Tales from THE EYEPIECE The eyepieces have it
Stories and strange tales from the world of amateur astronomy by Jonathan Powell
In the 1980s I headed up my very own space programme (from my parent’s back garden) called Vega. It was similar to the Soviet project, but didn’t yield the same success. Over a year I made a succession of rockets using bits and bobs. They measured no more than 15 inches in height once placed on the launchpad (a garden shed base). A word of warning: please seek out professional rocketeers if you wish to get involved in rocketry, such as Finns Over Gwent, based in South Wales. Most of my launches were scheduled for afternoon slots, but I reserved one for an evening so that my friends could watch. Needless to say my rockets never took flight, apart from my last attempt, which I lifted off rather successfully from the end of my boot! Much is written about how upgrading eyepieces (EPs) has a positive impact on the observing experience, and as a result I decided to purchase some better versions. After a bit of searching I took delivery of a BST StarGuider 8mm and a 2-inch Explore Scientific Maxvision 68° 28mm EP. Naturally, as soon as they arrived so did the cloud! After a fortnight’s wait the clear sky came and my EPs got their first light on the Orion Nebula and M31.
The difference in quality of view between the new EPs and the ones that came with the telescope was astounding: the clarity and contrast of the nebulosity was fantastic; the definition I was able to observe on M31 likewise. Before packing away I cast about the skies a bit and found myself wandering towards Cassiopeia. As I did so, with the 28mm in the focuser, I stumbled across something that took my breath away. It may have been NGC 7789 (Caroline’s Rose), as mentioned in Will Gater’s article in February’s magazine, ‘Sparkling Diamonds of the Winter Sky’; it may have been something else. Whatever it was, it was a fantastic field of stars, the clarity and brilliance of which I had never seen before. This sight alone made the outlay for the EPs worthwhile. I may have to improve my EP collection further. Matt Langridge, Marlow, Buckinghamshire
I couldn’t agree more, Matt: I never regret having invested in quality eyepieces. If you have a fairly decent telescope it’s one of the best upgrades you can make. – Ed