Sdichter Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 I've always had a passing interest in astronomy, but growing up and living in an area that is heavily light polluted, I never followed thru. All these years later and my son has shown an interest in it so I'm looking to get started.We still live in the light and view compromised environs of the NYC metropolitan area, and we're essentially starting from scratch (I can find the moon and Polaris most nights and that's about it). My suspicion, is that starting with equipment he can master on his own, and looking at things that are easy to find, will sustain his interest and propel us forward.My plan is to invest in some good binoculars, some good portable viewing chairs, and some notebooks to record our observations. I'd appreciate any links or advice on a good way to start.PS. I intend to learn and teach my son the math involved as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Double Kick Drum Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 A warm welcome to SGL! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HIP3802 Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 Hi, Sdichter, and welcome to SGL! Binoculars are a very good way to both get to know the sky, and as an introduction to amateur astronomy. There is a specific Binocular tab on the main page of this site where you will find help and suggestions as to what is available (and more importantly what to avoid!). As a general aid to finding your way around the sky I can recommend the free planetarium "Stellarium" downloadable from here: http://stellarium.org/ This can be adapted to your own location and circumstances (light pollution level etc).Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bizibilder Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 Hello Sditcher and welcome to SGL!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesF Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 Welcome to SGLJames Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
estwing Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 welcome along...clear skies! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tuckstar Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 Hi, welcome aboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanjgreen Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 Hi Sdichter, I would recommend you take a look at a book called "The Cambridge Star Atlas" by Wil Tirion. Just as you would expect from an Atlas, shows you whats there in each area of the sky.Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moogoomonkey Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 Hey and welcome to SGL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullac2001 Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 hi and welcome to sgl.i would suggest turn left at orion is worth buying. a well regarded book and very informative Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronl Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 Hi and welcome to the lounge, I have found this site useful http://astronomycentral.co.uk/the-night-sky-with-binoculars-tonight/ if you are thinking of bins 10x50 are good, anything bigger you will need a binocular mount and a tripod, as the weight will be to much to hold steady, you can ask any question here someone will help.Good Luck and Clear Sky's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Spock Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 Welcome both of you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Which Star is that Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 Hi and welcome.I second the "Turn Left at Orion" book. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MorningMajor Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 Hi and welcome to you both! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saturn4me Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 Hi and welcome to SGL! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Presland Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 hi welcome to SGL from Pete in Bedfordshire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill57 Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 Welcome to SGL. That's an excellent plan you've come up with. Have fun.Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders is another excellent book. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sologuitarist61 Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 Hello and a warm welcome to you and your son and hopr that you can get as much enjoyment as possible from you light polluted site. Actually, you may find that with a good set of binoculars you will be able to see more of the sky than is apparent at the moment. Anyway, enjoy you new nobby and good like with the math, most of it is pretty straight forward Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apollo Paul Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 Hello and welcome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesM Posted March 25, 2013 Share Posted March 25, 2013 Hi and welcome to the forum. I would certainly recommend this site because it details some useful information on binoculars and how to mount them, along with suggested monthly targets for you to find. In addition I would also recommend the book, "Turn Left at Orion" which details some hundred objects to find throughout the four seasons of the year. It a great book that is useful for people with binoculars and modest sized scopes so should be ideal for both you and your son. You might want to take a look at this link to see how this book is laid and what to expect from its maps and written instructions.Clear skies and hope you and your son enjoy the forum.James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charon Posted March 25, 2013 Share Posted March 25, 2013 Welcome aboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glowjet Posted March 25, 2013 Share Posted March 25, 2013 Hi Sdichter and welcome to SGL John. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Itabot Posted March 25, 2013 Share Posted March 25, 2013 Hi welcome to SGL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michigander Posted March 25, 2013 Share Posted March 25, 2013 Welcome to SGL, Sdichter and son!Yankees or Mets?Dana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan g Posted March 25, 2013 Share Posted March 25, 2013 Welcome to the forum father and son team Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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