First Step to Amateur Astronomy

[AussieTerra]

Hi!

My name is Matt, i'm 18 and have adored all things in and beyond low-earth-orbit since i was four. Up until now I've only really just been a casual stargazer/appreciator, getting my first telescope a few years back. My first scope was a cheapy 4.5'' f/8 reflector which for all intents and purposes at the time i was happy with. However i am now looking to cross from a casual observer to more of an amateur astronomer, moving beyond (but not forgetting) looks at the moon and meagre views of Saturn and Jupiter.

But enough with the introduction and on to the actual question matter: my first serious telescope. I've been doing a bit of research, comparing apertures, types and such to things that i will want to observe (eg. Messier Objects) and have come up with the SkyWatcher 8'' Dobsonian Telescope (LINK) (http://shop.australiangeographic.com.au/-Skywatcher-8-Dobsonian-Telescope-P2007.aspx) as one i am seriously considering.

Is this telescope a great one to begin serious observing with? How well will i be able to view some of the more spectacular objects (binary stars, star clusters, some of the brighter nebulae, etc) as well as the planets (phases of Venus as well as the outer gas giants) living in an area with moderate/low light pollution?

Any suggestions/comments will be incredible appreciated and i'm looking forward to learning a lot with this first step!

Cheers,
Matt

[raymo]

The 8"SW dob is a great first scope, and in some cases, all the scope the
buyer ever needs. Many newbies contract the ever present "aperture fever" and always want something larger. I strongly suggest that you buy from a recognised scope dealer, as they are knowledgeable, and usually have better after sales service.
raymo

[Robh]

You could pick this up from Bintel in Melbourne not that far from you. They can give you advice on collimation etc.

http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/Dobsonian/Bintel-BT202-B-8--Dobsonian/72/productview.aspx

Regards, Rob

[noeyedeer]

hey Matt, you should just get an 8" from Andrews (Google Andrews communications). theyre just as good and have more accesseries ane is cheaper for the gso counterpart.

with open clusters and globs you will see a lot more stars .. nebs will be brighter and planets will have higher contrast.

you will surely see Venus' phases and mercury's if you're lucky enough. Neptune and Uranus should be an easy find also.

you mention the Messiers, theyre all gettable with binoculars at a dark site .. so if you factor in aperature there's no reason why you won't be able to find them with an 8" in med lp.

good luck, I wish I started 18years ago .. :)

matt

[Renato1]

Hi Matt,
I observed hundreds of open clusters, most of the globular clusters, scores or planetary nebula (with an LPR filter), and over 1000 galaxies with my 8" before I bought a 14.5".

As you live in the Mornington Peninsula, why not just join the Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society (cost $50 pa)? Then go to a member's viewing night at the Briars and have a look through telescopes. The Society owns a few telescopes, including an 8" one from memory, and members have quite an assortment of smaller and bigger ones.

After that experience, you'll have a pretty good idea of what you want.
Check out their site at
http://www.mpas.asn.au/

Alternatively, I'm pretty sure that you can come along for one complimentary visit if you ask beforehand.
Regards,
Renato

[zenith]

Hi Matt,
You could also join the ASV (Astronomical Society of Victoria) http://asv.org.au/ and borrow one of the loan telescopes, an 8" dob before you buy one. I joined about 12 months ago and signed up to the new astronomers group. When I was researching what scope to get I found two great pieces of advice 1) the best scope will be the one you use, and 2) reflector versus refractor, its does not matter, you will get one of each anyway :-)
Regards Tim.

[alistairsam]

hi Matt,

The 8inch is a very good all rounder and many start with this, its by no means just a beginners scope, but can serve very well for some serious observation.

As others suggested, visit the MPAS for a viewing night, you'll get lots of ideas and know how.

this was my first scope as well, and one of the challenges I had, after viewing the planets and bright Globs, was locating objects. it can get frustrating sometimes viewing from a LP area, so have a look at making your own setting circle for the Azimuth. for the Alt, you can use a digital angle meter.
so that, along with stellarium on your laptop or phone, will help you find objects as you learn to navigate.
star hopping is how you'd normally locate objects and it can take some time but worth the exercise.

I'd suggest saving up for some premium eyepieces. the views through those for nebula from a dark site are stunning to say the least.
things to add to your list after you get it

the Az setting circle if the scope doesn't have it already, (you can add it
yourself by printing it out on A3, see Richard's thread here
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=60946&highlight=setting+circle)

An 8x50 right angled finder, your neck will thank you for it.
http://www.bintel.com.au/Accessories/Finderscopes/Bintel-8x50-Correct-Image-Right-Angled-Finder/493/productview.aspx

stellarium on a laptop or a planisphere or star chart

Eyepieces - have a read through the many threads here. the stock 25mm ones that come with it are pretty good, but worth keeping an eye out and saving up for a decent one. the GSO superview is a nice cheap addition for a wide FOV. As for binaries and clusters, I'm not sure what's good. seeing is an important factor for planets and binaries.

and shop around for the best price.

good luck

Alistair

[AussieTerra]

Thank you all for the great suggestions and tips! Ill certainly go check out the MPAS and see what i can learn from them! I've already fallen in love with Stellarium and I've got a great collection of star-charts from my grandfather that i plan on studying intently, knowing the southern skies back to front will definitely come in very handy in future!

Cheers,
matt

[chellaxy]

Hi Matt,
I am a beginner and just got the Sky Watcher 8" Dob, which so far has been fantastic - if only all these clouds/rain in Perth would disappear!
Looking forward to hearing how you get on with your purchase :D
Chelle