hello from melbourne

[meal]

Hi everyone!

I am a newbie to the forum (and to astronomy). Like many newbies, I am dying to get myself a good set of telescopes, but seems like the more I read and the more I get into this, the more I found advice of getting to know the stars first unaided or with binoculars rather than jumping straight to telescopes. Can anyone recommend me a good set of binoculars?

I also have been reading Nightwatch and what a great practical source!

I would love to be able to meet other newbies and seasoned pros alike, because my childlike fire in me is about to explode :) I know Melbourne sky has been very cloudy for some time now, though. If anyone lives near St Kilda, it will be ace!

Thanks everyone!

[desler]

He Kamil and welcome to the forum!


There are plenty of internet resources to assist you in learning the night sky. There are a couple great articles here in the projest and articles section on buying your first telescope and generally starting out in this wonderful past time!

From St Kilda, have a look at the asv site, I'm pretty sure they have public viewing nights and I'm pretty sure they still run a loan telescope program for new members, maybe worth a look.

I have no affiliation with either company, but I bought my first set of Bino's and first couple of scopes from Andrews Communications in Sydney. Bintel in Bourke Road, Camberwell also has an expansive range of products and pretty good advice! Once again,

Whatever you end up doing, enjoy and lets hope for some clear skies.


Darren

[torana68]

I started with a 60 mm refractor, never really had the urge to use bynos if a 'scope was available (bit like taking a hyundai to lygon street when you have a Monaro in the shed) . Dont buy a cheap telescope you will blow your money, have a long read of posts here and you should be on the right track. Have a chat to the local club and see what works in melouurnes glow, but your probably looking for at least an 8" newtonian (on a dobsonian mount) used can be a good choice.....

[astro_nutt]

Hi Kamil and welcome to IIS
Just to let you Know the Astronomical Society Of Victoria is holding a viewing night at the St Kilda Marina at 6.30 pm tonight 15/08/10 weather permitting of course!
Cheers!

[meal]

aaaaah noooooo! i just arrived from the city and my legs are like jelly from walking too much :) i think i will have to miss this one. but do you know where i can see their calender of activity that non-members can join?

also, does anyone know when we will have clear night sky?? i have learned a thing or two from Nightwatch and want to try and see the sky :)

[meal]

oh sorry i just went to asv website and they have a calendar there, but looks like most is for members only, no?

(sorry moderator for this double post)

[Iceaxe]

Hi Kamil:welcome:

Here is my two cents. Like you, I'm fairly new to astronomy.

Like the others said join a club (at least check it out). The info you'll pick up is mind blowing, there is more to astronomy that looking in telescopes, stuff like :- Spectrograph ect. The wealth of knowledge and experience of the members is great. Some club have loan telescopes (that's how I learnt dods mount was easy, and my friend's equatorial mount frustrating).

Binos or telescope it pays to deal with an Optical shop (most of them are astronomers their advice very helpful), as apposed to a non optical (dept type) stores who sell camping equipment ect as well as optical stuff.

If you get a dobsonian you need to think :-
Collapsible or Truss type - easy to transport ect.
Solid Tube - can be mounted on an equatorial goto type mount.

For me 10" dobsonian (solid), mid next year EQ6 Pro mount (by then I would have leant enough from the club to understand it, & not get frustrated), by the end of next year astrophotography.

Hopefully I was able to help you.

Regards

Joe ( Iceaxe ) :astron:

Member of SOUTHERN ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY Qld

[Piers]

Hi Kamil,

Welcome aboard. I too am a novice and get every chance I can to look at the stars. The gang here provide a lot of assistance so don't be afraid to ask questions! I'm up the road in Port Melbourne so it's good to see a local join the ranks. Unfortunately the light pollution here is terrible but we make do with what we've got!

Cheers,

Piers