Hello from Australia!

[Elysian]

Hiya, I'm 27 and from Western Australia.

I've been interested in astronomy as far as I can remember, my grandpa would buy me books and always tell me about the stars and planets when I was a kid. I sort of lost interest around high school but astronomy has always managed to creep back into my life (how awesome was the recent Cosmos series? Fantastic!).

I've recently just bought my first telescope, a 10" Dobsonian. It's been a long time coming! The first night I took it out I managed to get a glimpse of Saturn and I was absolutely amazed, even the Cassini division was clearly visible, and I was able to see some colour bands over the planet. Mars wasn't as spectacular but I believe it isn't unless its in opposition. None the less it was a lovely red disc.

I've ordered a x2 Barlow (don't know why I never ordered it with the damn telescope) and also 'Turn Left at Orion' star chart book. So I should be set for a little while until new bright shiny lenses want my attention.

Glad to be part of the forum and I will be lurking around when the skies are bad and I can't drag the Dob outside

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

G'day! Welcome to SGL. I have fond memories of the southern skies through binoculars on my last visit. A 10" Dob will be great!

[glowjet]

Hi Elysian and welcome to SGL, enjoy your new scope, a whole new experience is ahead of you with a 10" Dob, especially if you have nice dark Australian skies, enjoy

[HIP3802]

Hi, Elysian, welcome to SGL - and to the worlds of amateur astronomy!

[baggywrinkle]

Welcome to SGL from an Ex WA resident.

If you are in the Perth area get in contact with AGWA, they are a very active group, good folk with loads of advice. If you have problems linking up PM me.

They do have a place on Face Book.

[laudropb]

Hello and welcome to the SGL.

[swag72]

Hi and welcome to SGL - Glad that you found us and hope that you enjoy your time here.

Look forward to seeing you around

[Scott]

Oh no not another Aussie... seems like every time I log on theres another one . 

From Sydney myself although I now call the old dart home. Looks like you'll Have one team in the AFL finals (unless they come up against the swannies). 

Anyway, glad you're enjoying your return to astronomy and enjoy those beautiful southern skies.

[rwilkey]

Hi there, and a warm welcome from me too!

[Pete Presland]

Hi welcome to SGL from Pete in Bedfordshire

[fondofchips]

Hi Elysian & welcome to SGL.

[C7tsj]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Mark

[gingergeek]

Hi there and welcome to SGL

[JamesM]

Hi Elysian and welcome to the forum. Great scope with a very helpful allocation of aperture (....you'll always want bigger!    ) and a scope that is big but not too difficult to move about or transport to darker sites.

Wishing you long clear skies and hope you enjoy your stay here.

James

[Crebles]

A very warm welcome to you Elysian!

Don't worry about the Barlow.... a 10" Dob and a copy of Turn Left and you're all set for some brilliant evenings!

[Galileo101]

G day Mate,

welcome from Sydney.

nice to see a fellow Aussie.

im also new to the forum and astronomy. welcome!

[michigander]

Welcome to SGL, Elysian!

Dana

[PeterCPC]

Hi and welcome.

Peter

[daiwelly]

Hi and welcome to SGL from Wales

[damnut]

Hi Elysian,

Warm welcome to SGL. When you have a minute download a planetarium program, lots out there but try stellarium its great and free, to be found here :-  http://www.stellarium.org/ it will make a great companion to your book. Also worth a read is 'sky&telescope pocket star atlas'

[Charon]

Welcome aboard.

[purdo]

Hi & Welcome to SGL.  Hope you enjoy your new scope, good choice.

[bangkokbrian47]

Hi Elysian and welcome to SGL.

Can you use your 10" DOB and see if you can spot my mate Grant - he lives in Perth and I haven't seen him in years? My 6" frac isn't big enough to see him from here.

Brian

[Bizibilder]

Hello Elysian and welcome to SGL!!