newbie help please

[jared clark]

I recently purchased a celestron astromaster 130 for my family to enjoy. I read a ton of reviews on this particular scope, but for 100 bucks on Craigslist I figured I could look past a cheap tripod and fairly shaky mount. After getting this scope home, I am more than pleased, and so are my two kids...all around good purchase for me.

I was able to find Jupiter and It's moons the first night out, and can't wait to.see more when I can get away from all of the light pollution from my neighborhood.

My main question I have at this time is what are some affordable eyepieces and barlow lens could I purchase at a fairly reasonable price that will help take this scope to the next level? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Michaelo]

Sorry Jared, can't help as I am a newbie but someone will be along soon...

In the mean time check the: http://stargazerslounge.com/forum/186-getting-started-equipment-help-and-advice/ forum

Search for eyepieces...

[Demonperformer]

Hi Jared.

Rule 1: small clear image is better than a big fuzzy image - don't overdo the magnification - 2x primary diameter in mm (ie 260x in your case) should be the absolute maximum you go for.

Rule 2: a prime eyepiece will give you a better result than an eyepiece plus barlow (the light has to pass through fewer pieces of glass) - however, in the early stages you are unlikely to notice this particularly.

Rule 3: the US always seems to be cheaper than the UK, so you could probably get better 'affordable' eyepieces than we could.

Rule 4: if you can try before you buy that is the best way. Do you have any local gatherings local to you? That is a great way to meet other astro people, many of whom will let you try one of their eyepieces in your scope to see how they perform, on the type of object you want to observe.

HTH

[jared clark]

Thanks for the help. I am unaware of any groups in my area, but I am hoping to find one!

[Demonperformer]

You have probably found all these links already, but just in case -

http://www.go-astronomy.com/astro-clubs-state.php?State=TX

http://dallas.about.com/od/recreation/tp/AstronomyClubs.htm mentions "The North Texas Astronomical Society meets in Sherman at the Gallery Frames and Art Center".

http://www.astronomyforum.net/astronomy-beginners-forum/116783-north-texas-observing-sites.html

http://www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy-clubs.html#Texas

[dbjackson1950]

Jared - If you live near Dallas, you might try The Observatory on Preston in far north Dallas. They are very knowledgable and will let you try eyepieces in-store before you buy.

[jared clark]

Awesome! I appreciate all of the help.