stolenfeather

I agree with Ant, posting on the "equipment help" board will bring about much more advice. As a newcomer to the field of astronomy, I believe that purchasing a number of starters books may be of great help as well. Like many others here on the forum, I suggest "Turn Left at Prion". It will help you find your way in the night sky and answer some of your more pressing telescope concerns. Isabelle

Unfortunately, due to an MS relapse, I have been unable to view the night sky for the whole week. I am very optimistic that some change in my eyesight will be seen in the following days. Many of you have written about your encounters with Saturn for the past weeks. I have been waiting for my chance. It will come,.. It will come. This being said, I have found myself reminiscing of my previous encounters with our "popular ringed one". This brings to mind a night I will never forget: May 5th, 2009 9:30pm My visit at the Lowell Observatory was something I had planned months in advance by reserving a private program including night viewing with the telescopes and multimedia shows. This being said,... I had no idea to the adventure that I was about to experience! The visits were organized to welcome groups of thirty and more. It so happened that for the particular day (the only one available during my vacation in Flagstaff) no other person had signed up! In the end, Steven and I were the only ones there with the company of two student astronomers! The four of us first sat in a huge multimedia room for some information. When the main astronomer saw my eyes glaze over as he was talking about the different phases of the moon, he asked me, "You know this already right?" I nodded then proceeded to tell him about where I lived and what I had learned so far. When he realized that I knew my way around the night sky and was a little familiar with the jargon, he shut off the monitor and motioned Steven and I to step into the observatory room where the huge 24 inch Clark Telescope awaited us! I held my breath,... It was in this very observatory that the dwarf planet Pluto was first discovered, where the rings to Uranus were first explored, and where the initial spark that lead to the eventual realization that the universe was expanding was found! For a person passionate about astronomy, one who believes that the search for truth resides within the deep reaches of ourselves, our relationship with others and in our exploration of the natural world (near and far) that lies around us,... I felt as if I was on "holy" ground! When the two student astronomers invited me to look through the telescope, I actually trembled! Ben, the top student who is close to graduating with honors from his field of study took the time to explain the surroundings of Arcturus (a star that I was less informed about). He was quite pleased with his new visitor (moi), stating that, "most people that came to the observatory held little to no information or enthusiasm which made the visits very cut and dry". He went on to say that discussing the night sky with visitors at a deeper level seldom happened and that he thought that my excitement / knowledge was quite refreshing. When I admitted to preferring looking at deep sky objects to planets he knew exactly what to show me,... Messier 80! I had seen it before but NEVER like this! No matter what kind of telescope you have, from my 10" Dobsonian to the Clark monster at the Observatory, there remains one constant: the quality of the sky. That night, there was not one cloud to be seen which should mean smooth sailing for any sky watcher but,... the Waxing Gibbous moon was out in full force shedding it's light across most of the sky. In all of my life, I had NEVER seen it shine so bright! In the telescope, the beam emanating from our natural satellite was so bright that it looked like a laser coming out of the eyepiece! I put my hand under the eyepiece and for a second, it seemed like I was catching it's brilliance! Ben laughed and grabbed a piece of paper. Holding it up to the scope, we were able to make out the shadows of the seas and craters! Now that's one bright moon! When he pointed the telescope (psst! I was actually allowed to help bring it about!) to Saturn, I couldn't keep my emotions hidden anymore. The planet that makes all backyard astronomers gasp for breath when they first saw it,... brought tears to my eyes! The Clark telescope revealed it's detailed beauty beyond my wildest dreams! From left to right: Nicole, myself and Ben Unfortunately, Steven was the one taking the picture :(

Only time will make me feel better (thank you for your concern) and I'm happy that everything turned out well for you! Isabelle

I haven't gone out lately since I am waiting for my eyesight to recover. I should see some changes this week (at least I hope so). Isabelle

:hello2: Amazing shot, amazing scope! Isabelle

This whole ordeal scares me although I know that my time will be coming soon,.. Isabelle

Recollimate,... now that's a skill I would rather wait on!

Really? You can't make a permanent link? How odd! Isabelle

This is very interesting Mike, we can see your developments with imaging as we go from one image to the next. What rapid growth! I can't compete with pictures like that but maybe one day,.. :rolleyes: Isabelle

Let's just say that light pollution isn't a problem! But,.. frost bite is! :)

Oh Patrick,.. What a disappointment after all that technical work. There's nothing worse than looking through your eyepiece and seeing a blur. I'm happy that the forum had ideas to help you resolve your viewing issues. Don't lose hope though. You know,.. long range forecasts are not very dependable! You WILL have clear skies and this time your focuser will work fine! Isabelle

Interesting. I hope you can try again tonight!

There are rocks to every start but you certainly have a more professional setup than I have for photography. At this point I aim to concentrate on the viewing period. Those pictures found on the forum are all amazing but,.. "I am NOT worthy". I'm looking forward to reading your posts as your nights become more productive. I wish you clear skies! Isabelle

You have some nice clear moments in that video but that is always tricky. I find that I enjoy my nights a whole lot more when I do not focus on the pictures / video. It tends to be more relaxing. The down side to this is that I have nothing to share after! :) Happy you got out there and hope I can do the same soon! Isabelle

Congratulation! Did you get a good sight of the moons as well? Isabelle

You know you have a good scope when you haven't taken it outside yet and are ALREADY pleased with your purchase! Isabelle

Thank you Bob! I looking forward to my next attempt as soon as the sky clears! Thanks for coming by! Isabelle

Oh man,.. astro photography means BIG BUCKS! LOL! Not to scare you off but I'm told that this is definitely addictive and the costs only go up. In that case, I would stay away from a Dobsonian like mine and seek help by posting a thread on "equipment help" or even "beginner's help and advice" since I am less familiar with the needs of astro-photographhy. Good luck and may your skies remain clear! Isabelle

Buying a telescope can be tricky. I guess it depends what sort of experience you are looking for. Are you more interested in deep sky objects or small details in the planets? Is astro-photography anywhere in your future? and yes,.. unfortunately, price is always a factor. :( Isabelle

I wish you clear skies!

I have starting keeping a astronomy journal on this site a couple of weeks ago. Of course you are always welcomed to come by and read it. I'm looking forward to reading your posts! I wish you clear skies! Isabelle

Two books that have greatly helped me is "Turn Left at Orion" and "Night Watch". The first will help you navigate the stars while the other will go a little deeper and also discuss the equipment used. I also suggest downloading "Stellarium" which is a free program found on the Internet. It will also help you greatly. I wish you clear skies and the best of luck in developing this new passion! Isabelle

Thanks for the post Mrs R! That course sounds very exciting and you will definitely like "Turn Left at Orion". It was the first book I purchased to help me find my way amongst the stars. I've also liked "Night Watch" which not only shows the stars but gives a more deeper look at the planets, photogrpahing and the different instruments involved. Stellarium is a fine program indeed and I use it often to plan my stargaze moments outside. I hope it becomes easier to handle with time. If it is giving you problems, I have heard that deleting the program and downloading it once again helps. Keep your eyes to the sky! Isabelle

Yes, I heard this as well and since I live in the isolated north, I have GREAT seats! Now, if only someone would do something about the blizzard outside I'd be all set! :) Isabelle

You'll love it I'm sure!