NosamLuap Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 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.cheersPaul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wookie1965 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 A warm welcome to SGL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterCPC Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Hi and welcome. Download Stellarium - it's free and should help you locate targets.Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fondofchips Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Hi Paul & welcome to SGL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tums Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Hi Paul, Welcome to the Lounge, hope you enjoy your new Pastime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PNJ Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 hi welcome to the grouppaul j, newton aycliffe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NosamLuap Posted September 5, 2014 Author Share Posted September 5, 2014 Thanks all Hi and welcome. Download Stellarium - it's free and should help you locate targets.PeterI 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 More sharing options...
r3i Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Welcome to SGL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotSoSuperNova Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Hi Paul,You'll find that thing happen with the clouds a fair bit. The thing to do is not plan or buy anything astro related. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Presland Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Hi welcome to SGL from Pete in Bedfordshire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesM Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Hi Paul and welcome to the forumClear skiesJames Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triton1 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Hi Paul and welcome to SGL,so your to blame! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C7tsj Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Hi and welcome to SGL.Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToxoLight Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Hi Paul and welcome to the lounge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purdo Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 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 More sharing options...
NosamLuap Posted September 5, 2014 Author Share Posted September 5, 2014 Thanks all. I've roped a friend who has some experience into coming round on Sunday to give me a crash course... so I'll hold questions until after then :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swag72 Posted September 6, 2014 Share Posted September 6, 2014 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hippie Posted September 6, 2014 Share Posted September 6, 2014 Welcome to SGL Paul . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michigander Posted September 6, 2014 Share Posted September 6, 2014 Welcome to SGL, Paul!Dana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glowjet Posted September 6, 2014 Share Posted September 6, 2014 Hi Paul and welcome to SGL, hope it is a clear night on Sunday and your crash course goes well, things can be very confusing to start with, enjoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astronymonkey Posted September 6, 2014 Share Posted September 6, 2014 Hi paul, welcome to the forum, not far from me. Although with a monkey as an avatar I need to be careful around hartlepudlians Hope sunday goes ok, Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bizibilder Posted September 6, 2014 Share Posted September 6, 2014 Hello Paul and welcome to SGL!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NosamLuap Posted September 6, 2014 Author Share Posted September 6, 2014 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 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charon Posted September 6, 2014 Share Posted September 6, 2014 Welcome aboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NosamLuap Posted September 8, 2014 Author Share Posted September 8, 2014 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 CheersPaul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.