First time I've ever looked at stars through some binos

[Claire]

Thanks Alan, I've found an email for the guy who runs it so might send one off to him

[Nexus 6]

Go for it I don't think you'll regret it. Will be a great way to learn a great deal with a free cuppa to boot!

Alan

[Claire]

I've emailed!

[LukeSkywatcher]

I've emailed!

No turning back now. I hope the group are ok with you bringing your son along.

[Claire]

It'd be good if they are I'm not sure how 'technical' they are though. I mean , I understand when they say how many light years across say the andromeda galaxy is, for him, he hasn't a clue, he just really wants to look at the stars and the planets and the moon if you get me

[LukeSkywatcher]

It'd be good if they are I'm not sure how 'technical' they are though. I mean , I understand when they say how many light years across say the andromeda galaxy is, for him, he hasn't a clue, he just really wants to look at the stars and the planets and the moon if you get me

Yeah but it would also be good to expose him to the whole idea of astronomy. Kids brains are little sponges. You'd be amazed at just how much he would take in and remember. Even if it is only stuff like how big things are and he doesnt really understand that yet. He will very soon. Not to mention the fact that he will get to see some great scopes in the group meetings etc.

My niece is 7 yrs old and when she is staying with me and i am observing i use her to pass me different EP's from my case. She just looks at the number on them and gives them to me. I like to think of her as my gopher,LOL.

[Astro_Baby]

Dont apologise for being excited, its infectious

Something to look for is a feature called Kembles Cascade, it will be near Cassiopea and worth turning binoculars on, it looks like a waterfall of stars in binos.

Really glad your enjoying the hobby

[LukeSkywatcher]

Good target AB. The cascade really is something to behold.

[Astro_Baby]

Oh and dont be shy about turning up, most astro folk are very friendly in my experience and if they arent well its their loss.

Head up girl and go for it

[Claire]

thanks Astrobaby! That sounds like a great thing to look for! I can find Cassiopea easily (go me lol), and will have a read up on how to find it.

[nicnac]

have you downloaded stellarium yet?

if not its free and a great tool for this hobby, here is a link

Stellarium

[Claire]

yep ! I have it for the pc but i let my 6yr old loose on it to have a look at the constellations and he's messed with the settings so it looks very strange! will have to have a sit down and sort it!

[yeti monster]

Binos are a great way to scoot about the skies, and handy enough to keep in the c*r for those clear nights whilst out driving somewhere.

[Claire]

Good plan

[brantuk]

You might find a group of folks from SGL that meet up in your area. Check out the "Social Groups" section under the "Communities" tab at the top middle of any page

[Claire]

will do - thanks

[george7378]

I sometimes like taking my eye away from the telescope and looking at the same object through the finderscope or binoculars to get a better sense of just where it is among all the other stars in the sky.

[Hig]

If you think Aldeberan is big try this short video.

Now thats big.

Dave...

WOW that is an amazing little clip...!!!

[Dave S]

Scary isn't it!

Dave...

[markophoto]

just had a look at that clip myself.

That's cool. A good short clip that'd make anyone stop and go 'Wow', or another expletive of choice

Marko

[LoopyLunar]

If you think Aldeberan is big try this short video.

Now thats big.

Dave...

Wow cool kind of puts into perspective!

[yorks]

If you think Aldeberan is big try this short video.

Now thats big.

Dave...

That really puts things into perspective..good video

[cotterless45]

I started with a pair of 7x50 Helios binosculars and the centre page charts in the Sky at night magazine. I spent 3 months out in the garden laying flat on my back with a red light (doesn't much afect your eyes).You'll soon learn the constellations and the way that they move around.Give your eyes 20 minutes to get dark adapted and be very patient.You don't need big magnifications to see most deep sky objects.

Hey, don't go spending out , we only get about a few days a month with clear skies.

You'll find downloading

Stellarium will give you a free interactive planetarium.

[Ianladd]

Moore Park Observatory! I went there once with my mum when I was about 8 to see Halleys comet! (I was a bit space obsessed as a nipper)

Much like yourself Im now just getting into astronomy with Binoculars.. Just waiting for them to arrive and for the clouds to clear!

[Stargazing_Cliff]

Binoculars are awesome for looking at stars and view is amazing

they that many types bino's that let you view stars even closer

im thinking of getting some other types at moment i have pair of 10 x 50 one's.