2022-04-14

• Condition: VG4
• Location: Cabin: 44.31, -103.88

Got my new SV135 zoom lens today, 21-7mm. Even though the moon is almost full bright tonight, I took the scope out to test the new lens.

9:30PM

• Target: M 40, Winecke 4[1]
• Const: Ursa Major
• RaDec: 12h23m +57°57
• Type: Star (Double)[2]
• Scope: ST80
• Setting: 60x
• Image: ../images/2022-4-14_M40.jpg[3]

Ended up seeing M40. It was barely noticeable with magnifications under 33x, had to use averted vision but could make out two distinct specks on top of one another. Once I pushed magnification to almost 60x, the double was easily seen and I almost didn't need to rely on AV.

[1] M 40, Winecke 4 (ID)

[2] Star (Double) (ID)

[3] ../images/2022-4-14_M40.jpg

9:45PM

• Target: Moon
• Scope: ST80
• Setting: 32x-114x

Felt good to get out again, even if it was quick. This zoom lens is a game changer. I briefly set it loose on the moon with a glow filter and stop-down. I could see details on the moon that my stock lens missed!