just got my 8 inch dob

[Costavar (Costa)]

After spending a reasonably long time reading threads on this forum (mainly), reading a few astronomy books and quite a few night glimpses through my daughters toy scope (4 inch reflector from Toys r us), I decided to buy my first decent scope. Visited bintelshop today and bought their 8 in bintel dob. Planning to put it together tomorrow and give it my first shot tomorrow night. Excited !

[DavidU (Dave)]

Awesome Costa ! Love it to bit's

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

Well done Costa! 8" is such a great size to start. These are excellent scopes and will give many nights of pleasure. Make sure you take it along to a club night, star party or similar, you will find out so many targets to look for.

[Zzapped (Steve)]

Ill join the club too, I picked up my 8" dob on thursday, it is a christmas present to myself, now, to see if i can leave it unused until xmas.............

[michaellxv (Michael)]

Take it out and just wrap the empty box

Michael

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Hi Costa! We look forward to hearing your first observing report! I am sure the boys at Bintel have those mirrors well collimated, so you should have a cracker of a first night!

[Robh (Rob)]

The wonderful thing about astronomy, it's free to air viewing of the world's biggest screen!
Your 8inch DOB will serve you well. Lots of thrills!

Regards, Rob.

[RobF (Rob)]

All the best for your first viewing session Costa. Have fun, and let us know how it goes.

(p.s. Has it started to cloud over in Sydney yet? )

[Kevnool (Kev)]

Good onya Costa Great stuff plenty of dark sky at the moment for you with the New Moon approaching.

Let us know how you went with your first observing night.

Cheers Kev.

[M54 (Molly)]

I'm so jealous!
Hope you have a great first night.

[Costavar (Costa)]

hmm, last night it was all cloudy and it looks like tonight is going to be the same, bummer. Rob it looks like you were right raising suspicion about the clouds. I should pay more attention to your weather predictions.
Still waiting for my first night..will keep you posted.

PS. I was so surpised at how many responses I got to this thread. Thanks a lot guys, will keep you posted once weather permits.
Costa

[erick (Eric)]

Originally Posted by Costavar

PS. I was so surpised at how many responses I got to this thread.

Would have been one more , but I've been busy travelling!

So here it is!! I spent my first year with an 8" dob. Loved it and learnt so much! have fun! Ask questions here and also tell us what you see!

[figgylion (Steve)]

Originally Posted by Costavar

hmm, last night it was all cloudy and it looks like tonight is going to be the same, bummer. Rob it looks like you were right raising suspicion about the clouds. I should pay more attention to your weather predictions.

First rule of astronomy - New scope means cloudy weather

Welcome to the club mate, I've had my 8" Dob for almost a year now and I love it. Great scope, easy to use and there's lots to be seen with it.

[picklesrules (Nicholas)]

Originally Posted by figgylion

First rule of astronomy - New scope means cloudy weather

They have to become squinted first , they just don't let u see throw them without meeting your scope first

Have Fun With Your New Scope

Clear Skies
Nick

[Costavar (Costa)]

OK, I desperately tried to get out about midnight last night and have a quick peek through the clouds.. Firstly I was amazed by how clear the finderscope was, very well defined light points.

In the beginning I had a bit of trouble working out where the scope was pointing through the right angle 8x50 finderscope but thanks to the good resolution I got the hang of it pretty quickly.

Then I managed to point it to NGC104 near Hydrus, though light/cloud polluted surroundings though my 2" 26mm eypiece and was amazed by the amount of distinct light points I could resolve over such a condensed area. Then I tried looking away and yes I started seeing more and more individual stars piled so closely together. Amazing

Then Jupiter made a brief appearance through the clouds. Quickly swang it around and easily pointed to it. MAGIC!!! I could actually clearly see equatorial belts (I can't remember how many I was too exited) and was very happy at the amount of detail being able to resolve through the 9mm eyepiece despite the clouds actually obstructing the planet at times.

Today I went to bintel and bought a 2xBarlow. I am thinking x160 x200 on Jupiter should be ideal for me if conditions allow.

At that point i had to pack up since the cloud ceiling closed in.

I am hooked!

Costa

[DavidU (Dave)]

Originally Posted by Costavar

I am hooked!

Costa

Yes you are ! Enjoy it.

[june (June)]

That is fantastic, I can't wait to get ours...and I will def. wrap the box and use it straight away, have lots of fun and can't wait to hear more about your experiences...cheerio

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Costa - you just wait until you see Saturn....there's no turning back after that experience! I can sense your excitement, it is so great to hear.

Make the most of the next few days (weather permitting), because the skies are darker this time in the lunar cycle.

[Zzapped (Steve)]

Please.....no more reports on how great it is, im really struggling to resist the urge to unpack my new 8" dob and use it right now instead of waiting for christmas day

[Jazza11 (Jeremy)]

Originally Posted by Zzapped

Please.....no more reports on how great it is, im really struggling to resist the urge to unpack my new 8" dob and use it right now instead of waiting for christmas day

Lol you can always open it now and get some accessories and have them as your christmas prezzie???