April 2023 – News

3rd April

Systems Testing: The new 8-inch Celestron Schmidt Cassegrain telescope saw first light and was put through its paces by GKWJ and JAG. The telescope purchase was funded by the North Wessex Downs AONB and will be used mainly for outreach away from the Dome. 25mm, 40mm and 16mm eyepieces were all used on a wide range of targets, starting with Venus and then the Moon, M42, M1, M35, M37, the Double Cluster, Alnitak, Castor, Almach, M81, M82, M51 and a failed attempt to find the small planetary nebula, M97. It is an impressive telescope that will greatly enhance outreach activities.