help/advice/words from the wise

[a10ken]

Hi guys, i have just bought a sw 6" dob as a starter scope for my lad.

can any of you wise folk pass on any hints/tips/advice, ect that i can pass on to him.

thanks a10ken

[Telrad]

Hi a10ken,

What a good choice of starter scope for your son!

I would tell him to familiarize himself with star charts, and get a Planisphere. Stellarium will also help! http://www.stellarium.org/ The altazimuth mounting of a Dobsonian reflector requires that you have a map of the night sky in your head. The charts and planisphere will help! Plot his subject with the use of star charts. (over time he might consider acrquiring more eyepieces) The eyepiece is located near the top of the telescope, close to where it gathers light. Use the telescope when light pollution is at a minimum, because this kind of telescope is a light bucket. Tell him to aim the telescope at the sky and find his subject according to his charts/planisphere. Then position his eye over the eyepiece and focus....Remember, get him into the habit of taking notes of what he saw. Most of all wrap up well and have fun! Also, get issues of Sky at Night etc..and to watch it each month on TV. I hope this advice helps? All the best!

[kniclander]

maybe buy turn left at orion and plan the first few observing sessions just to find and look at one or two objects. at first, finding things can be tricky but you soon get the hang of it.

good luck.

[Rusty Strings]

All of the above and a good dollop of patience. Observing skills need time to be honed as the fainter objects aren't aways obvious at first. Don't plan too many targets and spend time with each one not just ticking them off a list.

The moon is a great place to start as it provides plenty of detail especially leading up too and after a moon.

[Telrad]

All of the above and a good dollop of patience. Observing skills need time to be honed as the fainter objects aren't aways obvious at first. Don't plan too many targets and spend time with each one not just ticking them off a list.

The moon is a great place to start as it provides plenty of detail especially leading up too and after a moon.

I agree John,

a10ken, the moon is a great place to begin. I also think that you should ask him to locate Saturn - he'll be captivated!

[Glen]

To remember a few well known constellations then star hopping is a good way of learning the sky, oh and the mandatory NEVER look at the sun type warning.

Glen

[a10ken]

cheers boys (and girls if there were any)

[Telrad]

You're welcome a10ken

I hope your son enjoys his wonderful scope! All the best!

Clear Skies