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Old 23-02-2019, 10:49 AM
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mental4astro (Alexander)
kids+wife+scopes=happyman

mental4astro is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: sydney, australia
Posts: 4,979
Quote:
Originally Posted by Placesinthedark View Post
The magnitude of the galaxy really does make the beginner think it should be a matter and point and go but a bit of knowledge goes a long way and helps to understand what you are seeing.
Or NOT seeing! This is probably the most frustrating part of it all.

"But why can't I see anything! It should be as easy as seeing a jumbo jet!"

Yup, it's happened to me too. And still does even after 35 years of using scopes.

In my other thread about Understanding Nebulae I discuss our human eyes, how to best exploit them and how to look through a scope. All of this also applies to observing galaxies.

Rush, and you will miss stuff. Be impatient, and you won't see it. Remember, astro is a quite pursuit. It demands that you slow down. Be patient with yourself, your eyes and your gear. Looking at faint things requires teaching yourself how to see again. It is a totally different skill-set from looking at things during bright daylight.

So, slow down, DAMN IT!

Alex.
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