New Guy!

[Swedeman2013]

Hi Folks,

New to the hobby and have no experience with my new telescope because here in Quebec it has been cloudy since I picked up the scope, go figure ! Outside of the moon, I need help where to start exploring, any advice would help. My son's IPhone has the sky map loaded if that helps.

Thanks

[skywatcher58gb]

Hi and welcome, a good starting target for this time of year is the Orion nebula. What kind of scope do you have as this will give a clue to the kind of objects that are possible.

Dave

[Khw]

Hi mate welcome to the forum, stellarium is a free download which will get u up and running. What scope u got? Don't be afraid to ask any questions here as there are plenty of people always willing to help out, kev

[JamesF]

Welcome to SGL

James

[HIP3802]

Hi, Swedeman2013 and welcome to SGL! 'Stellarium' also gets my vote as a great resource for planning and viewing the night sky.

[JonDoe]

Hi Swedeman welcome to SGL, it seems no matter where you live cloud gets in the way, very frustrating when your just getting into Astronomy.

[Welrod50]

Good advice so far.

And welcome to SGL

[Guy Wells]

Welcome to SGL!

You should point the scope skywards. See what's up there. The beauty of the unknown! Then using the free software that these chaps have spoken of, you can then start to target objects that interest you.

Clear skies!

[Swedeman2013]

After a bunch of research and a limited budget I went cheap and bought a Skyscanner (reflector) by Orion which should let me get going though I know I'll end up with an 8" Skyquest later. So far I locked in the red-dot finder scope and looked at upside down houses! CAN'T WAIT to at least check out the damn MOON!! Thanks folks this site looks great!

[Guy Wells]

Hey. Before you go choosing your next scope, ask about. There WILL be others, who will be able to give you really good advice about what telescope to upgrade to next.

[Swedeman2013]

Thanks Ras, good point. Again only knowing what I've read I imagine an upgrade in eyepieces is in order, I received a 10 and 20mm but am thinking about 12.5 Plossl for starters, sounds like a Barlow is sketchy on a low end scope?

[Pete Presland]

hi welcome to SGL from peter in bedfordshire

[jason.p]

Welcome Swedeman. It looks like you already have the early signs of aperture fever. Unfortunately there's no known cure. Keep in touch with SGL for regular counseling

Hope those clouds clear for you.

Jason

[Pig]

Hello and welcome

[glowjet]

Hi Swedeman and welcome to SGL, as you are new to the hobby if you can get hold of a copy of the book "Turn Left at Orion" that will help you obtain a better understanding of the night sky and give you plenty of subjects to observe with your scope, enjoy your Astronomy

John.

[kerrylewis]

Hello there

Welcome

Jupiter is a great target at the moment - when the skies clear. Very obvious up above Orion as soon as it gets dark

Good luck with the new scope

Kerry

[Scott]

Hi swedeman and welcome.

Many years ago (mid 1980's) I went white water rafting on the Ottowa river and the memory of those night skies will stay with me forever. You are a lucky man.

edit: an astro magazine such as sky and scope have monthly targets. also an interesting read.

[Itabot]

HI welcome to SGL

[Charon]

Welcome aboard.

[michigander]

Welcome to SGL, Swedeman!

Dana

[Conna]

Hi and welcome, is the app on you phone Skymap if it is give it a good few seconds and a few shakes before believing where it points, I found it took a while to find the GPS and compass correctly, after the initial messing it performs great I found a lot using it, but remember to switch to red though as it can be bright!

good luck and clear skies

[DonRemus]

Welcome to SGL!

[Siriusmeg]

Hello and welcome from me too - enjoy your new scope, there's a lot to be said for just looking up

[stellawolf]

Hi & welcome to SGL

[Bizibilder]

Hello Swedeman and welcome to SGL!!