What next?

[cdlftw]

Hi all,

Just got my scope last week, and have only had a couple of nights viewing out of it, but tonight was amazing! It was amazing in the sense that I saw Saturn, and was absolutely blown away! (I bought my Dad a scope for Christmas, and even phoned him to let him know where it was, and when I heard Mum in the background exclaiming "I can even see the rings!!!" I knew he'd been blown away too - enough to drag Mum outside in her dressing gown ) Mars was a little less impressive, just a pea-size white ball. I then had a look at that cloudy nebula in Orion which was fantastic too, and the Pleides which is pretty special.

My problem is, what next? I keep going back to the two or three things I know, and don't know where else to look. Don't get me wrong, I could look at them all night - but I wonder what else is out there. Where do I go next? Have I seen the most impressive sights, or are there many more to look at?

(Also, the dob is giving me a muscle ache in my side and a stiff neck - anything I can do about that?!)

Regards,

cdlftw.

[Doc]

There are loads more things to look at. To name a few there is M57, M27, M81, M82, M31, M36, M37, M38, Double Cluster, and Alberio to name just a few.

Take a look here

http://stargazerslounge.com/primers-tutorials/81493-object-list-indexed-constellation.html

Also download a freeware planetarium called Stellarium, just google it and you will find it.

[acey]

If Doc's list doesn't suffice you could try the SEDS Messier Database, The RASC's Finest N.G.C. Objects List and The Caldwell Catalog. As for the stiff neck, try and raise either your observing stool or the scope so that the eyepiece is at a more comfortable height (or use a different chair).

[TopHouse]

Doc, that is one fine list, not seen it before, don't suppose there's a PDF of it knocking around anywhere is there, if not i may put it into one and print it off.

[Doc]

Doc, that is one fine list, not seen it before, don't suppose there's a PDF of it knocking around anywhere is there, if not i may put it into one and print it off.

I always meant to do one but never got round to it..

Be my guest and do it.

Then maybe post it with mine for all to use.

[TopHouse]

OK, will find some time and get onto it, was thinking of getting each constellation on one page and then laminating them for outside use. Would be great for beginners.

[TopHouse]

Right, got it sorted, last message of the above linked thread by Doc, could someone please just grab it and take a look to verify it works ok.

thanks

[Doc]

Thanks very much TH. All seems to work fine. I hope you enjoy it and it helps you to find what to look for.

[SteveP]

Hi cdlftw

One other thing to consider is to buy a book which shows you the best things to see in each of the seasons. I'd recommend Turn Left at Orion. It's widely used here

Steve