forgotten the trig necessary to compute the slant range to the target, but it is looking through a whole lot of atmosphere of varying temperatures, turbulence and reflectivity at that the point where the shot was taken.

Also, the white painted parts are a highly reflective object. At 6:00 AM over the west coast, it was probably brightly illuminated by sunlight at the time, possibly causing some of the anomalies that you have described.

Back in a bit to continue this- I have my heart set on a new Newtonian reflector that I'd like to try out in the clear seeing conditions we're having here this week, and I need to get to the store. :-)

[Riley]

Back now-- ended up with a Meade 90mm Maksutov-Cassegrain. The store threw in a field tripod and the Autostar guidance system for a penny apeice.

The operative philosophy here is portability- more stargazing due to less bulk and weight to lug around.