First Light for three newbies

[Nyctimene]

Yesterday evening, I had invited my tax advisor and his astro-interested (but unexperienced) girlfriend for an observing evening; another young lady joined the group; and after dinner, we started to explore the evening sky with 8x40 and 7x50 bins, and three dobs (5,1", 8" and 18"), supported by a green laser pointer.

None of them had looked through a scope before; and, as they all are living in a rather light-polluted area, I started with the basics. The Plough, the way to Polaris, extended to find Cassiopeia; Perseus, Andromeda, Pegasus; Summer triangle. The first look through the 5" was at the Double cluster; not as impressive for them, as I had thought. But then one of the ladies spotted the Pleiades, just rising, naked eye, and I had her point the 5" at the cluster. Many "oh"'s and "great", especially, when they found out how to spot the cluster with bins. Meanwhile, I had prepared the 8" for a look at M 15 globular at 100x mag; they were astonished to see the pinpoint stars, and even more, when I had them take a look through the 18" at mag 250x. But I was somewhat surprised - the most pleasure, as it seemed, they all took from looking at the sky just with the bins, which went from hand to hand (and I was eagerly supporting them to find objects with the laser pointer!). So they made their star-hopping ways to M 31; with the 5" to the Owl cluster NGC 457; later to Lyra; and I had them point the  8" at the Double Double, which was easily and clearly separated; M 57 (explaining the stars life cycle); M 81/82 still low down, and finally at Albireo.

After about two hours, the sky was rapidly fogging up; and we finished this evening of "firsts" with a piece of cake and a cup of coffee. All were pleased (and the accompanying outdoor cat, liberally caressed, as well), and very grateful for the views. As it seems, all three are hooked; and are pondering buying some good bins and later a scope (the 5,1" Heritage, I guess).

Very pleased about this evening, and so to bed.

Stephan

[Astro Imp]

Great read Stephan, always good to see newcomers reactions on first seeing views that we are familiar with.

 

[Alan White]

The pleasure from watching others discover the wonders of the night sky is quite something, well done for helping three future astronomers take the first steps.

I am less surprised at the pull of binocular, they are a familiar item so a comfortable pair of slippers for a new observer.  

My viewing started in my formative years in the 70's with a binocular and my Dad, sadly he is no longer with us, but astronomy and lunar observing still fills me with joy and memories.