Wow first viewing of Jupiter

[Belmthemus]

Fist time in an age I've had the opportunity to setup my scope.

I'd setup before my dinner and headed in with clear skies all around afterwards I searched for Jupiter just as the clouds rolled by in that area of sky. After a short time the clouds moved and I was able to see Jupiter and the moons in all their glory.

I was even able to just about make out a band but was unable to make out any major detail but as my scope is a celestron astromaster 130EQ and I'm a newbie I think what I saw was maybe the best I could do.

Now the clouds have fully closed in and there's nothing to see :-(

[brantuk]

Congrats Belmthemus - it's allways a thrill to see Jupiter first time - if you thought that was good just wait till you catch Saturn in a couple of months

[Mike Hodgson]

It's always an incredible feeling.

All the best

Mike

[gooseholla]

Saturn left me breathless when I first viewed it. Jupiter was a bit underwhelming for me - was expecting more, seeing as it is so big and detailed in real life. But it has grown on me over the years and has become a firm fav. of mine.

[Porl]

Its great to see Jupiter isnt it and the first time blows your mind!!

Do you have any other eyepieces or just the 2 standards that come with the scope?

I still have my Astromaster 130EQ, which was my first scope and I loved it to bits. It served me well for the past 9 months and I think its a great first scope. It showed me Jupiter, Mercury and Saturn.

I hope you get many more great views with it

Porl''

[tibbs1972]

I first saw Jupiter and the Galilean Moons back in January. I was amazed and always observe them when possible. I can always make out two bands, but have not observed the spot yet.

Good luck with your observations.

[Belmthemus]

I just have the 2 eyepieces that came with it and a cheap Barlow x2 I had but with the Barlow it was too difficult to focus and track at the same time since I hadn't polar aligned but next time I will :-D

[brantuk]

Don't worry - we all blew caution to the wind (along with PA) and rushed outside with our first scope and just pointed it lol.

But when you do polar align it you'll only have one knob to turn to track with it - much easier