Jupiter virgin

[turbohobbit]

First time out with my new telescope tonight. First time for telescopic astronomy for me full stop, actually. Anyway, after getting set up and getting used to the scope (my spotter scope is a bit out and what is in the crosshairs doesn't equate to what's in the viewfinder, but that's a work in progress) I had a look at Venus, which was a little under-inspiring. Like a very bright star really.

And then I looked at Jupiter.

Wow. Just.... Wow.

The image was small but the banding was clear and the moons were clearly visible too. I'm awestruck. What a mental thing to be able to see from my back garden!

[Helen]

Great stuff

Enjoy!

Helen

[Kropster]

You never forget your first time!

It is a truly awe inspiring sight...just floating there in space sooooooooo far away.

Saturn will blow your socks off when you eventually get to see it.... so have a spare pair handy!

[ejp]

I know right! Jupiter is amazing and definitely my favorite thus far. I like how I see more and more through my telescope by just learning how to look. Also, if you like Jupiter, google Galileo. I like how his drawings match what I see through my telescope (which is so much better a tool than his ancient thing).

[David Smith]

As Helen said, enjoy

[ghostdance]

You're so right - to see such things from our own backyards! Never fails to make me feel slightly intoxicated

But just wait until you've observed Jupiter for a few times: more detail emerges and you begin to see more and more. I think this holds true for many sights in the night sky. I certainly notice more with M42 than I did at first.

Then of course you get to play Seeing Roulette each night, which is like Forrest's proverbial 'box o' chocolates'...

[a028964]

Great to read this. I remember the first time I saw Jupiter and Saturn! I still get the same feeling today!

[laudropb]

The sight of Jupiter for the first time, through your own scope and in your own back garden is a sure fire way to get you hooked on this great hobby. Well done

[Sirius Starwatcher]

Well done its a great sight first time and things can only get better. Wait till you see Saturn ! In the mean time keep lookin at Jupiter and her moons.

[Astro Imp]

Jupiter is one of the great objects to catch for the first time.

As has been said it is amazing that you can have these views from your own backyard with relatively modest kit.

Good luck and enjoy.

[Stropper]

I was out last night and as I often do, I had a look at Jupiter in between looking at other objects including the Beehive Cluster. I always end up looking at it for much longer than I intend it's so beautiful

[derrylad]

I was just about to start a thread about this.....I saw jupiter and 4 of her moons last week with my star traveller 102 for the first time and you have summed up how I felt. My scope is a short tube refractor so I was not expecting to be able to see much but the bands were clearly visible which had me absolutely buzzing!!

Some of the wide field views from this scope are gorgeous so looking forward to getting out again to see what I can find!

[Mowchak]

I had a similar experience last weekend. After getting some great advice from the Lounge, I'd planned to make Jupiter my first ever target. Starting my 3 star alignment process I aligned my red dot finder with a random bright star. Imagine my surprise when I went to centre it in the eyepiece and saw a milky disc. I didn't bother completing alignment, just switched eyepieces and sat transfixed. Wow.

What a way to start my astronomical journey!