Hi from Armidale

[lightbulbjim]

Hi all, newbie here :)

I've long had a peripheral interest in astronomical things but a few weeks back I finally bought my first scope, a Sky Watcher Heritage 150. I'm pleasantly surprised how well it performs and I've already had tons of fun exploring the sky.

My backyard is bortle 4 (albeit with some annoying streetlights to work around) and I have a couple of good bortle 1-2 spots within 30 minutes drive which I plan to check out sometime.

Anyway, lots to learn but I'm having fun :astron:

[JA]

Welcome to the forum Chris:thumbsup:

With skies as dark as you have at home and nearby you are doing a lot better than most. Have some fun and make it count.

Join in the discussions we tend to be a friendly lot.

Best
JA

[Startrek]

Welcome Chris
Enjoy your Astro journey and don’t hesitate to ask questions, there’s plenty of folk to offer advice and help
Martin

[lightbulbjim]

Thanks all!

[Pepper]

Welcome mate. Tamworth here. Watsons creek is a nice dark spot not too far from you.

[Terry B]

Hi Chris
Welcome also from Armidale.


Terry

[croweater]

Hi Chris, I have the Skywatcher 130p. It's a great little scope too. I highly recommend you make a shroud for your 150p as it makes a fair difference to the view stopping any unwanted light getting in. I also found it stops breath from fogging the secondary mirror. I used black 3mm epa foam . If you search 130p upgrades on youtube you will find a few tutorials. A lot of people do this and it is totally worth it.
Cheers, Richard :)

[lightbulbjim]

Hi, nice to see some locals!



Yeah, I've seen some of the shrouds people have made but haven't made one myself yet. I have had some problems with dew but only on the eyepiece and finder so far, which wouldn't be affected by a shroud.

I also greased the focuser threads and dimmed down the finder, both of which have made the scope much more pleasant to use.

[AdamJL]

Not jealous at all (okay, very jealous).

Welcome to the forums!

[lightbulbjim]

Yep, I lived in Sydney for a few years but don't at all regret moving away!