Where to start?

[MorningMajor]

Have literally just started viewing the skies - last night I had wonderful view of the moon and Jupiter and it's moons and was completely awestruck - but rather than just getting my telescope to "tour" the skies (even if I can get it to align properly!) What easy to find stars/nebulas etc would you recommend I start looking for - I want reasonably easy to find objects so that I can start learning where they are and what they're called.

Gudance from more experienced most welcome!

[toshapetriji]

This would be a good start.

Clicky

Welcome to SGL

[rowan46]

welcome to stargazers lounge. this free program will help you identify stuff Stellarium also a planishere and red light torch might be useful. many people start going through the messier list List of Messier objects - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[MorningMajor]

Thanks for the replies, I will have to check the book out - I assume it's suitable for us in the UK?

I have already downloaded Stellarium which is excellent and have got a planisphere - though maybe it's me, but I don't find it very easy to use - as for the Messier objects - well there's quite a few to work through! better get going!

[ottUp]

Here's a little list of good beginner targets, organized by season and scope size, with instructions on how to find them. This may help get you started.

- Richard

[MorningMajor]

Great list, many thanks - Have book marked page and will work my way through them - slowly - need time to thaw out!

[kniclander]

"turn left at orion" is a very good book if you are starting out.