Jump to content

Newbie from Hartlepool

NosamLuap

By NosamLuap
in Welcome

Recommended Posts

NosamLuap

NosamLuap

Posted
Posted

Hi all - I just picked up my first telescope (a Sky-Watcher Explorer-130P), and right on cue the clouds rolled in :)

I'm a keen photographer, so I'll be hoping to get some images once I figure out how to drive the telescope and where to point it.

cheers

Paul

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • Replies 25
  • Created
  • Last Reply
NosamLuap

NosamLuap

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks all :)

Hi and welcome. Download Stellarium - it's free and should help you locate targets.

Peter

I was about to say "Ah, I use Linux so...", then found that Stellarium is actually supported on Linux. Happy days! I'll download that now, thanks. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
purdo

purdo

Posted
Posted

Hi Paul & Welcome to SGL.  Have a look at the Imaging forum if you are interested in AP & the Beginners for help & advice on using the scope.  You can always type your scope into the search section, top right & you will find other posting on the 130P, there is a scroll down box just pick forums.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
swag72

swag72

Posted
Posted

Hi Paul and welcome to SGL - Good to have you on board. Perhaps give imaging a miss for a while, it's a different beast altogether and wildly different from anything you may do during the day time!

Look forward to seeing you around :smiley:

Link to comment
Share on other sites
NosamLuap

NosamLuap

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Hi Paul and welcome to SGL - Good to have you on board. Perhaps give imaging a miss for a while, it's a different beast altogether and wildly different from anything you may do during the day time!

Look forward to seeing you around :smiley:

Hmmm... run before walk, eh? ;)

I'm sure it's good advice, but I'm itching. I understand my slr well, I understand night photography (time until stars streak give focal length etc). And a telescope is just a lens, isn't it? :p

Link to comment
Share on other sites
NosamLuap

NosamLuap

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Well, I popped my telescope cherry last night :)

With the guidance of my friend, I set up the scope at about 19:00 - just as the moon was rising. Played with the eyepieces that were supplied with my kit (25mm and 10mm, plus a 2x Barlow), practiced focussing, got used to the image being inverted (though every time I try to move the scope, I set off the 'wrong way' first and have to backtrack!).

He showed me some of his eye pieces - similar focal lengths, but better quality (Plossl?) - and where I'd been impressed with those supplied, I could see the benefit of the better optics - less chromatic aberration, especially towards the edge of the frame.

Sadly, Saturn wasn't visible from my garden (houses/trees in the way), but I enjoyed just looking at the moon - the detail was amazing.

It's also surprising how many stars are visible, even in a light polluted area, which you can't see by eye - I'd point the scope at one of the few visible stars, and it would show dozens more when I looked through the eyepiece.

3 hours passed before we knew it - I then realised quite how cold I was (in just a T-shirt/Jeans), so packed up.

It's certainly whetted my appetite - I'm really keen to see Saturn, so that's my next target.

And, amazingly, I did heed the advice and resist the temptation to attach my SLR - just enjoyed the view. I did grab a shot with my mobile, just holding it in front of the eyepiece, so I have a record for posterity :D

Cheers

Paul

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.