What can I see with Skywatcher Explorer 130p?

[Cuto100200]

Hi i'm pretty new to this whole thing and recently ordered a Skywatcher 130p (see link at bottom of text) and was wondering what sort of objects ill be able to see with the standard lenses and eyepiece that come with it, and what modifications i'd need to make to see more/more detailed images in future. Basically i'd like to know what I can see out of the box, and what I can see when utilising the full potential of the scope with modifications etc

Thanks a lot - Greatly appreciate any help

Link to scope - https://www.firstlightoptics.com/beginner-telescopes/skywatcher-explorer-130p.html

 

Just reposting here

[DaveL59]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I've an older SW130 but likely close enough. You can get a nice view of the planets and moon with that scope, venus at the moment becomes visible toward the west as the sun is setting and you'll be able to view the brighter objects once you've learned how to locate them. A lot will depend on where you are and what view of the horizons you have, as well as the light pollution in your area . The original eyepieces aren't bad to start off with and if you feel the hobby is one you want to stick with then you can always upgrade these to improve the view later on. You can also add an RA/Clockwork drive which will allow the scope to track an object once you have it centered in the eyepiece so you can watch it a while and not have to fiddle with adjusting the scope every 20 seconds  

[ScouseSpaceCadet]

Dave pretty much covers it. Even in an urban area, with practice you should be able to see a selection of double stars, open clusters, globular clusters, galaxies, nebulae, planets, our moon etc

Bear in mind some of those objects will be nothing more than grey smudges, but they're smudges hundreds, thousands or millions of years away you're seeing with your own eyes. Further reading, hi res photos and your imagination brings them to life.

I suggest installing a free app like Sky Safari or Stellarium to help you along.

Maybe invest in a planisphere and a book or two.

I like these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Patrick-Moores-Astronomy-Complete-Introduction-ebook/dp/B0106471RY

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Things-Small-Telescope-Easy-Find/dp/1519480733

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-Stargazing-Month-Britain-Ireland/dp/1849075204

 

You will probably want to add a couple of better quality and wider range of focal length eyepieces in the future, but for now persevere with the bundled equipment. There's no rush.

Read this sticky thread:

 

 

Edited April 23, 2020 by ScouseSpaceCadet

[Cuto100200]

Thank you both I really appreciate the help on this! Will look into all suggestions you've mentioned