Astronomy terms

[valleyman]

As a newbie to astronomy I am fasinated by all the technical abbrivations used. I have worked out lots such as DSO LP etc. but what is is "First Light" I have seen it used here when talking about new scopes. Am i right in thinking it is the first time the scope is used.

[yeti monster]

Yup! as with any 'specialist interest' there's plenty of 'specialist terminology', I'm sure there's an astropedia on the forum which might help with some of them. Once you've mastered the lingo, you'll be able to rattle away like an old hand........

[barkis]

Perhaps a thread could be started whereby members both experienced, and inexperienced could contribute relevant acronyms, abbreviations of things astronomical.

Of course in stead of diving in, the list as it grows, needs to be scrutinized to try and prevent too many repetitions.

To keep it tidy, there should be no chat, just the contribution, and it's meaning. Once the table has reached a point where it is well populated, Admin could make it a sticky, then it can be accessed by anyone wishing to find the meaning of a word they've come across. Also, it could be inserted ito a table in alphabetical order, and put into a reference pdf file.

Ron.

[simon84]

I have one.

GRRR, meaning, cloud.

Excellent idea though Ron. I bet there are some really good ones that folks have invented themselves but have never shared before.

[yeti monster]

I have another one for clouds, but due to the terms and conditions of the forum, cannot post it.........

[simon84]

I did try the actual one I use but it was starred out. Seemed quite funny seeing stars when I was trying to explain the term I use for clouds.

[valleyman]

No answers for "First Light "yet

[yesyes]

You suspected right. "First Light" refers to the first time an optical instrument (such as a telescope) is being used; i.e. gets its first light.

[Psychobilly]

Didnt that happen a few months back... thread i mean.. it did get a bit silly at times...

[ncjunk]

Yeti answered it with a yep! First time a scope, camera etc is used for real...first light that falls on it i suppose.

[valleyman]

Thanks for the replys everybody

Pat

[yesyes]

Maybe a list of common terms could be maintained in the FAQ of this forum?

[Psychobilly]

Can anyone find the Abbreviations thread...?

Ok here it is...

http://stargazerslounge.com/beginners-help-advice/95583-abbreviations-etc.html

[barkis]

Blimey, I didn't know that existed.

Perhaps additions to this thread could be added to that one.

I'll do it when non duplicates appear here.

Ron.

[yesyes]

EP - Eyepiece

obs - observarory

... come to mind

[Psychobilly]

Blimey, I didn't know that existed.

Perhaps additions to this thread could be added to that one.

I'll do it when non duplicates appear here.

Ron.

I guess I spend too much time on here Ron....

Peter...