Newbie stargazer

[Sagan]

Hi all! I'm brand new to astronomy and my first telescope arrived today: the Orion XT6. I had a lovely afternoon assembling it and having a look at the eyepieces and the Barlow lens I ordered as well. Absolutely can't wait to get out there and view the stars, so of course tonight is as cloudy as it could possibly be! I keep looking out my window as if the clouds will magically disappear but no such luck. Hoping for clear skies soon and a start to this wonderful new hobby. 

[BeanerSA]

Nice one. Don't forget to align that finderscope during the day, if you haven't already.

[Floater]

Welcome, Sagan.

The clouds will clear eventually and you're gonna have fun, fun, fun.

Enjoy the trip.

[Charic]

Hello and welcome to SGL.

When the clouds are overhead, use the freeware program called Stellarium. If you cant sit outside,  then study the skies using this program, which can be configured to match your co-ordinates, allowing you to look learn and plan your next viewing session.

Its totally FREE and many folk use it, although there are other programs.

Most of all. just have fun learning.

[laudropb]

Hello and a warm welcome to the SGL. Hope your sky clears soon.

[Dave In Vermont]

+1 For Stellarium.

Greetings and welcome to SGL! Here you'll find friendly people who love to help you find answers to questions on any aspect of astronomy. So no need to be shy - just make yourself at home!

Clear skies,

Dave

[seo]

Hi and a warm welcome to SGL from me too !

[employee2-4601]

Hi Sagan, welcome to SGL! :-)

The first thing I learnt about this hobby is that patience is most definitely a virtue. However, the rewards are more than worth it.

Agree with the Stellarium recommendation. I'd also add that Star Walk on iOS is a very good bit of kit as well (it actually orients itself to wherever the phone/iPad is pointing - I used it to supplement the red dot finder on my scope).

[Charon]

Welcome aboard.

[swag72]

Hi and welcome to SGL - Glad that you found us!! This is a great place, full of helpful and knowledgeable folks so if you get stuck just shout!!

Look forward to seeing you around

[stevetynant]

Hi Sagan welcome on board.what are the skies like in your part of the world.is there much light pollution?

[Gazabone]

Hi and welcome to SGL. You'll find lots of people here very happy answer your questions and give advice. Enjoy

[PeterCPC]

Hello and welcome.

Peter

[michigander]

Welcome to SGL, Sagan!

Dana

[JamesM]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Congratulations on getting a great scopes and hope you can get started as soon as possible!

Clear skies and hope you enjoy the forum.

[Blackadder1620]

Welcome, im a noobie too, check out the planets if you're up early enough, they couldn't be easier to find. Venus is currently ridiculously bright.

[xtreemchaos]

hi mate and welcome from charl in south wales.

[williamallen]

Hi Sagan,

Not exactly a Newbie but just returned to this hobby having acquired a reasonable scope for the first time, a Bresser Messier 127 L.  Have had some luck with clear skies in the morning and did manage to get Venus in my sights, so can second that recommenation.  Cant wait for the long winter evenings, good hunting!

Jim

[Mr Spock]

Hi Sagan, welcome to SGL

[Bizibilder]

Hello Sagan and welcome to SGL!!

[Dave Lloyd]

Hi Sagan, welcome.

[Paz]

Hello  - welcome to SGL!

[Pete Presland]

Hi welcome to SGL from Pete in Bedfordshire

[Thales]

May the clouds part for you...and all of us!

[Joves]

Welcome to the hobby, Sagan.

It can be one of the most frustrating pastimes going around, particularly when itching to try out new kit, but is all worthwhile when those clouds finally part and you start navigating your way around the awesomeness of the night sky.

All the best!