Introduction, and a couple of questions

[ArcaneMagik]

Hi all,

Been a little bit of a lurker, but finally decided that if I am ever going to learn while making as few mistakes as possible I need to get involved.

I have always been a bit of a fan for astronomy and space as a kid and this has lead me to where I am now. I was given a pair of 7x50 binoculars for a Christmas by my very sensible parents, which were used to hop around the sky looking at the few objects I knew without any real guide. Loved the theory side, and excelled but never knew what I was doing in the practical side.

Recently I had a bit of a reflection of my life so far, and realised I wasn't doing anything I loved or wanted. I got back into Astronomy and took my binocular out for a spin around the night sky. I enjoyed it immensely, and can really say it's my first adult hobby of any real note.

Decided that my love worn binoculars were not going to cut it any more; I recently purchased my first telescope, an 8" dob from the nice people over at Bintel. That was after a serious amount of reading online about best beginner scopes, including quiet a few posts on this place.

Taken the scope out a few time, and slowly getting use to it.

And that's now why I am here. I need some advice and rather than just looking for the answer I can use it to say hi.

The Bintel scope came with 3 eyepieces, and while hunting DSOs they do great. I am wanting to check out the planets, and currently with a max magnification of around 133x they are a little on the smallish side.

I assume I need a Barlow lens to check them out in any real detail. Should I be getting a 2x or 3x Barlow? Is it better to spend more on this now, rather than later?

Since I am getting comfortable with my telescope, is there any other items I should be thinking about adding to my collection at this time?

(I hope those are the right questions to ask)

[M54]

Hi arcanemagik,

:welcome: to IIS.

I believe all questions are the right ones to ask.:D

I am a learner at this game too. Someone with more knowledge will be able to answer your question regarding magnification for the planets.

My first purchase to add to the eyepieces that came with my scope was a 32mm Televue plossl (bought with a gift voucher) and I am very happy with my choice. The next thing on my list is a 2x Televue barlow.

You've certainly made the right choice getting involved with this mob.
They are an amazing group of people and always ready and willing to help.

Molly:)

[Sarge]

Welcome Craig. You will get plenty of advice regarding eyepieces from more experienced members than me. The range is almost unlimited, from $50 plossols to $900 Ethos and plenty inbetween. Together with buying new eyepieces consider purchasing a Telrad, it really makes finding objects easier. Also a couple of software freebees, Stellarium and Tonight Sky Planner. I find both essential to assist and plan observing sessions.

Good luck.


Rod :hi:

[Suzy]

Welcome Craig! :welcome: :hi::hi:

You should have a look at a thread I posted a few days ago, "the best 5mm under $200. It's a pretty informative read. I too am in your shoes looking for a good planetary ep. I wasn't happy with my 10mm that came with my dob purchase- just wasn't cutting it with the planets.

Get the barlow, but get to know your eye pieces first. A good start up would be 10, 15, 25 and a 30ish. Do the math on the barlow magnification to make sure you don't double up on ep's. My 25mm is the most used and favourite. A 30mm ultra wide angle is fantastic for sweeping the sky with to find things; then when you find something, you can up the power to observe. Don’t give up on your bino’s- they’ll still be your best friend and come in very handy with your telescope. Nothing beats the simplicity and ease of just getting out there with the binos instead of drag scope and equipment out. Very relaxing and no cleaning up. Here is a link for bino targets – have a go with your dob as well. The Beehive cluster just above Mars looks amazing at the moment!

http://www.lightandmatter.com/binosky/binosky.html

.What you’re after is a planetary eye piece. A 45deeg fov Ortho’s) one would not be so good for a dob as it would be too hard to manually track. Good eyepieces can tend to be a bit expensive as you will see in my thread. If you want the best view on the planet (contrast & detail) don't barlow it. Barlow it if you just want it more magnified and you don't care if you lose a bit of quality. The more glass you add (barlows and wide angles, the more light you lose = less detail).

Your eyes will adjust to taking in detail in no time. Your eyes need to learn to see the detail in these objects. Dark adapt your eyes first (20mts). I’ve only been doing this for 4 months, and now I can spot star clusters and nebulas with my naked eye! Also, learn the art of averted vision, if you haven’t done so already- images will pop up with more contrast.

Astronomy 2010 book is an invaluable guide- Andrews communication’s online are selling it for $20 incl. postage (normally $30). A planishpere is very handy, and so is computer software programmes such as Starry Skies and Stellarium (this one is free). You will also need lots of Aeroguard, a red light torch, a stool to sit on, :cheers: alcohol (keeps us warm and gives good company, it does, it just does!– gets awfully lonely out there you know), )and a partner that doesn’t care that you find the sky more interesting than her! :argue: My hubby's just glad to shut me up and chuck me out there so he only has to deal with 500 words out of my mouth that night.

The people in this forum are a great bunch, and there is never a silly question to ask, we all had to start by learning. We enjoy helping others who are as fascinated with this stuff as we are.

Happy telescoping!:astron:

[ArcaneMagik]

Thanks for the reply everyone.

I have a few of those already with the red light torch, Astronomy 2010 (which I love) and the planisphere.

It sounds like 2 good eyepieces are in order. Time to read up and comprehend what I am going to be purchasing.

I was thinking a telrad, or fixing the mount for my finder scope... it moves.

[astroron]

What a great reply Suzy:), not much can be added to that:thumbsup:

[mjeremy]

Hi I see your in Sydney - but you don't say where.

I've found over time that the most important things are the level of light pollution you have and the surrounding objects on the ground that disturb your 'seeing' because they give off heat at night.

If your willing to go out to dark sites with good seeing or your lucky enough to live somewhere devoid of streetlights and heat sources (neighbours roofs etc) then upping the mag with a barlow isn't an issue because there is lots of light and contrast anyway. If you intend to only observe from your back yard and you have seeing and light pollution issues then increased mag just shows you how bad the seeing really is.

The Jet stream which also finds itself over Sydney on occasions can destroy your seeing as it churns up the higher level air.

My suggestion - see if you can hook up with a local Astro Club and ask the local members what you can expect from the seeing conditions - which will over time influence your choice of EPs in terms of Mag and how much light you are going to get will determine whether you can stack a big barlow in front of the EP

HTH

Mike