New to Stargazing - An Introduction

[SeaChelle]

Hi everyone! I have finally realized a lifelong dream and purchased a telescope! I have purchased the Astromaster 114 EQ, which came with standard 20mm and 10mm eyepieces. Of course, I made the common amateur astronomers mistake by running out into the night with my big grin, pointed the scope to the moon and looked inside. Black. Nothing but black. 

After some google searches, youtube videos, and forum scouring, I learned the error of my ways (ish) and played with the focal dials until I found a power line in my scope. I followed the line until I found the moon. I was in awe...but since I didn't realize how to use the dials of my telescope, I had manually moved my telescope until I found it. So it was a shaky image and I couldn't look for long. Next I tried to see Venus and Jupiter, which were visible to the naked eye, but I couldn't locate them with the scope. 

I've since learned about aligning the star finder (which I believe I have done) and how to use the slow motion dials. I've since had a bad streak of evenings filled with rain and heavy cloud cover so I haven't had the opportunity to get the scope outside again. I'm hoping the clouds break tonight so I can take the scope outside. 

I live in one of NYC's five boroughs, so the light pollution here is pretty terrible. I don't think I will be able to see much...certainly not anything that can't be seen with the naked eye. Once I get a car, I plan to drive to places with less light pollution to see more of the sky I love. In the meantime, I want to take the opportunity to learn more about scopes, filters, etc. 

I read the manual that came with my telescope, but to be honest, a lot of it was Greek to me. I hoped to gain some advice from my fellow starlovers here. Are there any must-have lenses and filters I should invest in? Also, are there any NYC'ers here who can speak on their experience with observing the night sky in this very bright city of ours? I want to take full advantage of this telescope, and most importantly, I really want to be able to see planets with my own eyes. 

Any and all advice, feedback (ahem, criticism  ) is welcomed. Thank you!

[seanpius]

 céad míle fáilte,

                               you will learn a lot from Stargazers Lounge,there is a wealth of information.

[damnut]

Hi SeaChelle,

Warm welcome to SGL. That's a nice report on your experience. It gets better with practice and time at the eyepiece. If you don't know your way round the sky try a couple of books. 'Turn left at orion' and 'sky&telescope pocket star atlas'. Also download a planetarium program, plenty out there but try stellarium its great and free to be found here :--- www.stellarium.org.

I would also advise find a local astro group so that you can see what other folk have and share observing sessions.

[SeaChelle]

Thanks for the welcomes and the tips! I actually recently learned of a local astronomy club that has free observations in the NYC area, so I'm definitely going to check them out. I was going to go last night but unfortunately, it was canceled due to rain. It seems the universe does not want me peeking at it's secrets. It's clearing up here so I'm hoping to see Venus and Jupiter twinkle into my view within the next hour or so! *Fingers crossed*

[seanpius]

one thing for sure,you will never be short of rain or clouds,especially clouds.

[ghostdance]

Welcome to infinity - or as close as we're going to get!

Even the parts of the universe that are visible naked-eye become breathless jewels under your telescopes' eye...

But...be patient. The universe is and so must we be. Clouds are pretty cool too, in their own way. Just as well - as seanpius said, you'll be seeing a lot of em!

Read this thread tho - it's one of the great threads on SGL and is really helpful:

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/196278-what-can-i-expect-to-see/

Enjoy

[SeaChelle]

I did try looking at the clouds through the telescope but for some reason, I only see white no matter how I focus the lens. But perhaps that's normal?

[ghostdance]

Yep, telescopes are a bit too much for clouds, which are better seen with low-power binoculars. And beautifully so

[ronin]

I suggest that the first thing is to sit and learn the constellations, or at least a reasonable number of them. Reason for that is that people will say "Try M51 in Lyra", useful to know where Lyra is and what it looks like. You will also find it impresses people that you know some of the constellations.

As you are in a light polluted area, bet there really is lots there, I would think along the lines of a "backup" to other things to observe other the DSO's, how about double stars?

There are lists of doubles but one of the more fun ones is by the Delaware Astro Soc, someone put together a list of about 20 doubles that have interesting colour diffeences. DVAA

Books to look up things is more difficult, I prefer The Monthly Sky Guide by Ridpath. It all depends on how the book suits you, so perhaps look around. If you have no idea of the constellations then literally go for a simple childs guide one - start simple, preferably keep it simple.

Club sounds like a fair idea, there is also the Astro League that have observing programs, more for ideas then anything - Observe - Programs.

Just found they have one called The Sky Puppy Program, :grin: , that looks nice and simple and easy. Offically I guess you may be a bit too old :eek: , max age seems to be 12, but so what, the actual aim of the program seems about right.

Will say that with your location you will need to spend some time working out what you can look at and expect to see. From Staten Island the North American Nebula in Cygnus is not going to be an option. :rolleyes:

[PHIL53]

I suggest that the first thing is to sit and learn the constellations, or at least a reasonable number of them. Reason for that is that people will say "Try M51 in Lyra", useful to know where Lyra is and what it looks like. :rolleyes:

More than useful, as you will be able to reply: M51 in Lyra ??? (actually it's M57, as M51 lies in the Big Bear nose area !)

[SeaChelle]

Thank you very much for the feedback! The only constellations I know are the dippers, which aren't visible every day. The light pollution is terrible here. There are nights when I can literally see 20 stars at most.  I know I won't get the most out of my scope until I get it upstate or somewhere with a lot less light. 

[xtreemchaos]

hi mate and welcome to the wonderfull world of SGL from south wales uk,this is the place for all your spacey,astro,setup imfo.good luck with your new scope and i wish you clear skys..charl..

[Starcluster]

Hi seachelle,from cloudy Liverpool. Welcome to Stargazers Lounge.Don't let the curse of cloudy nights ( so astronomers say) put you off seeking to observe the celestial wonders of the night sky. Interesting what you said about aligning up your finderscope with your telescope. It is it is very important in locating objects that you want to see at the eyepiece. Use a low power wide field one first, 20 mill (wide field of view)you can switch to a higher power,10 mill( gives you a narrower field of view)Have you learned how to work out the magnification each eyepiece gives you with your scope yet? If not this can be done by dividing the focal length (the length of your telescope tube)with the eypiece used , E,g FL800~20 =40 Also try swapping your finderscope for a optical one with cross hairs in the reticule, a 6 x 30 would suit your scope fine and may make it much more easy for you to use and centre on objects. Easy to aligne on a distant daytime object e.g telephone pylon , etc. Sorry if this seemes a bit like a lecture, but some of these points really helped me. Cheers,,,,,.Mark

P.s not relevant,but I noticed that you share the same birthdate with my wife. Clear sky's Mark.

[laudropb]

Hello and a warm welcome to the SGL

[SeaChelle]

Thank you so much for all the warm welcomes, everyone. I found Jupiter with my scope!! Unfortunately, I only got to see if for a few seconds with the 20 mm before I was attacked by a swarm of mosquitoes.  I literally have 30 mosquito bites on me but it was well worth it! I didn't see much with the 20mm, I really only saw a dot of light with 4 pinpricks of light around it, which I am thinking are 4 of Jupiter's moons!!   I was so happy to find it and I was swapping out my 20mm with my 10mm when I was bit to a pulp. I am going to be buying some bug spray tomorrow and then am going to head back out tomorrow night. I had Venus and Jupiter in my scope at the same time! Tomorrow they will be even closer together.

Even though I didn't see much, I'm so incredibly excited that I was able to find Jupiter, such a tiny speck, with my telescope. Yay!!! 

I definitely want to invest in some better lenses so I can see actual detail on the planets. Are there any lenses for my scope that would allow me to see more detail?

Thanks to all for the welcome and the advice. You're all the best!

[jetstream]

Congrats and welcome SeaChelle! There are many eyepieces that may improve your views, have you found Saturn and seen the rings yet? Finding it will be worth your while and easy to do!

[ronin]

Usually the first question in response to this is : How much do you want to spend per eyepiece?

Simply owing to the fact that eyepieces can range from $25 to $500.

One of the most improvements here would be from the supplied items to the Astro-Tech Paradigms.(different name here).

In the US they are $60 each. The 8mm is generally a good option for planets, it works well as it pushes no extremes and still supplies enough magnification.

Astronomics sell them and Agenastro sell them as Dual ED eyepieces.

Slightly less cost are the plossl's. Astro-Tech do 2 options, sort of budget and not so budget. No experience of these but I know they exist, again try Astronomics. Also in the plossl line there are the Vixen NPL plossl's, very good optics, if "appearance" is relevant then Vixens tend to have a plastic exterior and many dislike this, but the glass is good and that is what you look through.

Leave it there are there are too many to cover.

[Starcluster]

Hi seachelle, yes I would agree with ronin above , I have a few Vixen NPL eyepieces they are very good quality for the price, although we are all aware that the price of astro stuff all mounts up. Just take it slowly. Upgrading your standard stock eyepieces that came with your scope ,with ones that give better contrast and a wider field of view,should be a first priority. Just for example ,say a wide field 30 or28 mill for starclusters, Pleiadies etc, medium 20 or 15 mill bring things a bit closer and then 10 mill and below for high power work, to help get the detail in Jupiters cloud bands( if the atmospheric seeing conditions allow). Various colour filters can also help to bring out a bit of detail when attached to the eyepice. But really,just enjoy what you have at presant , much better than what Galilleo started out with. I too am looking forward to looking at Venus and Jupiter tonight,if the pesky clouds don't get in the way,,,,,arrrgh.

[Sonicfishcake42]

Hi and welcome to the forum! 

Great first report, it's always incredible when you see Jupiter for the first time. I think I was more amazed at seeing the moons over Jupiter! Saturn is going to be your next shocker, very much the jewel in the night sky for me! 

Enjoy your new scope and I wish you clear skies 

Regards,

James 

[skywatcher58gb]

Hi and welcome

One possible accessory may help, this is a light pollution filter, attached is a link, this is from a UK distributer

http://www.tringastro.co.uk/sky-watcher-light-pollution-filter-125-1603-p.asp?gclid=CPu68bapt8YCFUcTwwod9v4HkA

However I am sure you will be able to purchase one locally in NY. These attach to the end of the eyepiece, just screws in.

It all depends on what type of light pollution you have but it is a starting point for investigation.

dave

[SeaChelle]

You are all amazing! Thank you so much for all the great tips and guidance. I had no idea that there was a light pollution filter! I bet that will help me a great deal. I think you're right, Starcluster. It would be a good idea to get an eyepiece that allows me to see more of the sky. It will probably help me to locate items a bit better. I was so proud of myself for finding Jupiter last night because it's such a tiny speck! I didn't think I'd have any luck. Aligning my finderscope the other day was a huge help in finding it. 

When I looked inside, I wasn't entirely sure I was seeing Jupiter, but when I nudged the control just a smidge, Venus came into view also and I knew I what I was looking at. I centered on Jupiter (as it's one of my favorite planets along with Saturn...is it strange that the planet I live on isn't my favorite? lol) and I was disappointed at first because it just looked like a white dot, not much different than what I could see in the sky. Then I saw 4 tiny specks, two on each side of Jupiter. I thought (Ugh, there must be dust on the telescope, or the eyepiece) but then as I began to pan away from Jupiter toward Venus, the specks moved along with Jupiter. That's when I thought, "Oh my God, those are moons. I am actually looking at the moons of Jupiter). Seeing something like that in my telescope, which I couldn't see with my naked eye looking at the sky, was absolutely incredible. 

Tonight, heavily coated with bug spray, I'd like to go out and try again. I believe Venus and Jupiter will be closer tonight than they will be again until August 2016. I would like to try to see both of them tonight, and get a closer look at each.  My next mission after that is to locate Saturn, but I don't think I will see very much. With Jupiter being larger, and closer, I would imagine that my telescope would pick it up better than Saturn. Since the telescope only really shows me a dot, I'm sure Saturn would be the same. Still, I want to find it, so I know how to find planets when I have better eyepieces and filters.

In terms of budget, I wouldn't go as high as $500 right now, only because I'm not sure it would be worth the expense as long as I am unable to take my telescope outside of the city. I think, even with the light pollution filter, I'm going to be pretty limited in my views so I'll probably keep it simple for now. 

Then again, I did see the moons of Jupiter, even in NYC, with a 20mm eyepiece. That gives me hope that I might see more than I thought I would here in the city with the proper eyepieces and filters. 

I am going to look into all of the scopes and filters mentioned here in the comments. Thanks to all!! 

[SeaChelle]

OK, so here is what I think I'm going to purchase. Let me know if you think I'm on the right track. 

Astro-Tech 8mm Dual Paradigm ED

Astro-Tech 25mm Dual Paradigm ED

Orion Basic Set of 4 color filters (red, green, blue, and yellow)

[jetstream]

If it were me I might skip the filter set- there are filters out there that work for certain objects however. Down the road a good UHC,OIII filter will be of use to you ( particularly from a dark site). I have a light pollution filter- but I don't use it for this as they don't really work well for this purpose.

Try your 10mm on Saturn and see how you like it before your purchases IMHO and the 8mm AT ED EP may make a good addition. A well placed constellation for you is Lyra- Vega will be one of those 20 stars you see and next to it is the " Double Double" 2 sets of 2 double stars - your 10mm may split them. There is also M57 in Lyra-easy to find, but LP may hinder you, try without the moon.

Have fun!

[Pig]

SeaChelle

I agree with the post above about the filters, you will look through them once and say to yourself " that's pretty" and then you will probably never use them again. Save your cash

Eyepieces are a different animal completely, it takes quite a long time to find the type that suit you the most. A journey that can turn out to be quite expensive so as suggested earlier see if you can try a few out with your newly found astro group. I am sure they will be more than willing to guide you   

[DaddyDiggy2]

I'm brand new to SGL, and I'm pretty much a beginner as well. But I just wanted to pass on the website that I use to check out what my viewing conditions are expected to be.

http://cleardarksky.com/c/NYCNYkey.html?1

Cloud cover, transparency, "seeing", darkness etc are forecasted. (there are other articles on SGL that explain "seeing" but basically it describes if what you are looking at will appear as if it ripples, like heat rising off of a hot surface). Basically darker blue squares represent more favourable conditions. You can also click on the link on the right side of the page to get a map of the dark skies around you (for instance, upstate NY). This way you can plan where to go, and also can get your viewing conditions for that area forecasted (only 1 day in advance though) if you are looking for darker skies.

I hope you enjoy the views and pass on your passion for astronomy to others.