Hello from Devon

[Steve George]

Hello, my name is Steve George. A few months ago my partner acquired a second hand Newtonian 130mm. I  gather it's a basic beginners model in need of some TLC. A previous job was a technician maintaining stage and event lighting, and the basic mechanics of follow spotlights seems very similar to telescopes, so I intend to restore it to good working order.

Took it out a few days ago and my first view of the moon has me hooked. 

I've signed on to look for advice on restoration and getting started on Astronomy. 

I'm also a qualified archaeologist so hoping to find ways to link the disciplines. 

Thanks 

Steve 

[barbulo]

Welcome to SGL

[Floater]

Welcome. Seems like you have a plan - never a bad thing!

Hope you have lots of fun. 🙂

[Zermelo]

Welcome to SGL.

As you are finding already, being good with your hands is a bonus in this hobby.

I'm going to risk instant contradiction and say that you're the only qualified archaeologist active on the forum.

 

1 hour ago, Steve George said:

hoping to find ways to link the disciplines

 

Not sure if this counts, but:

 

[Alan White]

Welcome to SGL
Home of a friendly welcome and lots of friendly advice when saught.
No silly questions exist, we all start with a thirst for answers, so ask away and someone will be along,
with in the main sensible answers mixed with light humour.
 

[Mr Spock]

Hi Steve, welcome to SGL 

We have a DIY section full of restoration projects which may be of help to you.

[Greymouser]

Hi and welcome to SGL.

Can I suggest you start a thread in the DIY section about your scope restoration, not only because I am nosy, but it could well end up helping others.

[wookie1965]

A warm welcome to SGL

[Dave Lloyd]

Hi Steve, welcome. 

[fwm891]

Great location Steve, Hartland Point and Exmoor nearby. I lived near Sth. Molton for a while. Much better than Hereford…

[Steve George]

Thanks for the welcomes and advice. The Lascaux article is an interesting read. 

I've already given the tripod and mount a clean, just to get things moving clearly. I may well post my progress on the telescope once I've read up on the subject. 

[Starwatcher2001]

Welcome aboard SGL Steve. Good to have you with us.

[PeterCPC]

Hello and welcome.

[Tommohawk]

Hi and welcome Steve.

I'm assuming you have a Skywatcher 130PDS? I don't own one, though I have a number of Skywatcher newtonians and they all produce great results. I believe there is a thread here on SGL specific to the 130 PDS, though I think that's more about imaging. Have fun!

[Astro_Dad]

On 20/06/2022 at 18:39, Steve George said:

I'm also a qualified archaeologist so hoping to find ways to link the disciplines. 

Could be of interest?

https://www.coursera.org/learn/archaeoastronomy

[Steve George]

On 26/06/2022 at 22:03, Astro_Dad said:

Could be of interest?

https://www.coursera.org/learn/archaeoastronomy

Many thanks for this. 

[Pete Presland]

Hi welcome to SGL from Pete in Bedfordshire  🙂