First light, 10" GSO Dob

[mac]

A few days ago I bought a GSO 10" Dob. I haven't owned or even looked through a telescope in years, and what I owned back then was nothing compared to this beast.

Unfortunately the weather has been awful recently, so it was only tonight that I got to take it outside for a look at the heavens. However, my observing location was restricted to my inner-city apartment balcony.

Despite this, I managed to get quite a bit of observing done, starting with Alpha Centauri (splitting the stars) - then NGC4755, the Moon, NGC6530, M22, the Butterfly Cluster, NGC6441, and Jupiter. I've never seen so many objects in a single night. It's partly thanks to the aperture of the scope, but mostly thanks to the use of Stellarium! ;)

Jupiter was really something else. At first I could only see the two main cloud bands but after a while I could see four or five bands, as well as the dark spot in the lower atmosphere. I even tried my hand at taking a photograph of the planet afocally using my little Canon 40D, which worked out okay.

I'm a happy chappy. If only dark skies weren't so far away...

[stephenb]

Hi Matt,

Well done mate! You sound stoked :thumbsup: Who says you can't to astrophotography with a Dob. Albeit it's basic camera work, Dob owners can produce beautiful images. Many will critices the Moon I never get tired to seeing it. And I love that Jupiter image. :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[mac]

Thanks Stephen! Yep, I'm really happy with the scope, and the fact that some of the sky's brighter objects can be photographed with it. I can't wait to get it somewhere without light pollution to see how it performs.

[shane.mcneil]

Hi Matt,

I just bought the same Telescope as yours. It is great, and my family and I are enjoying the night sky. All the best with it.

Shane

[GrahamL]

great stuff Matt:thumbsup:

[Paddy]

congratulations Matt, hope you have many happy nights with your new scope!

[Robh]

Matt,

A memorable beginning for you.
Every night out with your new DOB will be an adventure and every view will inspire.
Enjoy the sights!

Regards, Rob

[telecasterguru]

Matt,

The 10" dobs are great and I hope you get as much pleasure out of yours as I get out of mine.
By the way, great first images.

Frank

[picklesrules]

dude the moon is awesome :) loving it, great photo of Jupiter too

[mac]

Thanks everyone!

Just a quick question: how much planning do you do before an observing session? ie, do you decide which objects you're going to look at beforehand, or do you just 'wing' it?

[Robh]

If I'm going solo and looking for new objects, I'll plan a viewing list beforehand that is sorted by constellation. Usually, I never get through all the objects as you always find something extra you weren't specifically looking for.
When I've got a group of newcomers, I'll usually just "wing it" and show them whatever bright and spectacular objects are there at the time.

Regards, Rob

[Kevnool]

Congrats Matt enjoy that scope,look after it well and it will give you viewing pleasure for many years to come.

Cheers Kev.