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Set up my new scope last night and got it tracking using the polar axis alignment scope. It is so nice to look at an object without it drifting. Used the dew shield with heater and eyepiece with heater. Made good use of my Michigan down filled winter coat which I have not worn for years.
Took a look at M1, M44, Mars, and several open clusters. Stars are nice pinpoints without spikes. Tried an O2 filter on M44. It made the nebula dimmer but well defined or contrasted. Can't decide if I like it better with or without the filter.
Left the scope set up and aligned and went to bed about 2:00. This morning I set the setting circles manually for the R.A. and Dec. of the moon after centering the moon in the eyepiece. I then moved the scope to the R.A. and Dec. of Venus. Unfortunately the house was in the way as Venus was only 10 deg in altitude. However, I got a pair of binoculars out and looked to where the scope was pointing and bang![Smile [:)]](/CS/emoticons/emotion-1.gif) , there it was, Venus in the daytime.
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