DannyMc Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 Hi, I am a astronomy virgin, I have just bought my first telescope it is a Celestron Astromaster 130EQ md, is this a good choice or bad?what is a good map of the sky to get?any advice will be greatly appreciated,ThanksDanny. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RK40 Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 Hello Danny, take a look at the book 'Turn Left at Orion' and also the 'App' Stellarium which helped me to get going quickly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruud Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 Hi Danny, welcome!I don't know about the Astromaster, but I know what I would want as a first scope: A 6" F/8 dobsonian, or an 8" F/6.Stellarium and Cartes du Ciel are good planetarium programs. Many of us have both. Excellent value, because both programs are free. Stellarium is the more beautiful and Cartes du Ciel prints the better charts. Enjoy the SGL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicoscy Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 Hi Danny & welcome to the Lounge A good scope that will keep you busy for quite some time, so don't worry about your choice.My atlas of choice for someone just starting is the Pocket Sky Atlas. Portable and the staple of most amateur astronomers, beginners or advanced due to its small footprint and decent information.There are more specialised Atlases but that's for later Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DannyMc Posted October 14, 2014 Author Share Posted October 14, 2014 Thanks Guys, Ill get stellerium now . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghostdance Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 As RK40 suggested, plus:http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/196278-what-can-i-expect-to-see/↑One of the very as in must-read essential threads... Welcome and have jawdropping fun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicoscy Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 By the way, there is an astronomy club in Liverpool you may want to visit. Easiest way to immerse yourself in the hobby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joel Shepherd Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 Telescope: if you use it, it's a good choice. :-) The worst choice is a 'scope you don't enjoy using. A 5" reflector on an EQ mount seems like a decent starting point to me.Map: I've found the combination of "Left Turn at Orion", a simple "star wheel" and "Night Watch" (another book) to be a good combo for learning the constellations (important for getting oriented quickly), identifying objects of interest that you can see in a mid-sized scope and finding the more out-of-the-way ones.Have fun! -- Joel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swag72 Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 Hi Danny and welcome to SGL - Glad that you found us and hope you enjoy your time here. In answer to your question, surely a good telescope is one that you use and are able to appreciate and learn the night sky with Look forward to seeing you around Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sirius Starwatcher Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 Hi Danny welcome to SGL at 7 pm on Sat 1st November there is a star party planned at Wirral Country Park Thurstation being run by Liverpool Astro Society. Maybe worth a visit. Hoping to attend myself Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spoty1 Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 i can give you 2 key advices:1)there is no such thing as "bad telescope"- the question is what your are trying to see with it.2) Have fun with the scope you bought Just like others advised to you- stellarium and “turn left…” are great assets for anyone in this hobby, go out whatever you can and you will find great things to find. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DannyMc Posted October 15, 2014 Author Share Posted October 15, 2014 Thanks for the guidance guys, my wife and I are re locating to Yenisar (Didim) Turkey next April, we have a place on the beach on the Aegean Sea, the sky is so black and the stars so bright I cant wait to set the telescope up on the roof terrace and chilling with a glass or two of wine and wondering who is looking at our planet . the lenses I have at the moment are 40mm/20mm/10mm/and a x2 barlow lense, I am a little frustrated as to what to use with what but I am sure I will work it out eventually I intend to upgrade to an 8 or 10inch telescope before the move if I enjoy stargazing as much as I think I will, once again thanks for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DannyMc Posted October 15, 2014 Author Share Posted October 15, 2014 As RK40 suggested, plus:http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/196278-what-can-i-expect-to-see/↑One of the very as in must-read essential threads...Welcome and have jawdropping fun that was a brilliant read thank you, it looks like I will be investing in a 10inch telescope Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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