campbellian3 Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 Hi. My First Topic. My Son purchased a Celeston Astromaster EQ for me for Christmas. I am having great diffuclity using it. I have found the moon once but it seems to have disappeared. I live in Hinckley, are thier such things as Star Gazers Courses. I attended an Astrology course and felt I was doing a Maths Degree. Please Help :-( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWB Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 Hi I had the same thing happen to me but as a complete and utter novice I can only suggest (1)read the manual (2) practice in daylight on the most distant object you can seeothers may be able to give better advice but keep trying and good luckRegards Robin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterCPC Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 You should try to find your way around the sky using a basic book like "Guide to the night Sky" by Phillips. You could also download Stellarium (free) to help with this. Practice finding your way about and identifying some constellations like The Plough and it gets easier once you can. First target should be the Moon to get used to focusing then look for Jupiter as it's the brightest object in the night sky apart from the Moon. Stick at it - it gets easier. By the way its not "Astrology" its Astronomy - we don't talk about Astrology!Peter 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swamp thing Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 Hi and welcome to the stargazers lounge.An "Astrology" course no wonder it didn't help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesM Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 Hi and welcome to the forum. Yes astrology is a little different to astronomy though there was a connection in times past when astronomy was in its earliest stages of development, but being a Leo I guess you knew that already! Astronomy isn't difficult it's just that there is a lot of it but on the upside you have a lifetime to learn it as the stars aren't going anywhere in a hurry. Stellarium as mentioned above is a great tool to get you started with lots of tools to keep you motivated. Importantly it can be easily configured so as to provide you with the same identical sky as that which you can see form your observation site which makes finding and identifying objects a lot easier. It also has an advance date/time tool that helps you calculate when objects will be coming into view as they ascend above the horizon. You might find that YouTube is also a useful resource in helping you to setup your scope (balance and align the spotter scope) to collimate your scope (align the optical parts together to provide a sharp image) and how to locate objects and understand what it is you're looking at. Probably the best resource for you is going to be your local astro club or observing group who can certainly provide you with hands on advice and guidance.Clear skies, take your time and hope you enjoy your stay here. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slim80 Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 Welcome to SGL 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glowjet Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 Hi Cambellian3 and welcome to SGL, Astronomy is a vast subject, helpful information you can be had from books, but the best practical experience is to observe and learn your way about the night sky. Invaluable help can also be had by joining a local Astronomy club, if you have one in your area. Scope use will come with practice, but if you are encountering difficulties, post your relevant questions in the beginners help sections of the forum, enjoy your new scope 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bizibilder Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 Hello Campbellian3 and welcome to SGL!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texaspete1973 Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 Hi and welcome to SGL 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Presland Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 Hi welcome to SGL from Pete in Bedfordshire 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michigander Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 Welcome to SGL, Campbellian!Dana 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
todd8137 Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 Hi and welcome to the lounge , clear skies Pat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
campbellian3 Posted January 26, 2015 Author Share Posted January 26, 2015 Thankyou all for the hints tips and links. I will keep you all posted if the Moon Returns Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 Welcome to SGL First thing to do is make sure your finder scope/ red dot finder is alligned with the telescope. You can do this during the daytime by pointing the scope at a distant object then adjusting the finder until the images match. TV aerials are good for this, but needless to say not one anywhere near the direction of the Sun, might be easy to forget when concentrating on other things, so I hope you don't think I'm being condescending by perhaps stating the obvious Once the finder is lined up you should find it a whole lot easier 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Siriusmeg Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 Hello and welcome from me too - I started out with an astromaster too, and once you get used to it, it really is a good scope. (My avatar pic is my daughter using ours at the 2012 transit of Venus!) Do find the links on here (pinned in the getting started section) to balancing the scope and aligning the finder - it will make a world of difference. I do have to say that I found the finder very difficult to use and upgraded to a simple red dot finder pretty quickly - that might help you find the Moon again Lastly, I remember well the first few times out with the scope, discovering that actually it's all harder than it looks - it's a steep learning curve but stick with it, you are starting in the right place - lots of helpful advice on this site 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charon Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 Welcome aboard. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goose35 Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 i have that scope too. Im having a little difficulty with the red dot finder too but practice and improved technique for aligning is getting me closer 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purdo Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 Hi & Welcome to SGL. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeyrea Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 Hi Ian & welcomeSome good advice above - esp joining the local astronomy club Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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