Hi there

[lazycows]

Im new to this and have just recieved a new telescope as a present(Saxon FR900x130EQ2) which is fantastic and daunting at the same time.I have a couple of questions.Are there any clubs in the sunshine coast area that anybody knows of and is it possible to view Saturn at the moment..thanks..

[astroron]

Hi Paul, welcome to iceinspace:) the answer is no, but members of iceinspace have a get together at my place near Kenilworth once a month near New Moon which you are invited to come along.
Mapleton Observatory also has tuition nights.
Saturn is visible at the moment in the west but it is getting lower each night.
If you would like to contact me for more information, send me an PM and I will give you a number to have a chat.
Cheers:thumbsup:

[renormalised]

Welcome to ISS:D:D

Saturn...you'll have to catch it early in the evening...6:30 - 7:30 but it'll be pretty low down, so you may even miss it or have trouble with viewing it.

I'd wait until next year to get a good view of it....January onwards till July are the best times. Here's a shot at 30/7/10 at 6:34pm from Brisbane...this will be a great time as Mars, Venus and if you're lucky, Mercury will be visible:D

[erick]

Yes, you will catch it if you are quick over the next week or two. Look for the brightest yellow spot of light over where the sun sets - a bit north of that. It is not super bright, but should stand out. It should be up at about 25 deg elevation tonight at 6:30pm. It will look at bit like the attached through a telescope. The rings are fairly well closed up, but you will see them if the warm afternoon air has steadied enough by then.

Tell us what you see?

[jjjnettie]

Welcome to IIS Paul!
I can only repeat what Ron said.:)
Get yourself along to Cambroon. You'll meet up with some very friendly, knowledgeable people who can put you on the right track.

[Liz]

:welcome: Paul

As the other guys have said, Saturn is low in the West after sunset, but Jupiter is getting better and better, and is rising in the east about 8pm, with Neptune below it. You cant miss it as is BRIGHT.
Download a copy of Stellarium - it is free and is great :)
The pic that Carl has below (in 2010!!) is from Stellarium.

Enjoy ;)

[DavidU]

Welcome to IIS

[Lumen Miner]

Welcome!! Give it a shot this arvo, I haven't seen Sat in my 3" refractor. I'll try for it also. I'll let you know how I go...

So to my understanding, we'll need to look to the west just as the sun is setting. About 25% up from the horizon to the west, we should look for the brightest yellow spot...

Well good luck, report back how you went. ;)

[lazycows]

Thanks for the info,will give it a go tonight:)