Skywatcher130

Some good advice there Geoff. There's a few tips that I think I will try with my little Skywatcher Go-to as it's not been as accurate as it has been previously. Think my power pack may need replacing too.  

I did this last year as a newbie.  It was very enjoyable. I might do it again this year with my son who has an keen interest. Nice to have a 'plan' to follow. 

I have a free Sky at Night subscription through the RB digital app from Staffordshire libraries. Most councils used to offer similar things,  well used to before all the cuts that is! 

Thanks for the replies.  I guess I should just try it and see how it goes.  Perhaps I should have just asked if any SGL members are also members of Rosliston Astronomy Group which is my nearest club.  It looks like they are at a science day at the forestry centre where they hold their meetings next month so I might go along and have a chat.  Thing is,  I don't know anyone else with a telescope so it would be great to meet like-minded people and hopefully get to have a look through a bigger set up than mine 😀

How many of you are members of an astronomy club or society, and how welcoming to new members do they tend to be?  I like the idea of joining like-minded people and getting away from my light polluted back garden but I'm a bit nervous about taking the plunge to be honest 😊

Illuminated reticle eyepiece, for enhancing my go-to accuracy 😀

For future use you could try hanging up one of those decoy wasp's nests.  Usually available from discount stores for a pound or two.   The theory is that wasps won't make a nest close to an existing one and will find an alternative location. It could certainly work for an enclosed space such as a shed or observatory. 

Deb 

Welcome to SGL, it's a really friendly site.  

Have to say,  WOW what fantastic images.  If they were mine I'd have them printed onto canvas and up on the living room walls ?

Deb 

That sounds like a great book,  I will see if I can find a copy,  thanks. 

Deb 

15mm BST Starguider - initial test on a distant tree was very good,  can't wait to try it out properly! (and was lovely and sunny earlier too, now raining ?)

Thanks for the advice.  Yes,  I had been using the 2x barlow to do just that.  The BSTs look a good choice and I can see some that are £43.99 delivered on eBay. What about a 15mm, would that be not a good midpoint?  

Deb 

Hi, 

I have been wondering about this and, as you do on cloudy nights,  have been perusing online astronomical retailers as to what would be my first additional purchase to compliment the kit that came with my (second hand)  set up.  

I think I can work out what's missing but would appreciate any second opinions please.  Perhaps if I list what I have it may be useful? 

130/650 Newtonian f5 

25mm, 10mm and 2x Barlow (which I assume came with the original kit)  - the 25mm seems fine but the 10mm doesn't and can perhaps be forgotten about as the previous owner bought a 9mm William Optics Swan eyepiece which I really like, and certainly feels much heavier and of good quality. 

There is also a 3x barlow. Also the telescope came with an auto-focusser,  laser collimating tool and three coloured filters,  no numbers on them but best described as smoky grey,  light blue and a light purple colour.  

So,  would I be right to be looking at an 18mm purchase with maybe a 32mm for a wider field of view  - plus my 7 year old who likes to observe too obviously has better eyes than me, taking into account what Warthog said about up-to 7x focal length.  Can you think of anything else I  may need for the time being? I have made myself a red light torch. 

Thanks.

Deb 

P. S I wear glasses for reading/PC work but not for observing.