Starting out

[JEF]

damnut; thanks for the pointers, I will have a look at Stellarium and those books you mentioned. Funnily enough another user on this forum has already pointed me to a local astronomy club who have an introduction to astronomy course starting this week - beginners luck or just a really active and helpful forum?!

[damnut]

Hi Jef,

Bit of both, some of the folk on here are telepathic though  .. It really is the best way to go before spending hard earned cash,  when you do buy, ignore anything on the high street, especially kit  labelled '525x professional telescope'..

[Charon]

Welcome aboard.

[Stephen Green]

 Hi welcome to the SGL

  Stephen

[Stropper]

Hi and welcome

There is loads of good stuff on SGL if you look at the beginners section. It should help you identify specific questions

Good luck

[Pete Presland]

Hi welcome to SGL from Pete in Bedfordshire

[BobSki]

Hello Mike and a warm welcome to the star-crazy gang. I hope you really enjoy your new hobby and have a great time with your new friends on this wonderful forum.

[Toxophilus]

Hi and welcome! I did the same as you and spent a while gathering information and learning and thought it was about time that I joined in.

Good luck

[Bizibilder]

Hello JEF and welcome to SGL!!