What to aim for

[Nosferatu666]

So 2 nights in and I've seen some amazing sights with just my 114 reflector , Orion neb , Jupiter and it's four moons , beehive cluster , Pleiades , andromeda galaxy ,

So what in your opinion would be the next objects to look at , and why ???

I can see I'm going to be spending a lot of time behind my scope

Clear skies

[Tinker1947]

You could work you way through the Messier list, its going to take a year minimum maybe longer if its cloudy for any length of time.....there are maps free to download Google " Telrad maps" the Messiers are list on them....

[ronin]

After the obvious M42 Jupiter and in a few months Saturn you will need as said a "target".

The Messier objects are good, March is a good month to tick off quite a few. In the US there are a number of all night Messier marathons organised during March.

Other lists are the Caldwell Catalogue, like the Messier list but selected by SPM.

If you get the Messier on Wiki list you can reorder it by object type and so group all the Galaxies or Planetaty Nebula and then do those. You could therefore do the Messier List by object type, means that although you have not finished the Messier List you can complete say the Planetary Nebula or Galaxies. Means you have completed a part of it.

A search for "coloured double stars" will dig out a list of about 20 that was produce by the Delaware Astro Group. That is a fun selection to go hunting for.

Another source is the Astro League, they have observing programs that you can download and work through, another possible source is the RASC, they do a number as well.

Make 2 up, say the Messier planetary nebula and the coloured doubles.

Also look up one or two for the moon, the moon tends to always be around, easy, bright so make use of it.

One thing though is you really need a target to aim for. Too many do the big ones (about 4 or 5) then wonder "What now?" and many abandon it all.

Does disappoint me a bit that there are no observing programs like The Astro League that are run by FAS, RAS and others.

[ronl]

Scroll down this page http://freestarcharts.com/index.php/messier-catalogue should keep you

busy for a while, on the same page there are plenty of links for other targets to

get to grips with, all the charts are printable, I laminate them, keeps the dew off.

Enjoy!

[ghostdance]

I don't mean to sound dismissive, but seriously? "Two nights in" and you're already restless and want more? Slow down a bit You have some pretty amazing wonders right there on your cv. All of them will reward prolonged and repeated observing - I'll bet you a shoal of cod you haven't begun to see everything there is in what you've seen already (and in many ways we never do, that's part of the fun and intense pleasure in staying with, say, the Pleiades and even more so with Jupiter, the Moon, M42).

Y'know, I probably observe less 'targets' each night now than I used to, as I spend more time with each. For example, actually beginning to *see* the Moon and how it's features change across its travel from wax to wane. It's *fascinating* and utterly rewarding.

Honestly, I really do think it's better to observe properly than tick an object off a list - seeing new 'jaw-droppers' will come of course and is exactly that, jawdropping. But you'll find the journey much more compelling, humbling and involving if you

s-l-o-w down a bit

[Gazabone]

I find "Observing the Deep Sky" by Darren Bushnall (isbn 1 86126 785-1 about £15) a massive help. It has an appendix of DSOs and double stars by constellation. I plan each months observing in advance by seeing what constellations are on view. Darren thoughtfully includes size and magnification so you get some idea of what you're looking for and what to expect to see in the ep.

Have a look at http://www.cornwallas.org.uk/2015-03.pdf for a sample (this is the list for March 2015). I've only come close to completing a list once! But that's mainly due to the rubbish weather we've had over recent months.

[Astro Imp]

Do you have Turn Left at Orion, this takes you through the year season by season and shows you what's about, how to find it and what to expect when you do.

Another good resource is Deep Sky Observer's Guide by Neil Bone, this is usually available at The Works for about £5.

[Fish]

You dont mention the moon? If not you have to start every evening on the moon when its up . You will find even more rewards in returning to the same objects time and again, each time you will see more. Dont turn your observing into a race , I did that when I got my first goto and its no good. Take your time and let that light work in your eyeball. Its great that you had a good start and hope it continues.

Clear skies.....

[pevsfreedom]

Messiers

Caldwells

NGC's

Double Stars

Variable Stars

[ronin]

Just stumbled on a bit of a strange "list".

Trythis link:

http://www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy-messier.html

Scroll down and they give a selection of 28 "common" messier objects.

No idea why those are the "common" ones but it's a list of 28 to have a go at.

Whatever you do you will need a good book/guide in a format that you get along with.

Here are few to occupy you for a few hundred years:

http://www.skymap.com/smp_target_lists.htm#SNGalaxies

[Christinea]

I will be following AOXOMOXOA's advice and, hopefully, be looking at what I am seeing. 

My husband and I have differences of opinion already about the whats, whys and wherefores. He will be the quantity observer and I want to be the quality observer.

What do others think? Do the majority of astronomers do an i-spy tick list or do most people like to really look in depth at what's out there, including the obvious ones like the moon etc?

Or, like so many things in life, its whatever launches your satellite, so to speak?

Christinea

[ronin]

Really whatever I fancy trying.

Nice to decide on say 4 or 5 galaxies, more if they are all close.

That double star list is a good option.

Equally I can look at wharever is in a constellation - galaxies, clusers. doubles.

Main thing is to have an idea and a list or the equivalent (I have a diagram of constellations and things in them, then work through)

[Fish]

A tick list is fine but it should not turn into a race to complete , nor should the already ticked not be revisited. I have tried over the years to tick off all the Messier objects but it just has never happened, one day I will do it but it is way to organised for me. I dont even like to plan ahead I just like to do what the moment requires :-). If I start on the moon and never end up moving on the evening would have been a complete success and I would have had a great night , on the other hand if I had a list but never moved on I would consider it a failure, so no list or plan launches my Satellite. :-)

[Astro Imp]

Do whatever gives you pleasure, the idea is to enjoy the hobby not follow the herd