Stargazer Joe

Hi friends. I have an Orion SkyQuest XT10 Plus. Not too long ago I noticed that all of a sudden, I could not get clear views of anything, not even the moon. Everything is hazy. I collimated the scope, but this has not improved the clarity. I observe in a dustier than normal environment, in the middle of a farmer's field. Could a dirty primary mirror be causing the lack of clarity? If so, any suggestions to clean the primary? If not likely, any suggestions?

I have an Orion SkyQuest XT10 PLUS, just a little larger then one your considering. It came with great eyepieces. 10mm, 28mm and a 2X Barlow. I have found these to be of excellent quality, and all I need for the time being. I would avoid buying any eyepiece that begin with a capital "H".

I own an Orion SkyQuest XT10 PLUS. It has a Dobsonian base. I would really like to look at upgrading the base to a GoTo Autotracker base, but am unsure if this is doable. I'm sure more then just the base would require upgrading, such as the mounts where the tensioner knobs attach... Anybody have experience with this? Just looking for some advice on if this is doable, and what components would require upgrading... Regards, Joe.

Thanks you @Gfamily

Mr Niall and @rwilkey Thank you gents! M13 looks like a great place to start.

@Starwatcher2001 @Pixiesyou guys are awesome, thanks for all this info. I am definently going to try and find M57 using this advice. I've only used it a couple of times, looked at the moon, some stars, nothing crazy, was just getting a feel for the EPs and how the telescope moves. I ordered Turn Left at Orion and intend to download the app you buys guys recommended. @Starwatcher2001 the bantering back and forth is good! I'm learning from it. Thanks guys

Wow this is great. I really appreciate all the advice! I'm going to do exactly as you suggested. I am familiar with "warm stuff", haha. Some kind of bench would be great. The paint job on the hood of my car is taking a beating... I like the idea of an app, and will check out the one you suggested. Your phone is always in your pocket, so makes sense to have the right app on it. Thanks again Mark!

Thanks so much Pixies! That's great advice. I did buy a collimation tool, and as for the eyepieces, it came with a 28 mm, 10 mm and a 2X Barlow. I did buy a guide, but, I need to simplify. I bought Burnham's celestial guide, all three volumes, and I can't wait to become proficient at using it, but, I need something newer, and simpler, so, I think I will obtain a copy of the book you suggested.

Hey, I am new to backyard astronomy/ stargazing. After doing some research, I bought an Orion XT10 Plus. I would like to view galaxies and nebulas, can I do so with this telescope and if so, what should I get next? What eyepieces or additional components would better aid me in doing so? Any suggestions are much appreciated!