Orion 15x63

[Mqrko]

Hello everybody,

I'm a new member here from Sydney.

I recently bought the Orion 15x63 and the Chandler planisphere after seeing the meteor shower at the beginning of this month.

I'd like to know what can I see with those binoculars because I tried the binoculars last Friday.
I didn't have trouble finding the constellation or any star but I expected to see more. I tried to see NGC 5139 in centaurus constellation but I couldn't see it at all. Although, my camera managed to get a picture of the cluster, a small yellow dot.

I want to know if I was doing something wrong. I stayed a few minutes looking up with the binoculars on the location of the cluster.
Then I stopped because there was too much wind in the mountain. I used a column from a building next to me but it wasn't convenient, so I sort of gave up to spend more time on the planisphere instead :)

These are my questions:
- How long should I look into the binoculars before seeing something ?
- Do you have any recommendation for tripod ?
- What kind of chair do you use ?
- Is it safe at night in NSW ? Because I'm usually alone, so it's a bit scary since I'm beginning doing astro photography.

I'm also considering to join a club or to participate in one of the star parties.
I did a bit of research on the forum and some locations given here looks like private properties and I need to join the appropriate club, right ?

For example, If I want to use an observatory (just staying outside with my own equipment), do I have to join the club in order to use the location ?
What about location like Katoomba airfield, pony club ?, bathurst observatory, etc... I guess they are all private properties. I don't want to get into any trouble :)

So if they are 3 locations I'm interested in and they are own by 3 different clubs, I will have to join 3 clubs. Am I right ?

Thanks.

[Larryp]

Hi Marko, and welcome!
Firstly, NGC5139 is a very easy binocular target, even in relatively light polluted skies-it should show as a fairly large white smudge in your binos, so I would suggest you are not looking in exactly the right area. I do not use a chair or tripod with my 10x50s, but you may be better off with a tripod with your 15x63s.
As far as safety is concerned, I personally would not go alone to any remote or lonely spot.
I think it would be a good idea to join a club-you not only get to use a dark location, but you have the company of other amateurs who can help you to locate astronomical objects and you also get to look through many different sizes and types of telescopes.
Cheers

[Renato1]

If you were somewhere way out of suburbia, where it is really dark, you might see that galaxy. But you'd have little hope in suburban Sydney.

If you mount your binoculars to a solid tripod, you obviously get a very steady image sitting behind it on a stool. But you can only see so far up into the sky, and your neck hurts. Then you can tilt the tripod back on two legs, and see further up in the sky (it's best to have a tripod with a winder on it to bring the binoculars up higher), and still have a very steady view.

But if you want to see higher, or get sick of adjusting your stool's position, just pick up the whole tripod and look through the binoculars. The heavier weight of the tripod steadies the image - it's not as good as when sitting down, but better than just handholding the binoculars.

I don't know how dangerous NSW is. When I used to go up there for work out in the western suburbs, or in Queanbeyan or Mulwala I'd just drive till I found somewhere dark by the side of the road, and viewed with my binoculars. Never had a problem.
Regards,
Renato

[Allan_L]

Hi Marko,
Welcome to IceInSpace :welcome:

It is (currently) free to come along and join us at the Mangrove Mountain site (at the Pony Club).
It is crown land under lease to the Pony Club, but we are allowed free use of it at night.
It is a secure site, with a locked gate, so you will need to come on an advertised night (see the Star Parties.... forum for dates and directions).

I believe the Katoomba sessions may ask for a small donation.

hope to see you soon!

PS: yes it is always safer to observe with a friend, preferably someone you can outrun! :) )

PPS: I have a set of Orion 9x63 that I think are great, but they are heavy (Orion Mini Giants), and I find a tripod essential.
I use a video camera Ball Head Tripod, but a standard camera tripod will do.
Alternatively, a broom (inverted) is also a good cheap start.

PPPS:
This is what Omega Centauri (NGC5139) may look like through a set of 10x50 binos (courtesy of www.binocularsky.com (http://www.binocularsky.com))

[Mqrko]

I thought I could hold the binos long enough since my DSLR (D800) is quite heavy with all the accessories and I have no problem using it all day. But after trying the other night, I think I'm going to buy another tripod for the binos.

Yes, it's a bit scary alone in the dark. I did it on my first night and I was paranoid by any sounds I could hear behind me.
At the moment, I've never had any problems but it's still scary. So I would really like spending my night time with some people :)

I will definitely come to one of the star parties if I have the opportunity :)

[killswitch]

Hi Marko

Omega Centauri should be quite visible on your 15x63 binos. It might just be a little difficult to get it in the field of view at that magnification. I can easily spot it on my 10x25's as a white smudge.

It doesnt look like Katoomba airfield will be available this weekend. So a couple of us guys are heading to either Hargraves lookout or Mt Blackheath this weekend (weather permitting). Feel free to join, no donations/fees.

Ive got a D800 myself, happy to give you some tips.

[Mqrko]

Is there a topic for these meetings ? I couldn't find it.
I went to Hargraves Lookout at the beginning of may. It's a very nice spot.

I don't think I will be able to come for a moment but I still want to get updated :)

[Allan_L]

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=16

Look for a thread title with Katoomba or Pony Club (aka PC or Mangrove Mountain) close to New Moon each month.

Note: Map and how to get to Pony Club is in the "sticky" section at top of thread list.

[Mqrko]

Thank you, I'll take a look :)