First night of stargazing

[Sonicfishcake42]

Just packed up and come in from my first time stargazing. I didn't want to come back inside however a combination of partial clouds, freezing cold shaking hands with the inability to focus on anything and a crashed Iphone (most likely a frozen battery) caused me to retreat!

i've always wanted to see Jupiters rings and Saturns moons with my own eyes! And now I've ticked them off the 'totally awesome things I want to see' list. Seeing it with your own eyes for the first time must be an incredible experience for anyone!

A few things i've learned from tonight and a few things i need to resolve 

1: Thank god for dew shields !!
2: Having my EPs, filters etc on the table next to me leads to a tremendous build up of dew... (currently on the kitchen drying out!)
3: Seeing the look on your drunk neighbors face when he asked what's 'up there' and showing him Saturn in the flesh is just as good as seeing it for myself 

4: A lot of focusing is involved and shaky hands because you're that damn cold does not help one iota!
5:Astronomy is worth every penny.
6: I didn't REALLY need a barlow 
7: I NEED A DAMN EYEPATCH !!!!

When searching for nebula i had difficulty making out anything other than the ring nebula, perhaps that will come in time with a trained eye and the right EPs.

All in all, an incredible first time experience. 

So thank you all who gave me advice and guidance, it's made everything a whole lot easier for me to transition into this fantastic hobby! 

Clear Skies, 
James 

[Calculon]

Think you might have Jupiter and Saturn the wrong way around! 

Nebula hunting can vary wildly by time, for example if this was a moonless winter night you'd be able to pick out M42 by eye in darkish skies. Much easier than picking nebulae out tonight, though at least you won't be nearly as cold!

[Sonicfishcake42]

nope, on the contrary... 

Haven't you heard Jupiter has acquired glorious rings while Galileo has done it again and discovered another 4 moons for Saturn Haha! 

You're not wrong though! I didn't bother proof reading and now I've shamed myself The embarrassing thing is of course I know which is which, don't worry though, it was definitely Saturn that my drunken neighbor got to witness unless my earlier statement stands correct and we weren't informed of the major revenoration ;D 

What adds insult to injury is I didn't even mean to put ring nebula, although that I can blame on legitimately not knowing the names of the major nebulae

Regards, 
James 
 

[BeanerSA]

Nice one! Other than the dew shields, which I don't have, I can relate to each of your bullet points. The money I would have spent on a barlow, I pumped into thermals, wooly socks and pair of gloves.

[Paul73]

Good report. Glad that you enjoyed it.

Like Calculon said. You won't see much in the way of DSO under a full moon. Provided yo don't have too much light polution, you'll see loads through your scope.

Paul

[laudropb]

Nice first report. Just shows you have to wrap up well, even in the so called British summer. Many observers like to keep their eyepieces and filters in their jacket pockets when observing. Keeps them warm and prevents dew formation.

[xtreemchaos]

great report,its fantastic when everything comes together and you can tick saturn and jupiter off your list.thanks for sharing.charl.

[Tonynexevo925]

Congratulations James - now you're in for many more cold and dewy nights I'm sure!!

[Sonicfishcake42]

Thanks all! That's a great idea actually in keeping EPs in jacket pockets! 

Yeah there was significant glare from the moon unfortunately. I find myself eagerly awaiting clear skies  

Yes Tony, as many as i can get away with haha  

[Astro Imp]

You lucky devil, Jupiter and Saturn on your first light, well done.

There are plenty more goodies up there, keep enjoying the experience.

[MarkJ44]

Great first report, i am sure many of us can relate to your first experiences. Cheers