Where to view before buying?

[DJDD]

Hello,

As I mentioned in a couple of other posts I am interested in an 8", 10" or 12" dob. The only problem is that I have never looked through one of these so am unsure of what I will see; by that, I simply mean what quality of viewing I will get with these telescopes, what it is like to observe with one of them (i.e. how comfortable they are to use, etc.).

I will contact the ASV in Melbourne but before joining (and going to one of their LMDSS sessions) wonder if there are any star parties or other observational opportunities around melbourne?

would love to hear from someone in the know.

cheers,
DJDD

[Tamtarn]

Hi DJDD

Where in Melbourne are you ? There might be someone near to you with a Dob that can show you what they are like to view through.

David

[DJDD]

Hi,

Thanks for the *quick* reply. What a great forum and membership!

I live near cheltenham (near southland, actually).

BTW, I like your site- quite inspirational.

cheers,
DJDD

[iceman]

Hi DJDD, :welcome: to IIS!

You're on the right tracking - looking through a few different scopes before you buy.

Can you make it up to Albury/Wodonga next week? There's the Border Stargaze starparty, and you'll get the best opportunity to look through a whole heap of different scopes and meet some great people (I'll be there ;)).

Click on the link on the right hand side near the bottom to go to their website.

Keep asking questions!

[leon]

Yep, DJDD, you are right, it is a superb site, and you will gain heaps of experience here, I did.;)

Leon :thumbsup:

[DJDD]

so many replies so quickly. my inbox will become flooded. :D

I saw info on the Border Stargaze Party and would like to go but I am cross-country skiing that weekend.

I thought about buying a set of binoculars and taking them out with me but there are two problems- binoculars add weight to my pack and it is *cold* at night snow camping- the tent is so much more comfortable. :lol:

DJDD

[Tamtarn]

We are a long way from you DJDD, and your welcome here, but I'm sure someone nearby will post some help for you.

Glad you like the WebPage

David

[DJDD]

thanks for the offer!

actually, you are not that far away from my home and closer again to my work. I travel much further than that on many friday nights when i go bushwalking.

still, rather than foist myself on someone straight away ( :hi: ) I will see if there is anyone closer who might generously offer me some time on their telescope or get myself to a club night of some description.

thanks again,

DJDD

[JethroB76]

I think the ASV has loaner scopes, I think 8" dobs maybe, they would probably be at their metro HQ. You may be able to get a look with one of those prior to a visit to LMDSS.

[DJDD]

heh, Isdonisgood, thanks for the reply.

loaner telescopes? that sounds good. would need to join first, i guess, but i will probably do that anyway, so...

cheers,
DJDD

[wolfman]

The Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society has a public viewing night onca a month (first Friday of the month) they are a good opertunity to try out all different types of scopes.
Its held at Mornington, really only 20 minutes from you.

[DJDD]

hi wolfman,

thanks for your comments.
I will have to get down there. I think i just missed one two nights ago, too. still, i do not have to buy before next month.

cheers,
DJDD

[astro_nutt]

Hi DJDD...the ASV is holding a public view on Tuesday the 28/08/07 for the Lunar Eclipse on the rooftop carpark Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre Richmond..should be quite a few scope set up and we hope the weather will be kind to all of us!
Cheers!

[DJDD]

hey, it sounds like i should head down there.
I looked at the calender but somehow missed that one.
thanks for the heads up.

cheers,
DJDD