stolenfeather

I have never used a wheel chart myself but have always had some good books around such as "Turn Left at Orion" and "Nightwatch". I've also found some great star charts online. Good luck with your new hobby! Soon, you'll know your way around and you'll be completely hooked on stargazing.

Good to know! Thanks!

Thanks for coming by! T-shirt weather? I'll have to wait till May for that! Actually, where I am,.. it sometimes snows in June!

It sounds like an interesting software indeed Pat. I will surely look into it!

Isabelle

It looks like it will be remaining gray for sometime. An astronomer told me a surefire way to make the clouds leave though. He said to take your most powerful and expensive lens and,..

smash it!

According to him, the clear skies should soon appear. I have never tried it myself however.

I have this software myself and use it often to prepare for a night outside. I usually plan my viewing locations with it first and then head outside. Once away from my computer I always bring my Ipod with me that includes the starmap pro. This can be downloaded through Itunes and can also be used on an Iphone if you have one. It is rather small but suits my purposes in uncovering secluded Messiers.

This is the starmap pro:

I strongly recommend it but Stellarium is definitely the first stop to any night of observing!

Wishing you clear skies,

Isabelle

I will be posting blogs as a journal to what I see in the future and thank you for reading. Like you, the weather has turned on me this last entry and the clouds are relentless. I will wait and the skies will be clear soon (I can only hope).

Clear skies, the backyard astronomers endless wish right?

Isabelle

Hi Todd!

Congratulations on your 12"dob. I have a 10" myself and have seen so much. Filters? I have always been told that many are not worth the price people pay. I myself have never used one. I'd like to know if you do see a difference though.

Isabelle