New to Forum

[Geoff0409]

Hi

Geoff here. I am new to the forum and to operating a Telescope

I bought my grand daughters a Celestron 8inch SC on a CGEM equatorial mount

I am now trying to help them set it up

We are located in Canberra and looking forward to getting out into the Brindabella’s for some clear viewing

Thanks
Geoff

[xa-coupe]

Welcome aboard Geoff!!


I might point out that you're setting yourself up for some grief learning this on a SCT. Purchase a cheap refractor and learn the intricacies on something more forgiving.



I've purchased my first SCT after a year of camera lenses and refractors and it's not easy... but at least I dont have to learn 'the mount, guiding and the art of actually taking the pictures at the same time.

[jahnpahwa]

G'day Geoff!

I'm also in Canberra and try to observe or image (or both) most clear nights.
Tidbinbilla is a great, dark spot that's pretty close by. Canberra Astro Society also runs dark site nights and the one that I've been to was a seriously good spot, between gundaroo and gunning. Have you joined?
Don't hold back in asking questions about setting up the kit you have for your grand daughters, this is definitely the place for it :thumbsup:

[Geoff0409]

Thanks Jp and Jeff

Haven’t had a chance to join any groups as yet just got to Canberra - covid😕

Will look at Canberra Astro Society - looks like the kind of group I need

Unfortunately I am stuck with the SCT I bought so I suppose it is sink or swim

Geoff

[Dave221]

Hi Geoff,

Don’t be concerned that you’ve purchased a more advanced scope and mount, the upside is that it should satisfy your viewing/astrophotography requirements for quite some time. You are set-up for the future! It might take a while to get to use your equipment to it’s full potential, that’s part of the fun. In the meantime however, there is no reason that you can’t just use it ‘manually’ to enjoy the night sky virtually straight out of the box.

You will certainly benefit however by seeking help from experienced users as that will speed up the ‘enjoyment factor’. I’m sure any questions you may have can be answered on this site or by local Astro club members.

Happy Viewing!

[mura_gadi]

Canberra Astro Society - very quiet atm, good for dark sky events and some local friendly advice... But with the age of the group Covid has us very quiet.

But the clubs telescope when you get your license and covid is gone is worth $30 alone.

[xa-coupe]

We are here to help!


I'd suggest watching some videos on the mount first as getting alignment and operating the mount properly are critical to everything else.


The SCT isn't impossible to use as a beginner, just harder, so there's no reason it won't work for you!

[wjaincbr]

Another vote from me for Canberra Astro Society. I joined last year and they have been very friendly and helpful. Covid has curtailed a lot of events, but hopefully things will pick up soon. I loved the dark sky night at Gundaroo. You should see JP's image of the Triangulum galaxy - excellent.

[wjaincbr]

Sorry everyone. My new William Optics GT81 arrived yesterday. I guess that means cloud for the next week or so.