I am bringing a Celestron Nexstar 8SE. I recently purchased it and need help with calibration and getting up and running with it (my son and I are pretty new to this). I have Starsense AutoAlign and Skyportal Wifi Module.
That’s a very nice setup. I’m sure you’ll be able to get the help you need. I have a 6SE (same mount as the 8SE). There’s a bit of a learning curve, and once mastered that unit will give you and your son great viewing pleasure.
Try to arrive at 7 while there’s plenty of daylight to set up and practice.
I’m hoping to be there as well. I’ve configured my Hestia to work with a slightly heavier tripod. It also allows me to point straight up. And may have also solved the problem of the phone falling off, not tested that yet.
Despite some fairly strong winds, we had a lot of folks attend Novice Night last night! I counted at lest 16 folks, plus a few folks that stopped by while walking along the lake.
We had two teams of our members helping folks get Star Sense working on their scopes! Thanks to all who helped them!
Hannah set up her reflector and was successful in viewing several solar system and DSOs.
Jim Day got his S50 up and running behind a makeshift wind screen. I set up my new S30 and got some very shaky images.
With the wind, it wasn’t a good observing night, but it was a very successful Novice Night for helping folks get their gear working correctly! Thanks again to everyone who came out and helped others!
It was a great night despite the wind! Jbro and son, Eli, got their StarSense up, running, and calibrated. Thanks to all the members that showed up and help novice astronomers!