Any groups in mid wales willing to take on a novice?

[Megsminx]

Bought a telescope today and I want to use it! Is there any groups in mid wales that would take me on, and help me use it properly? I live in Bwlch y Sarnau, but can travel as long as it's not too of far

[Ally8446]

Hi there.  I live in Welshpool,  to the best of my knowledge the nearest club is Shropshire Astronomical Society. They meet twice a month.  Once at Ford Heath caravan park and the other at Rodington village hall just east of Shrewsbury. Out of curiosity what scope have you bought ? 

Clear skies

Ally 

[Ally8446]

Scrap that.  Thought Bwlch y Sarnau was up my neck of the woods.  

Pretty certain Brecon has an astronomy club or maybe Llandrindod Wells had one.  Just Google it. You have good dark sky down Rhyader way so you won't be disappointed. 

Ally

[Megsminx]

I have an entry level sky watcher  az1 I think it is I  was hoping for a club around llandrindod or elan valley. Spot on. Xx any tips? I can't see the moon in it yet! Lol. but I've only had a quick fiddle with it x

[Ally8446]

1st thing to do is take the scope outdoors in the daytime (e.g. back garden) and align the finder (little scope on top).

Look for something way off in the distance,  the farther the better,  like a chimney top or telegraph pole. Put in your 25mm eyepiece into the focuser and centre the very tip of the object in your view. Then swap the eyepiece for the 10mm (higher magnification) and center again.  Now,  without moving the scope look through the eyepiece of the finder and hopefully you should see the tip of the object.  Using the little 2 or 3 knobs on the side of the finder,  center the tip of the object. Job done. 

Next opportunity when the moon is out, point the scope in the general direction of the moon then look through the finder and centre the moon.  Now using your 25mm eyepiece you should have a lovely view of the whole moon.  When you want to have a closer look swap the eyepiece for the 10mm.

Let me know how you get on. 

Ally

[brrttpaul]

pretty sure elan valley has one

[Putaendo Patrick]

Elan Valley Astronomy Group at the Elan Valley Visitor Centre, I think the visitor centre phone number is  01597 810880.

I believe the park has official International Dark Sky status, so you should be in for a treat!

[Megsminx]

Thank you everybody! Will let you how I get with centering the scope x can't wait to get started, will give the guys at elan valley a ring today x thanks everyone!!!