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Solar eclips has got us hooked

lugzyboy82

By lugzyboy82
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lugzyboy82

lugzyboy82

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Good evening guys. My name is Chris and the recent solar eclipse has got my family and I hooked on the night sky. My little you will girl aged 7 suggested we purchase a telescope so we can see the night sky in depth. Today, our Astromaster 130EQ arrived. What an evening we have had looking at the moon. Stunning. No doubt you will hear from me asking for guidance every now and then as we are all complete novices. Cant wait to see our first planet.

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ronin

ronin

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Chris, you need clarification - that is probably not your scope, it is her scope, and if it is not then it should be.

How are you getting on with the EQ mount?

Get out and track down Jupiter, fairly easy, it is the bright thing in the South and West bit of the sky.

Also get out a bit earlier and get the Orion Nebula, it is starting to get low and will go from sight for a few months so worth trying for it now.

Is the finder aligned?

If not it is worth doing so, and it is something best done during the day. Clear day, coffee and patience helps.

Not sure of the 130 specification, but will say that a slight upgrade to the eyepieces is normally a big improvement. They do not hand out good quality eyepieces with the scopes. Also http://www.astronomyclubs.co.uk/ there seems to be 5 clubs in Cheshire. One may be near and you could find it suits you and so useful.

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Tums

Tums

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Hi Chris and Daughter :), Welcome to the Lounge.

I have posted this on a number of threads before, to try and give some basic things for a new starter.

Hope it helps a little. ;)

Welcome to this fascinating Pastime. :)

Firstly, I'd get a copy of a good astronomy Guide, something like, ' Turn Left at Orion ' or 'The Backyard Astronomers guide' books like these are invaluable when your starting out.

There are also some great free software, you can get to show you what's in the sky at night. http://www.skymaps.com Is something that you can print off, and is very handy.

There's also some software called 'Stellarium '. http://www.stellarium.org/en_GB/

That's great if you have a tablet or phone with you, whilst observing.

The other recommendation is find your nearest. Astro society, and go along, and see what other people have, it's a perfect opportunity to ask questions. :)http://www.firstligh...om/locator.html

Also have a good read at some of the beginners threads on here, they are very helpful,and may well give you some answers.

A must read is this. Please don't expect to see things , as you would on TV or in magazines. http://stargazerslou...-expect-to-see/

But for now your main objective is. ENJOY YOUR STARGAZING

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bish

bish

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Welcome to the lounge. The Moon is stunning in a telescope. Have a go at Jupiter as it is well placed and bright. Just remember the turbulence in the air can affect the view of planets - so if it's a bit blurry to start don't give up on it.

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Dave grim

Dave grim

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Hi Chris and daughter welcome to SGL I'm new on here too you will find that people on here are most helpful with any questions you may have , good luck with the new telescope here's to clear skies.

Dave

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glowjet

glowjet

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Hi Chris and Daughter, I feel you excitement, with the information already given you should now be able to track down some notable targets, especially Jupiter and others. However, if you really want to try and see another event that happens only in ones lifetime, have a look to see if you can find Comet Lovejoy. It is reasonably easy to locate at the moment, being in the Constellation of  Cassiopia, the famous W pattern of stars in the night sky. If you consult the free program by Chris Peat "Heavens Above" you will see map details of the of the Comets present position, just above the middle of the V formed by the left hand side of the W. In your scope or even binoculars, it should take on the form of a fuzzy patch. I have been following its course for some time, but really dark skies are essential to bring out the best of it. Enjoy your Astronomy :)

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