Catweazel

Hi again,

I probably got carried away with half a mile, try something 100 - 200 yards away! I usually pick the furthest TV aerial that I can see from my garden.

Your scope is decent choice for beginning astronomy, it's f9 so should be fairly forgiving on eyepieces, and you will get good moon and reasonable planetary views with it. You will certainly get plenty of use out of it, and it usually only takes that one "wow" moment to get you hooked

Hi BamBam, it is possible that you were too close to the object that you were trying to focus on, what distance was it? Also how far can you see into the distance from where you are? If possible, try something half a mile away. BTW, which scope are you using?

RIP Sir Patrick, I will miss you

Thanks folks, looks like APT is the firm favourite. I have downloaded it an will run the demo version, whilst I work out if I have the patience to use it properly

Hi,

I am considering having another go at AP, but have limited myself to single long exposure shots in the past, with limited success. Being a bit of a technophobe, I have avoided the somewhat complicated looking (to me anyway) software until now, but wondered which one out of BackyardEOS and APT other forum members prefered. Also, if possible, an honest view of how easy/difficult they are to use for the technically challenged Thanks. CW

First DSO attempt, Orion Nebula, about 2 weeks ago. Taken with Megrez72 & Canon 1000D.

Hi and welcome to the lounge. You will get plenty of advice here, I'm sure