How did everyone get into stargazing?

[wallwalker]

Hi people,

I'm a newbie to this group and just wanted to say hello to everyone and find out what got other people into stargazing.

I have always had an interest in astronomy, but never really got much beyond being able to point out the Plough and Orion's belt. Other than that, I would just look up in awe of the vastness of the sky.

However, last November my family and I went along to a talk at Kielder observatory (which is a fantastic place) and this really re-sparked my interest again.

Since then, I have got hold of a second-hand planisphere and a red tourch and have started trying to locate constelations in the sky with a pair of bird watching binoculars. My daughter also enjoys coming outside with me and we've both recently started going along to our local astronomy club.

We've recently decided to up-grade and are eagerly waiting for our skywatcher 8" Dob to arrive, which I'm hoping will be every bit as good a scope as I've heard it is - can't wait to get it set up and......collimated

I would love to hear other peoples stories as to how they got into stargazing!!!

[LukeSkywatcher]

Hi

Check out this thread:

http://stargazerslounge.com/astro-lounge/126115-how-did-you-get-into-astronomy.html

[wallwalker]

Hi

Check out this thread:

http://stargazerslounge.com/astro-lounge/126115-how-did-you-get-into-astronomy.html

Thanks for the link! I'm still trying to find my feet on here at the moment and find my way around. It looks like a fantastic site and I think I'll love it once I've been on more practiced a bit!!