Observing with New Binoculars & Tripod

[psadams]

I received my new AOE 10x50HR binoculars yesterday. This is the first pair of binoculars I've owned.

http://www.aoe.com.au/7x50hg.html

I also received my new Velbon CX-660 tripod.

I headed outside with my binos & tripod along with a planisphere & the Heavens Above: A Binocular Guide to the Southern Skies book. This is the first session of stargazing I've ever done!

I started observing around 9.30pm. First off I looked at the moon & was blown away by the detail I could see. All those craters just looked incredible! :eyepop:

After looking at the moon for some 20 mins I turned to Orion, which was quite low in the sky & quite affected by light pollution. It was still an incredible sight. I then looked at the Crux & the Carina region & was amazed at the view & the sheer number of stars.

Next I wanted to see if I could locate any planets. My planisphere has a chart with a guide for locating planets, but I had problems working it out. I thought I saw Saturn as an elongated star that didn't twinkle. I really wanted to see Jupiter & its moons, but I understand that this doesn't rise until the early hours of the morning.

I called my wife out to have a look & she was amazed at the views. She was especially fascinated with the moon. The first thing she said to me was "Why don't we get a telescope?". :D

So I was quite happy with my first experience stargazing. Hopefully there will be many clear nights ahead.

[Dujon]

You're in, my son. Start involving your good wife in the perusal of telescope advertisements; get her to read the information on this site; get saving.

[erick]

You, sir, are a very lucky man! :)

[glenc]

Saturn is on the left of Regulus in Leo. It's due north at about 9:30pm in Adelaide. Jupiter rises in the east soon after 10pm. It is the very bright star below Antares in Scorpio. You can buy a new 6 inch scope for $300 and an 8 inch scope for $450.

[jjjnettie]

Bino's can keep you busy for months. As you've found out there's lots of stuff out there to find.
You and your wife should go along to a star party or two before choosing what scope to buy.

[wavelandscott]

Sounds great, get her hooked and you are set for life!

Is your wife a good cook too?...she proabably is some guys have all of the luck :D

[jjjnettie]

LOL
She can cook, she can clean, she can collimate.

[norm]

Too funny.....:rofl: :rofl:

[psadams]

Yes, she is a great cook! :P

I was shocked when she suggested we get a telescope. Normally I've got to spend time justifying my purchases. :thumbsup:

[psadams]

Thanks for the heads up on the planet viewing times & locations.

I know now that I did see Saturn, but it was quite low in the sky.

If Jupiter was in the east then I wouldn't see it until much later in the night when it gets higher in the sky. I'm viewing from my backyard & the house & trees block the view to the east.

I'd better start saving. I think I'll visit a couple viewing nights to try some scopes before I buy one.