11/15/10 - Saw Cepheus

Now a days it gets pretty dark at about 5:00 PM. Brought telescope out at about 7:30 PM. First time connected the power cord. So, now once I make the main shaft point to Polaris, any object that is found in the telescope after that, the telescope will follow the object automatically. i.e. it will nullify the earth's rotation. Without it, I had to adjust the scope every 30 seconds. Now continuous smooth viewing is no more headache. Still some issue with adjusting finder scope and the telescope. Viewed Jupiter, can clearly see one band on it. Tried focusing on one of the moon but no clear view.

First time, identified Cepheus. Has five sides. Looks like a home i.e. a square and a triangle on it. It is close to Polaris and Cassiopeia.

Saw Andromeda. Looks like a fuzzy patch even in the big telescope.

Tried locating the ring nebulae in Lyra still can not locate it. Disappointing. Wonder even if I buy 8" Dobsonion, will it show me any satisfactory results?

Saw the double cluster between Cassiopeia and Perseus. Looks great in binoculars.

Now on will only focus on one constellation at a time.