Need Help -- Irregular Flare Pattern on Brighter Objects - Forums

Topic starter

Aug 28, 2017

Here is a pic of M13 I took with my Meade LX70 R8 8" Reflector and I've noticed not only in this picture but any photo I take with that scope there are odd, irregular flare patterns on the brighter objects. Can anyone tell me what's wrong with my scope that's creating this odd flaring? I know it's not tube heat because I had the scope out for several hours beforehand. The collimation is spot on so I know it's not that. I know it's not my DSLR camera because I can use the same camera on my Celestron Omni XLT150 Reflector and the flare pattern is normal. If anyone knows what's causing this, please help.

Well Written Engaging

opse3141

Aug 31, 2017

Hello,
The flare patterns on the bright star is maily because of "scattered light". Please check bolts or nuts inside the tube. Black pen, black paper,or black tape (non reflecting) is recommended. Check reflecting materials(mailny metal) near spider, secondary mirror support, focuser attachment. Primary mirror cell 3 craw can scatter the light. In that case, you should make ring cover over the 3 craw like this.
Richard M.

Max Hamm

Topic starter

Aug 31, 2017

Thanks for the insight Richard. I think it's the shinny aluminum from my focuser tube because at focus the focuser tube sticks out about 1/4" into the main tube.