First Ever Telescope Viewing, and First Ever Blog!!
First Ever Telescope Viewing, and First Ever Blog!!
Hi to anyone who's interested, hope you're well!!
I ordered a Skywatcher Skyline 8" Dob about a month ago, it arrived a few days ago but until now it's been cloudy over light polluted London (esp. with the recyling plant running all night near me).
Wow! What a first few hours!!
First off I aimed my scope at the moon, almost half full, when I got worried... it seemed so bright I couldn't see any detail. I started fretting about not buying a polarising filter, but then I decided to stop being stupid, and FOCUSSED the EYEPIECE!!
Awesome view, the craters were brilliant, but I think what impressed me the most was that I could see the DARK SIDE of the moon! So I could see a full black/white egg, but anyone with just the naked eye could only see a Cheshire Cat's smile :)
Next, just a little hop away was (I'm almost totally sure) Jupiter. The main reason I bought my scope was to have a look at Jupiter. Loved it! It seemed pretty bright white, but I could definately see two bands across it (not sure of the colour), and pretty sure - 4 moons around it.
After this I tried to recognise a few constellations which was HARDER than I thought it would be. But pretty sure I NAILED: The Plough; Auriga; Gemini (partial); Perseus (partial) and Orion.
At this time I thought I should finish up with a casual look at my first ever nebula in Orion [M?? (I'll look it up later)] While I could make out the cloud shape, I could only see about 4 (maybe 6) stars in it.... for a 'Star Factory' I think it needs to start pumping out a few more babies!!!
Extra notes:
Time~ 6:30-8:30 Location~ My Back Garden, Chingford, London. Clear skies. Stuggled to make out more than 2 stars in Ursa Minor.
As it was my first time I will class the seeing as a 5/10 (average).
Handwriting is terrible, while cold, balancing a notepad on my knee, and holding a torch.
MUST wear thick socks, and long johns next time!!! FREEZING!!!
Thanks for reading about my first time!
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