Hi from a late starter

[Startrek]

Great to be now part of the IIS forum

Grew up during the 60's as a space kid with toy telescopes , model space craft etc..watching all the Apollo launches on my folks black and white telly

Always kept an interest in manned space flight after Apollo to now days with Space X etc ... never really got involved with Astronomy up until recently.

Researched the hobby for about 6 months and finally purchased my first telescope early this year ( Bintel 10" Dob ) Thanks Don !!

Observed Jupiter, Saturn , Moon and DSO's ( totally hooked now )

Great hobby to keep your brain active and your patience in check

Anyway enough for now

Clear Skies to All

[bigjoe]

Welcome to IIS Martin.

Never too late..and glad to hear Don at Bintel looked after you..hes soo knowledgeable, as is Mike.

[Andrew_Campbell]

Hi Martin :)

[Allan_L]

Hi Martin
Welcome aboard IceInSpace :welcome:

As BigJoe said, Its never too late.
Sounds like you've got some good advice and a good telescope there.

Feel free to ask any questions on the forums, we all had to start from scratch and everyone here loves to share their experience.

You should try to get in with some local observers, at a dark sky location to enhance your visual experience.

Up here on the Central Coast, our small group tries to get away for Astro camping few days, a few times a year. You'd be welcome to join us.
There is also a group who meet around Katoomba regularly.
Myself, I found the joy of observing is multiplied when sharing it with like minded friends.

Thanks for posting your story, hope to catch up with you in the future.
In the meantime ...
Keep Looking Up ! :thumbsup:

[m11]

Hi Martin,

Welcome and definetely its never too late to start stargazing. I have found this forum has so many helpful members. Helped me heaps.

Glad you got good advice. I met Don when he was in Melbourne and he really is helpful and loves a talk :lol:

So many aspects of astronomy to enjoy and share with friends and family.

All the best.

M11

[xelasnave]

Welcome from me.
Great instrument you have there.
A dob is so manageable I enjoy just cruising around not particularly seeking an object and just looking around.
I used to like looking for dark regions which you don't really think about.
Dark adaption is important I always recommend an eye patch I would sometime where one for an hour or more before I started viewing.
Anyways again welcome great to have you onboard.
Alex

[Startrek]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome

[Visionary]

Martin,

The children of the 60's were uniquely privileged re: all things space, we "knew" all things were possible and it did indeed it did seem that all things were possible. Little did we know the frenetic pace of Space tech would screech to a halt by 1973. lol
In any case, welcome to IIS, I am confident you will derive enormous pleasure and revel in the new challenges that this most beautiful of passions/follies/addictions will present.

Peace (aka Flower Power)

David

[JA]

So true. Welcome to the forum Martin.

Best
JA

[Startrek]

Hi David,

Yes the space race did come to a screeching halt in December 72' with the next 40 odd years being low earth orbit manned missions, deep space probes and construction of the ISS but manned space flight is entering the next exciting chapter over the next decade or so.

Dave Scott commander of Apollo 15 mentioned a few years ago that it only took 9 years to get to the Moon and we are regrouping now ready for the next challenges ahead.With the resources and technology we have today space travel can be limitless.

I think the next 10 to 15 years will be a quantum leap in mankind's exploration of our solar system and the universe both manned and unmanned.

Truly exciting times ahead.

Martin

[Jamesdave]

Welcome aboard... :)