what should i be able to see

[stevesxm]

lat 18 N  x  63W   , crystal clear sky  300 nights a year.   assuming i can set it up and figure out how to run it when it gets here,  what can i expect to see with this c8 celestron that i bought ?  

[Schorhr]

Hello Steve,

it largely depends on seeing conditions, light pollution and patience, but it should give many nice views of planets, deep sky objects and the moon! :-)

Check out some astro drawings as they represent the visual impression best.

Don't expect too much after seeing all the nice photos and talented observer's drawings.

At first many objects will just seem like faint fuzzies.

After some observing, changing magnifications, details will get more obvious.

http://www.deepskywatch.com/deepsky-sketches.html (usualy the used telescope is in the image text)

deepskypedia

for example http://www.deepskypedia.com/wiki/Messier_66#Telescopes_178mm_-_234mm_.287.22_-_9.2.22.29

http://www.visualdeepsky.org/netastrocatalog/msg00698.html

There you will find written reports.

...or do a google image search for c8 drawings ;-)

[jambouk]

There is some freeware called stellarium you can download and should be able to input your coordinates and see what you should be able to see.

James

[jambouk]

Oh sorry! Wrong end of the stick.

[stevesxm]

i am originally from the US east coast and in the carribean now.   at night the sky is so absolutely crystal clear its hard to believe.   clouds , of course sometimes but never any haze or interference.   i will check out those links and thx.  its just what i was after.

[Astro Imp]

One of our members has just posted a really useful guide which will answer most of your questions:- http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/196278-what-can-i-expect-to-see/

[RobertC]

Should be able to see the magellanic cloud if you are in the s.hemisphere, quite a few messier objects also.

[stevesxm]

One of our members has just posted a really useful guide which will answer most of your questions:- http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/196278-what-can-i-expect-to-see/

i found this and it answers everything.   thanks for that.

[Astro Imp]

i found this and it answers everything.   thanks for that.

You are more than welcome. Good to be of help.