Why does Saturn move so much in my telescope?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenges of observing Saturn through a Bushnell 100mm Mak Cassegrain telescope, particularly when using higher magnification eyepieces like 4mm, 6mm, or 9mm. Users experience significant image instability due to vibrations, which are exacerbated by factors such as wind, improper setup, and the telescope's mount type. Recommendations include using lower magnification, ensuring a stable and level setup, and minimizing contact with the telescope during observation. The position of Saturn's rings is also noted as a temporary observational challenge, currently at an angle of only 2°.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of telescope types, specifically the Bushnell 100mm Mak Cassegrain
  • Knowledge of eyepiece magnification and its effects on image stability
  • Familiarity with telescope mounts, particularly alt-azimuth mounts
  • Basic principles of vibration and stabilization techniques in astronomy
NEXT STEPS
  • Research techniques for stabilizing telescopes, including the use of solid mounts and tripods
  • Learn about the effects of atmospheric conditions on astronomical observations
  • Explore the benefits of motor drives for tracking celestial objects at high magnifications
  • Investigate optimal eyepiece selection for planetary observation
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, amateur astronomers, and anyone using telescopes for planetary observation will benefit from this discussion.

danielandpenn
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I have a Bushnell 100mm Mak Cassegrain telescope. When viewing Saturn with my 32mm eyepiece I can see it but I can't differentiate between the rings. When I use a 4, 6, or 9mm eyepiece, the image jumps so much I give up. Why is that and what can I do? Thank you so much.

penny
 
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The more magnification you have the more pronounced any vibrations will be. Make sure all nuts and bolts are tight and that everything is in balance and it is level. When you are looking through it don’t bump or touch it. Wind can also be a problem.
 
Also, the rings of Saturn are not ideally positioned for observing at this point in time.
They are open by only about 2°. They will increase to 4° by May the close again.
By September 4 of this year they will not be observable.

Although, this is really not that bad. It decreases the 'brightness' of the planet and makes for better observing of Saturn's moons and shadows.

As sas3 pointed out, as magnification goes up so does the problem with 'steady' viewing, almost exponentially.

At high powers it almost requires a motor drive to keep an object in the eyepiece for tracking any length of time.

A solid mount and tripod help.
 
Waveform said:
At high powers it almost requires a motor drive to keep an object in the eyepiece for tracking any length of time.

A solid mount and tripod help.
I have both and another thing requried is that you not touch the telescope while observing. Any touch, no matter how light, makes the telescope shake.

If the telescope is on an alt-az mount, this is very difficult. You have to move it a little, take your hands off and observe while it stabilizes and moves out of your field of view, move it back, repeat, etc.
 
danielandpenn said:
I have a Bushnell 100mm Mak Cassegrain telescope. When viewing Saturn with my 32mm eyepiece I can see it but I can't differentiate between the rings. When I use a 4, 6, or 9mm eyepiece, the image jumps so much I give up. Why is that and what can I do? Thank you so much.

penny
Use the minimum mag to need to see the rings, not the max.
Set your tripod as low to the ground as practical, so you're using its strongest struts.

How solid is the ground it's on?
How protected is your viewing spot from wind?

I tried hanging heavy weight from my tripod to see if that would stabilize it. No results to report.
 

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