Antares

You need about 200-225x and steady skies in a 4 inch apo. 150x is too low.
I've tried filters, they dim the image too much, as does very high
magnification. The companion does fall on the first diffraction ring. Turn
off the drive and watch the direction of drift. The companion will appear
as a small blue disk leading the primary. The best nights are usually hazy,
even slightly murky, with very steady seeing. Antares should be nearly due
south to get some altitude.

It's much easier for me in a 5" apo or 7" Maksutov at 250-300x. On a good
night, I've also done it with a very well-collimated 6 inch newtonian.

Ralph K.

"Volker Kasten" wrote in message
...
Hi,
Some weeks ago I tried to split Antares with my Vixen 114/600 ED
Refractor at 150x, with blue filter, but I'm not sure it was successful.
It seemed to me that the 5,4 mag companion was positioned on the first
diffraction ring of the primary. Also, the air was not very steady.
I'd like to learn if anyone managed to split Antares, and with which
equipment ?

Clear skies,
Volker