Newbie from Nottingham

[nottsbloke]

Hi,

I've just joined SGL and I thought I'd say hello!

I'm a total novice, never having a telescope since the very cheap one I had as a youngster, but I've always had a fascination for the night sky.

However, after watching Stargazing on BBC, and since my birthday this year is a 'milestone' one (not telling you which one), my wife bought me a SkyWatcher Astrolux 76mm (3") Newtonian Reflector for my birthday, and gave it to me early as well!

Being the impatient sort, I built it as soon as I got in, and was amazed what I could see with it. My wife is now joking that we may have to move the bed into the garden as I'm out there so much.

I can't wait to see how the moon looks through it though!

Has anyone got any tips for a newbie like me please?

[leenewtoastro]

Welcome Notty

[Brendan of Borg]

Hello and welcome!

My tip would be to search the forum with your queries initially, your questions will be new to you but may well have been asked before here.

Enjoy the cool of the garden!

[oldfruit]

Hi and welcome to SGL.

[nightfisher]

hi and welcome to sgl

[brantuk]

Hi Notts and welcome to SGL

You might be interested to join our local group "East Mids Stargazers" (EMS). We meet at Sawley on clear nights for observing sessions. Click the link in my signature for further info

[nottsbloke]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Brantuk - thanks for the tip. I've joined the EM group as you suggested, as you're only a motorway junction away!

[nobbytate]

Hi and welcome from me to

[Bizibilder]

Hello Nottsbloke ande welcome to SGL!!

[Mr Spock]

Hi, welcome to SGL

[Rusty Strings]

Hi and welcome from me too

[JamesM]

Hi and welcome to the forum and also happy centenary!!! (Have I got the wrong one? :D)

Tips might include, the book, "Turn Left at Orion" (Cambridge Press) a red torch (protect night vision) and possibly a red dot finder so you can point the scope to just where the object ought to be and then fine tune at the eyepiece.

Clear skies

James

[Digz]

Welcome to the forum.

[Astro Imp]

Hi Nottsbloke,

Welcome to the lounge.

If you haven't already down loaded Stellarium you can get it here. This is a great planatarium program that will help you find your way around.

Good luck and enjoy your birthday present.

Alan.

[Bino Pete]

Hello and welcome

[Astro_Baby]

Hi and welcome from me too

[magic77]

Welcome to SGL....

[nottsbloke]

@JBM1165 - the way I feel some mornings your guess isn't that far off

[nottsbloke]

.... and to the rest of you thank you for your welcomes & advice, and I look forward to learning a lot more!

[Asteroid]

Hi Notts, welcome to SGL, you've come to the right place

[WhiteShiva]

Welcome to the board!

[AndyW]

Welcome from another newbie!

Andy

[Hedgerow]

A warm welcome to SGL. Your story is very similar to mine. In the last few days I have found all the help I need here. Good luck.

[nottsbloke]

Thanks for the tip about Stellarium Astro Imp. So much better than any other astronomy app I've got on my Mac ... and free as well!

[todd8137]

hi nottsbloke and welcome just over the border in derbyshire get some good gloves hat and scarf and some good books already mentioned happy days a head