Hello from Nottingham

[David_B]

Hi there! I'm David and wanted to say a quick hello. I've been somewhat dormant in Astronomy for the last 10 years aside from reading the odd magazine from time to time, however the passion has never left.

Clearing out my garage last week and I stumbled across my old telescope (Skywatcher 200 Newtonian on a HEQ5 mount) and immediately there was a burning desire to dust it all off and set it up once again. My level of astronomy 10 years ago was still at quite a novice level before the first of my two children came along, which subsequently put pay to that moving forwards really, however I'm back for more! 

Any tips on cleaning my scope would be gratefully received, it seems the primary mirror is in need of a little attention due to a few particles, but all in all it's in good condition.

Anyhow, I'll leave the message short and hope to learn much more from you all moving forwards. I'll be lurking in the forum over the next few weeks picking up tips as I go so hopefully I'll connect with many of you. From what I've seen so far it looks a great forum and community to be a part of 😃

Thanks,

David

[Doc]

Hi David welcome to SGL.

Just in case you are not aware there is an astronomy forum based in Nottingham that you can join it's called East midlands Stargazers just click on the lik below.

https://www.eastmidlandsstargazers.org.uk/

I wouldn't clean it yet, what I would do is have an observing night and see if it warrents cleaning. Just having a few dust particles doesn't sound to bad too me. If you do go down the cleaning route, remove the fan if it has one and clean the mirror while attached to the cell.

[Mr Spock]

Hi David, welcome to SGL 

[laudropb]

Hello and a warm welcome to the SGL.

[Floater]

Welcome. Have lots of fun with your rekindled interest. 🙂

[David_B]

1 hour ago, Doc said:

Hi David welcome to SGL.

Just in case you are not aware there is an astronomy forum based in Nottingham that you can join it's called East midlands Stargazers just click on the lik below.

https://www.eastmidlandsstargazers.org.uk/

I wouldn't clean it yet, what I would do is have an observing night and see if it warrents cleaning. Just having a few dust particles doesn't sound to bad too me. If you do go down the cleaning route, remove the fan if it has one and clean the mirror while attached to the cell.

Thanks for the welcome and the heads up, I’ll certainly have a look at the Nottingham forum too. It’s good to hear from a local member. 
 

I’ll give the outside of the scope and the tripod a wipe down and see what viewing is like, however I seem to have missed the clear nights we had last week. Looking forward to getting back into things. 

Thanks again. 

[sloz1664]

Hi David, and a very warm welcome to the Lounge, from another Nottingham lad

Steve

[Pete Presland]

Hi welcome to SGL from Pete in Bedfordshire 🙂

[Dave Lloyd]

Hi David, welcome. 

[richard ashbee]

Welcome to the group David, a lot to learn but plenty of people to help

[ronl]

Hello David, and welcome, see you around the forums.

Clear Sky's.