First blog post so thought I'd introduce myself!

Always been interested in Amateur Astronomy...though I've never previously owned a scope - at various points in my life i've enjoyed the sky with binoculars and a copy of Nortons Star Atlas (Old Skool I know!)

Anyway jealousy over Dark Nebula's huge refractor...(scope envy) has prompted me to invest in a second hand Skywatcher 200P - my first astronomical scope!

Its the old style blue tube model, mounted on a very rickety home made Dob mount. I've also got the manufacturers supplied eyepieces - the 25mm, 10mm and x2 barlow.

With a copy of Sky and Telescopes pocket sky atlas, and a home modded LED torch...(daughters red nail varnish painted on the lens) I was ready to cast my gaze upon the heavens...the first opportunity was to come on 29th of November.

Thought it might be interesting to share my obsrvations with fellow SGL members...so you can all see how I develop and the pitfalls I encounter...If you're a complete beginner like me...you may learn what you need to avoid!!!