New to the group

[vaztr (Andrew)]

Hi all,

I've been lurking for about a week and have finally made the jump...

I'm thinking about buying an 8" GSO as soon as I get my bonus!!

I don't currently belong to any astronomy clubs, do you guys recommend joining one or do you find that you have enough to do anyway??

Thanx

Vaz

[rmcpb (Rob)]

Vaz,

Welcome to IIS.

As for astro clubs, if there is a good one go for it. Having a group of people around with lots of experience to tap into is a great resource that really compliments the resource in IIS the "virtual astro club".

BTW the 8" GSO is a great choice but then I'm a bit biased

[astronut (John)]

Vaz, Join a club, there's nothing quite like being able to share your interest with like minded people

[ving (David)]

hi vaz! welcome aboard

i'd tell you to join my astro group (macarthur astro soc) but its a bit of a hike for ya

I have the 8" GSO. it rip mate! (not sure what that means but it sounds good)

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

vaztr.

Originally Posted by rmcpb

BTW the 8" GSO is a great choice but then I'm a bit biased

Find me a dob owner who isn't Rob

I don't have a dob, but I'm still a nice person It will most likely be my next big purchase though. Unfortunately I don't know whether to get a 10" to mount on my Losmandy or wait for the 16" to come out and get an EQ platform I don't think you can go wrong with the 8". Plus if you have intermediate age kids (you know, between waist height and shoulder height) you can pass it on when you cross to the dark side

[Lester]

Welcome aboard Vaz.

You will get plenty of help here on IIS. But getting together with others can even be better.

[dugnsuz (Doug)]

Welcome to IIS,
If you can afford the 8...reach for the 10!!!!!!
Hold out a wee bit longer if you can - an 8 inch is nice but the 10 inch will open up so much more to you.

Hope I haven't muddied the waters for you, but aperture is everything in the Dob world!
Cheers
Doug

[Blue Skies (Jacquie)]

Join a club! Join a club! You'll get plenty of help with your new scope, find out about what there is to see up there and best of all, they won't think you're weird because they love astronomy too!