New Stargazer.

[GlasgowStarGazer]

Hi All

Happy New Year from cloudy Glasgow from a new member of the Stargazers Lounge.

Absolute beginner to astronomy and I have just purchased a Sky Watcher BK 1309 EQ2. Any guidance or hints and tips on how to get the best out of the telescope would be most welcome.

I have found the forums very useful so far and I am looking forward to sharing my stargazing exploits.

Michael

[swag72]

Welcome to SGL Michael, glad that you found us.

Look forward to seeing you around

[JamesF]

Welcome to SGL

James

[bingevader]

Hello and welcome.

[Pig]

Hello & welcome

Shaun

[craigr001]

Hi Michael,

I too have that scope, Xmas 2013 gift. Loving it so far.

Enjoy.

[floppygoose]

Happy new year to you Michael and a warm welcome to SGL. Look forward to reading your exploits from Glasgow

Phil

[ToxoLight]

Hi Michael and welcome to the lounge.

[Bizibilder]

Hello Michael and welcome to SGL!!

[sologuitarist61]

Hello Michael and welcome to SGL

[Mr Spock]

Hi Michael, welcome to SGL

[Sandancer10]

Hi Michael and a warm welcome to SGL.

Enjoy your new scope and your Astro journey.

[JamesM]

Hi Michael and welcome to the forum

Clear skies

James

[ronl]

Hi Michael welcome to the lounge,

and welcome to this wonderful hobby.  Enjoy!

Good Luck and Clear Sky's

[michigander]

Welcome to SGL, Michael!

Dana

[Charon]

Hello Michael and welcome to the forum.

[wookie1965]

A warm welcome to SGL

[Poolshot]

Hi michael and welcome to SGL  hope the skys clear up 

Jason

[GlasgowStarGazer]

Thanks everyone for your kind welcome.

Looking forward to clear skies....anytime soon 

[Beechiller]

Hi Michael I to got this for Christmas. The one tip I would give you is remember to take the dust cap of before viewing I didnt last night and couldnt see a thing

[glowjet]

Hi Michael and welcome to SGL

[tommo b]

Hi Michael - welcome to SGL!

[Pete Presland]

Hi welcome to SGL from Pete in Bedfordshire

[bmc]

Hi Michael, from a fellow glasgow viewer to the skies. You mention you are a beginner in looking upward, but I don't know what level of novice (we are all on that lengthy ladder). I'll assume that your just starting to climb, so tips from someone who is on rung 2. Firstly this forum is an excellent resource for knowledge, and no question is too stupid, from tips on equipment, to what's good to view.  The wealth of information, either through browsing or asking a direct question is both reliable and educational. As for your own knowledge resource, I suggest you look at a free software program called stellarium, then some lititure. Turn left at orion is an excellent book to get your bearings. Not to mention "the sky at night" magazine to give you monthly guides and pointers. If you are looking for a more tactical approach, the glasgow astronomy society hold events in the botanical gardens up on great western road. From this date the next event is on the 28th of January. Numbers are tight for the event, so I'd advice to have a wee look at the web site, google "stars in the botanic" for info. 

Welcome to sgl, and enjoy the journey.