PDA

View Full Version here: : Oh boy!


desler
23-01-2008, 02:32 AM
Hi all,

Well I've been one of the guys in the background, soaking in all of the information that the site offers. I had already made a huge mistake on buying a Bushmater reflector from a camera store. If only I had found this site first!!!!! Today I took delivery of a 8 inch Guan Sheng Dob, from Andrews Communications. No not a plug - just fact.

After putting it all together around lunchtime today, the rest of the day dragged waiting to get out into the backyard. I downloaded Stellarium last night and spent all day playing with that and trying to figure out what I might see. I found the program from a link in another post, and found it a really great tool that helped orientate me to the sky.

Darkness arrived, and the show began, first off looking at a very bright moon through the 5 lenses supplied with the package, all GSO Brand, and the view was breath taking, simply awe inspring!

I then had a bit of a lul in proceedings as I seemed to have a fair idea of where Mars was in the sky, I just didn't seem able to get what I thought I should be seeing in the lens. Then it happened!!!!!!

M-42 Orion Nebula, I have never seen anything like it in my life!!!!!!!

Later Saturn, I still have scrape marks from my chin hitting the ground!

Clearly identified Rigil Kent @1 Cen and @2 Cen, Acrux, Regulus and finally Mars.

I know this must all sound really boring to a lot of you, but it's 2.21am and everyone here is asleep. I needed to tell someone!

Saturday I'm off to a How to use your telescope presentation in Southern Melbourne and can't wait.

I'm sure you'll see more posts from me with lots and lots of questions!
Also to Brian who authored the how to buy your first telescope article. Brilliant!

Darren :D

Night Owl
23-01-2008, 03:17 AM
Andrew's Comms must be marching GSO dobs out the door! I put a 12" together today from them as well. Also dragged it out tonight, and went striaght for Orion as well. Despite the moon glow I swear I saw a greenish tinge through the 15mm plossl. I didn't look at Saturn, or Mars, but waved it around the southern areas just like you did. Looked at the moon and WOW, need a moon filter! I also think I saw a very bright / new crater that I have never seen before in any pictures and maps, might follow that one up.

Can't wait till the new moon and I can head out to a mates farm and park on his hill and spend the night out there.

Think I'm going to need some warmer clothes, dew shielding and heaters, and most importantly another bottle of Astronomy Oil...

www.stonesgingerwine.co.uk (http://www.stonesgingerwine.co.uk)

:thumbsup:

erick
23-01-2008, 08:56 AM
Sounds good Darren! Sleepless nights ahead for you now!! :D

Greenswale
23-01-2008, 09:03 AM
Darren, you were not alone!

The bright moon was mucking stuff up a bit, seeing was pretty ordinary, but the Orion Nebula looked absolutely grouse in the changed conditions. Good on you for sharing your wonder with us - be sure that the awe will never go away!

theodog
23-01-2008, 09:11 AM
Great to see you having so much enjoyment Darren. I remember my first use of a 'larger' size scope, -20 years on.:scared:
With that scope there are so many things to observe -a lifetimes worth in fact.:)
Never be afraid to ask questions.;)

Terry B
23-01-2008, 09:30 AM
Brilliant report
Enjoy your new scope and the excitement of finding stuff in the night sky.:cool:
:astron:


:stargaze:

edwardsdj
23-01-2008, 10:55 AM
Welcome to IIS Darren.

Great to hear you're enjoying your new scope :)

You've picked a good one.

GTB_an_Owl
23-01-2008, 11:19 AM
Well Darren

i think i can tell you - it only gets better

'keep looking up' i think is the message

geoff

leon
23-01-2008, 03:51 PM
Yep another one hooked, talk about an addictive hobby, great to see you had so much enjoyment from your new scope

Leon

goober
23-01-2008, 04:01 PM
Great stuff - enjoy your scope.

One of the best things I did was years ago - I took my old 8" dob up to my tennis club and spent the evening showing the members Saturn. The reactions were great, apart from one lady who was convinced I'd stuck a sticker in the tube somewhere (really).

rmcpb
24-01-2008, 04:04 PM
You will just love that 8" dob. Mine is still my workhorse as it is easier to set up and quicker to cool than the 13". Had it for years and have still to dent the list of objects available through it.

Cheers

madtuna
24-01-2008, 06:54 PM
Congrats! the GSO dob is a great scope Desler. A mate ordered the 10" from Andrews last week and it arrived Tuesday.

Last night he brought it over to my house, and while I was still levelling my tripod, his dob was setup and he was relaxing into his second cup of coffee.

I must say I was very impressed and imagine I'll be taking delivery of either a 10" or a 12" GSO from Andrews in the next few weeks