Slingshot

Total nightmare! Reminds me off where i grew up and had that type of nonsense shining in through our bedrooms. Despite reasoned agruments put to the council by my parents, nothing was done. So being young and foolish ( all those years ago) we discovered how accurate catapults can be! In time the post was moved further away and all the neighbours were happier. I agree with Starwatcher2001 though above- good idea. S

Hi Brown Dwarf, That must be a pain - sorry to hear. I take it you have gone around and asked them to perhaps compromise by turning them off on the times you can observe? If so and no joy, then start having rave party all nighters!! S

Hi Popeye85, I watched your first video which i thought was good and informative. My feedback as a complete novice astronomer, but worked in the classroom environment. 1. Because you know the subject don't expect your audience to know it. 2. When the viewing card was introduced with a circle of 5 degrees, i lost track because i was thinking how you got the degree sizes. It would be helpful to state the scale or how that size represent those degrees. for example 1:500000 or 1:250000 or whatever it might be. 3. When using aids try to ensure they match or compliment the subject matter. I got confused with orientation with the software maps and the hard copy maps, when you were showing the area in which to star hop to. Like others have said about the technical stuff, equipment etc will no doubt improve the overall look. As for personal looks that is up to you. (I have long hair tied up and don't look the part, but i am!) But continuity is everything along with simple explanations. On the plus side your first attempt got me to look at your other videos. But videos are notorious for looking simple when in fact they are very hard to produce. That will come with practise. Subject matter must be accurate, aids used must have explantion and remember your students will not have a clue and will therefore need to have simple topic delivery techniques applied, before going on to the more technical stuff. So tell us what you are going to tell us, tell us and then tell us again. Great start though - keep at it. Will check out your next ones. Slingshot

Maybe packaging not tightly packed enough?😁

Agree, rarely can we take any forecast to be completely accurate these days with our changing climate. Not to mention haze issues that appear to be increasing. On the other hand it may just be grand.

Thank you John - of late we've had some clear skies, but last couple of have miserable. Garry

Hi - as a novice just joined SGL, your article has been very helpful with my expectations, moreover with taking time and growing ability going forward. Thank you Slingshot

Hi Starwatcher 2001, thanks for your welcome. Slingshot

Hi Niko, I too am a complete novice. I have bought the same telescope you mention. I based my desicion to buy on the following if this helps. It's not beyond a learner to set up quickly when you get famliar with it. It can be loaded into a car safely. It has a parabolic mirror and a Newtonian design which will give good results for novices starting off looking at sensible targets ( if thats the right phrase) Therefore it shouldn't be a telescope that would put off the beginner which is so important. It is also a scope that a more experienced observer can use well, which speaks for itself. The stand is light but holds the weight well and seems sturdy enough to me, though it is recognised that it can take a few seconds for the scope to settle if touched. I can live with that but if you want to try pictures it might be a problem. ( if you can take pics with it I am not sure) Plus the price is very good which would influence a tight person like me! Hope this helps Slingshot

Hello Neil, Just read your report. What struck me was your knowledge but obvious delight on what seemed a great evening. I am new to the forum and a total novice. regards Slingshot

Hello Ed, I am also new, semi retired but a complete beginner. Look forward to the learning, regards Garry

Hello every body, Just joined the forum as a total novice. Just bought a Skycatcher Explorer 130P in the hope it will be a good start scope. I live in an almost dark sky part of SW Ireland. I was overwhelmed by the choice of telescopes, but hope i have made a good choice to begin with. Hoping to ask lots of questions and getting some advice. Regards Slingshot

Hello, I too am new to this forum and to Astrology. Just bought a Skycatcher Explorer 130P to begin my adventures, Not evern sure if it will be a good choice telescope as the choice is so overwhelming for a beginner. However, I live is an almost totally dark sky environment here in SW Ireland. So i will be bumbling through and hoepfully asking for help. Slingshot