Visit your local astronomony club

[Rigel-7]

Just wanted to say that, despite reservations, I visited my local astronomy club on Friday as part of the Stargazing Live events.

I pretty much assumed everything would be cancelled due to the typical blanket cloud. To my surprise about 200 people turned up !

The presentations provided were first rate, it was a little sad that during the demonstration the clouds (or as they described them Murphy's nebula) seemed to move in unison with the telescope.

What really helped was talking to these chaps and seeing how they had set-up the scopes. Little things such as the rope around the tube, electrical tape markers for marking the balance points and ensuring the RA/DEC levers are locked.

So for anyone thinking about buying a telescope - go to your club first - if our local club is an example you will not meet a more friendly and knowledgeable bunch of people.

[tbird]

Great advice !

I had several people asking advice at the Star Gazing Live event at Barton on Humber who were shy about coming to our club. I hope I put their minds at rest that they would be most welcome and they come along to the next meeting.