Noobie help required

[Drac]

As a complete novice can someone point me at a computer program or website that shows visible stars from a specific location, or alternatively and book with very clear maps so i can find out what im looking at.

I recieved a copy of Patrick Moores atlas of the universe for christmas from my wife..and while i used to spend time gazing at the twinkly things for ages while taking the dog on his late night walks..I have never seriosly considered astronomy a hobbie..things are about to change i think.

No telescope yet..or binoculars.

Thank you for any help you can offer.

Lancashire, leyland cloudy at the moment

[GordonCopestake]

Take a look at the free software stellarium (http://www.stellarium.org) or take a look at the Cloudy Nights Mag 7 charts : http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1052

[Kaptain Klevtsov]

Just went to look for that Gordon, came back and you beat me to it.

Welcome aboard drac.

Captain Chaos

[GordonCopestake]

hehe, you had a whole 24 minutes to beat me too it

Welcome aboard Drac, get yourself a pair of cheap(ish) 10x50 bin's and join the fun

[FLO]

Or...

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/products.php?cat=72

[GordonCopestake]

Yup, starry night is excellent and well worth the money!

[Drac]

Thanks guys, I think i have managed to identify Castor and Pollux between the clouds and possibly Alderberan, but it seems slightly in the wrong place so im not counting that. Wife thinks ive gone loopy , calling her outside to look at a star, but she thawed a bit when i explained i could be one of those blokes who spend all their time in a pub. She has even brought me out a cup of tea!

[garymcgrory]

Getting the partner on-board is one of your most important techniques to learn, i have even heard of some guy/girls who even scope with there other half! I know i am doing well if i get to go to a local dark site more than once a month- the back garden is more usual.

Good luck with your new hobby.

Gary

[geppetto]

Welcome to SGL Drac

You'll soon know the names of some of the white dots up there

[Jeff RV]

Hi and Welcome aboard Drac, 1 Sugar in my coffee please.........Jeff.

[The Warthog]

Yep, welcome aboard, eh? Mine's tea or decaf coffee with lots of milk.