rdmMar 29, 2025

One of the real trouble jobs in #astronomy is collimating a reflector telescope. In particular, Maksutov-Cassegrains, like the ETX90, are tricky.

Fortunately, Escher over Cloudy Nights has posted a really useful guide.

https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/391392-dont-mess-with-etx-collimation/

#ETX90 #MAK #Collimation #Telescope #TelescopeMaintainence

Show threadStella-Luna Observatory ✨🌙May 12, 2023
Stars were bright points instead of comet-like blurs. I was even able to see M13 — the grand globular #starcluster in #Hercules — though between #lightpollution and atmospheric haze, the view was low contrast but filled the field of view; I can hardly wait for better seeing! I tore down for the night happy to have the old C11 performing well and ready for some cosmic exploration. #C11 #collimation #M13 #venus #astronomy
Stella-Luna Observatory ✨🌙May 11, 2023
Frustrating night last night, trying to fix a #collimation problem I (probably) introduced on the old #C11 I acquired late last year. I worked on it today in the office using a Cheshire-style tool and it *may* be close enough now to refine using starlight. Tonight's the last night expected to offer clear skies for several nights to come! Hate to sacrifice good nights to this issue but it must be resolved -- the #telescope is worthless without this fix!