Observing Reports

I typically observe Jupiter at around 120x depending on seeing conditions with backing down to maybe 90x and hitting maybe 150x depending on the stability of the atmosphere . It can change from hour to hour . Sometimes for the better or sometimes for the worst . I typically push Saturn a bit higher with good results . Like 150x to 160x . When it comes to DSOs , magnification is all over the place depending on what object you’re viewing . All the optimum magnifications for each DSO I have logged so it takes the guesswork out of re visiting the favorites . At least I have a good starting point and can adjust up or down slightly depending on seeing conditions . Atmospheric turbulence being the biggest factor since transparency is most always good in such an arid climate . And for Lunar , it all depends on what you desire at any point whether it’s just scanning up and down the terminator of zeroing in on details of craters or mountain ranges . I’ll observe at 31x to grab Andromeda in it’s entirety (almost) and all the way up to 381x on Saturn producing a pristine image through my 8 inch on a couple back to back nights a few years ago with 7 moons in view . Every night is different and we won’t even get into filters here . There’s another thread for that topic .