Hi!

[Dickie947]

Hi!

Just found this forum and thought I'd introduce myself - I've always had a casual interest in astronomy, but never really taken it any further than finding somewhere dark on the odd clear night and wondering what I was looking at (usually with the dog in tow, who knew about as much as I did!). Having moved down to Cornwall where the nights are a lot darker I've decided to put a bit of effort in and hopefully start learning a lot more about the night sky; on which note, does anybody have suggestions about what/where to start learning about first?

Thanks,

Dickie

[BenG]

Hi! I'd suggest the first thing to learn would be your way around the night sky - will help a lot as you learn the other things you become interested in

[Dickie947]

So I would be going in the right direction if I were to get hold of a star chart then go out and start with constellations etc?

Thanks!

[glowjet]

Hi Dickie, a very warm welcome to SGL, the easiest and least expensive way to ease yourself into Astronomy is to buy a pair of bino`s, download the free program Stellarium, from there you can make a start on learning the Constellations in the night sky, an accompanying book in your Christmas stocking "Turn Left at Orion" will help you on your way, enjoy the forum.

John.

[Mikea]

Welcome Dickie!

[Beyond_Vision]

Welcome to SGL Dickie, it would be worth downloading a free planetarium program like Stellarium if you enter your location into you should be able to see what's visible at any time of the year.

Regards

Kevin

[JamesM]

Hi Dickie and welcome to the forum. To get started I would also recommend some binos and downloading 'Stellarium'. Turn Left at Orion is another good suggestion but the data tables contained in the back of the book are only valid up to the year 2011 and as the book isn't a cheap purchase I would recommend waiting till after spring next year when the new edition is likely to come out - this will provide you with better value for money.

Clear skies in the meantime

James

[nobbytate]

Hi Dickie and welcome to sgl

[BAZ Senior]

Hi Dickie, welcome to the forum.

Another vote here for Stellarium, bino's and Turn Left at Orion.

The useful feature of TLAO, is that it does not assume you know the sky, and leads you via useful pointers to your target.

Enjoy!

[Mr Spock]

Hi Dickie, welcome to SGL

[Stephen Green]

Hi Dickie a warm welcome to the SGL

Stephen

[Bizibilder]

Hello Dickie and welcome to SGL!!

[nightfisher]

welcome to sgl dickie

[Russell.D71]

Hi Dickie

Welcome to the SGL and to Cornwall my home since 1939

Russell

[Rusty Strings]

Hi Dickie and welcome

[Pete Presland]

hi welcome to sgl from bedfordshire

[michigander]

Welcome to SGL, Dickie!

Dana

[Demonperformer]

Welcome to the forum, Dickie.

Another vote for the 'binos' suggestion. Used nothing but them for over 30 years before advancing to a telescope. Never regretted it.

[Brendan of Borg]

Hello and welcome!

[Dave S]

Hi Dickie

Welcome aboard.

Don't want to sound like a stuck record, but as the masses recommend.

Bino's

Stellarium....etc.

Also Sky at Night and Astronomy now mags are worth a peek as they give you the months night sky overview.

Dave...

[johnh]

Welcome from Brisbane.

JohnH.

[kris h]

Welcome to SGL

[Donkeyears]

Welcome Dickie,

I got my astronomy bug rekindled after downloading Stellarium and then getting Google sky map on my HTC, trouble is when I am walking the dog and looking at the night sky with google skymap I'm forever tripping over things (much to the amusement of fellow dog walkers)

[oldfruit]

Hi and welcome to SGL.

[li'l john]

Hi and welcome from me too. Turn Left at Orion is very good, also try Sky at Night magazine.