stolenfeather

I saw it as well the other morning and yes,.. it was Venus. Saturn will be reaching opposition in the beginning of April and will be very bright in the sky. I hope you can see it! I wish you clear skies! Isabelle :)

I'm sorry about the light pollution Marla. I hope you can make it away from the city very soon so you can see the sky at it's most marvelous! Isabelle :)

I guess that all depends at what time you were looking this morning since both Venus and Saturn are out. One hour before sunrise, Venus would have been extremely bright in the sky. If it was Saturn you would definitely see the rings! There's no mistaking it. Isabelle

To make sure, I would pose the question as apost since more people on this forum will answer. I would try there first for good buying sources. Isabelle

Your choice of telescope is a very wise one. You will have many great nights with it. I know this because my husband bought me the same one for my birthday 2 years ago. I have the 8" by the way. This telescope will give you the ease needed to discover the night sky I assure you! Now, when it comes to "where to get it", I'll have to let someone else answer this question since mine was a gift. Oh by the way,... Welcome to SGL! Isabelle :)

Great shots Todd! I am a beginner myself when it comes to photography. I use a point-and-shoot camera that i simply align with the eyepiece since there is no adapter. This all being said, your pictures have come out way better than anything I would have attempted! Isabelle

I've had clouds all week as well. I saw that there might be an opening tomorrow night but I won't catch my breath. :( Isabelle

That is interesting. I have never have such problems with the program. You tired a few times and it still flickers? I am so sorry this is happening since I have Windows 7 as well and have never experienced such problems. However, this being said, I have read on this forun that others have had this problem. I would suggest posting this question as a post and not as a blog since it is there that I have seen others talk about it. I hope this problem is resolved for you soon. Stellarium is a wonderful program that all stargazers should have on hand. Isabelle

Let us know how you enjoy the Telrad. It made ALL the difference for me! Isabelle

Sounds like a great book! I'll keep my eyes opened for it!

Actually, when I think again about it, I think I had a similar scope to this one about ten years ago. I remember it indeed came with very detailed instructions in how to set up and use it for the first time. I remember using the tripod and finding it very fragile. To tell you the truth, one of the braces did break in the first year I used it. This may sound negative but I also remember being very pleased with what I saw during the time that I had it. I guess traveling with this telescope is what did it in. Isabelle

I wish I could help Susie but have no experience with such a telescope. Did the present come with instructions that you can follow? I suggest buying couple of books to help orient you around the stars. "Turn Left at Orion" is very good. Good luck with your new hobby and don't give up on it. It can be tricky. Isabelle

For a person that claims they have a "lack of knowledge", you are doing quite well. Don't worry about Andromeda, after you find it once it will be a piece of cake in find it again. I found it easier to find it in the fall. Congratulations! You had a great night and thanks for sharing. I will have to wait till the weekend before heading out once again since it is hard to teach/plan/correct while stargazing. Isabelle

The colder nights bring very stable skies in our region and complete invisibility. So I'll take the cold over the warmth. Furthermore, there's always the northern lights! Take care Patrick and I wish you clear skies Isabelle

Thank you Patrick ! I do hope the sky does clear out for you as well. I can't wait to see what you uncover. I wish you clear skies! Over a month? Oh my!!!!!

Well, I teach in a small isolated community in northern Quebec. Polar bears are 2 km away on the Bay. There is little here but snow and cold. -47 cold enough for you (but not today)? My stargazing days come equipped with frostbite but yes,.. I do have clear skies though! I guess there are pros and cons to where I am. I wish you clear nights ahead even if this means being in the car. Isabelle

Hey Pat! I'm happy that you had a great night. Looking outside today,.. I doubt that I will be going out tonight. My,.. those are thick clouds out there. Oh man,.. more snow I'm sure! I wish you clear skies tonight and let us know what you discover! Isabelle

Faint NGC / Messier objects are quite tricky to find in areas heavily polluted by light. I would recommend using filters since many have said that it helped. Unfortunately, I have never used any since there is no light pollution where I am. Unfortunately, there is not much where I am,... Isabelle

I remember the first time I saw the Orion Nebula. Like you I ran inside to show my husband and someone had to stop me from calling my neighbours to come over and look. Now every night I am outside with my telescope, I always take a glimpse. You will have the same reaction when you see Saturn for the first time,... I promise you! I wish you clear skies my friend, Isabelle

Being away from "civilization" has its pros and cons but I must admit, most times I don't miss the city at all! Thanks for coming by once again Tuc! :)