Hello from Manchester

[The Alleged]

Hi,

I'm Tom, completely new to Astronomy although I've always been interested in space flight, the night sky etc. I recently started attending a local astronomy group and bought my first (2nd hand) telescope a week ago following loads of invaluable advice from that group.

I wanted to say hello and thank you to everyone on this wonderful website. Every time I've googled something concerning buying a telescope or anything observing-related, I always ended up reading a post on this site! So, having "lurked" on here for a few weeks thought I'd join up, say hello and thanks as I begin this fascinating new hobby.

Now, if only these Manchester clouds would clear...

Tom

[ManixZero]

Hi Tom,

I'm new to all this as well! So welcome!

Out of curiosity what did you get?  - I'm yet to take the plunge!

 

MZ

[estwing]

Welcome along....

[Dave Lloyd]

Hi Tom, welcome.

[The Alleged]

Hi MZ,

I got a Skywatcher 130P on EQ2.

Via this forum I saw a link to http://www.astro-baby.com/ - a lady returning to astronomy after a break. She'd bought the 130p (albeit a motorised version) and seemed perfectly happy with it. I thought if it was good enough for her it'd be fine for my purposes. I'd like to have a look at planets, a little of deep space objects and generally mooch around. So I reckoned this would do as a decent starter for me.

I was going to get a 150p but thought it might not be as portable as I wanted. Following the view that "the best telescope is the one you use", I reckoned I'd be more likely to get this out and use it often. Also, if I don't take to observing, having bought it used, I could probably recoup my outlay anyway. Assuming I do progress, it'd be a good one to learn on (collimating etc?) and when I move to something bigger and better it'd be worth keeping as a more portable option for holidays etc. I deliberately avoided go-to because I'd like to learn my way around the night sky - not been too successful so far though!

Good luck with whatever you get, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Tom

 

[Floater]

Welcome, Tom.

Glad you took the plunge - with the forum and the scope. ?

Have fun.

[laudropb]

Hello and a warm welcome to the SGL.

[Mr Spock]

Hi Tom, welcome to SGL

[glowjet]

Hi Tom and welcome to SGL, enjoy the forum

[Pete Presland]

Hi welcome to SGL from Pete in Bedfordshire :-)

[swag72]

Hi Tom and welcome to SGL - It's great to get advice from a local group

Look forward to seeing you around

[JamesM]

Hi Tom and welcome to the forum

Clear skies

[Charon]

Welcome aboard Tom.

[PeterCPC]

Hello Tom and welcome. If only ALL the clouds would clear.

Peter

[cloudsweeper]

Hello Tom - you're lined up for a lot of enjoyment and pleasurable learning.  (And probably expense!)

Have fun,

Doug.

 

[ronl]

Hello and welcome to S G L, it's a great community, glad you joined us.

Clear Sky's.

[sockgoblin]

very welcome

[spaceman_spiff]

Hi Tom and welcome to SGL from up the road in Bury.

Waiting for a clear night can be infuriating but it is worth it. Make sure you are familiar with your scope before you go out into the darkness - practice assembling the mount and scope indoors, make sure you align the finder scope (during the day) and if you are not familiar with polar aligning then check it out on this forum!

Have fun and let us know how you get on!

Dan