Quote:
Originally Posted by TimHardy
Hi All
Just looking for some help I received a Skywatcher BK1025AZ3 for xmas as this is my first scope my questions are.
What accessories would you guys recommend for a beginner with this scope in regards to filters, eyepieces and charts or books?
What things am I likely to see through this scope?
Tim
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Hi Tim,
That's a handy scope to cast your eye around the heavens and really give yourself an introduction to stargazing.
This type of scope is very useful for observing large fields at low power. An excellent place to start is to look at the Pleiades (The Seven Sisters) and from there, check out the Orion Nebula. (In the handle of the Saucepan).
To the south of Orion is the bright Constellation of Canis Major. Just point the scope in that direction and enjoy the star fields in the Milky Way. However, if U point the scope at the brightest star in the sky, Sirius, U will quickly understand why many people say these small F ratio refractors give too much false colour. And yes, a light yellow filter can be brought cheaply and does help when trying to use more magnification on brighter objects.
I assume that your scope came with a 45 degree diagonal which is very useful for terrestrial viewing, however, a 90 degree (right-angle) diagonal will make viewing of above objects much easier.
Most of the value in your scope is in the scope itself and not with the supplied Eyepieces (EPs). IMO this is a good thing as you can alway upgrade an EP much more cheaply than buying a new scope. Opinions and personal preferences will vary widely regarding EPs and as such, it would be a great thing to visit an Astronomy Club and 'test-drive' other peoples equipment.
I would recommend: Wil Tirion's BRIGHT STAR ATLAS as an excellent and inexpensive set of charts that will help U find your way around.
Your scope collects enough light to show many object well as well as being light enough to not be a hassle to take it out for the evening. Enjoy your viewing!