What do you usually observe?

[space lover]

Well, since Im a noobie Astronomer Im not as experienced as most of you so I just wanted to know what you usually observe.

I usually just observe the moon and stars. I don't exactly know which stars im observing since I don't know all the consellations(I only know some) :lol:

[RB]

Usually I observe the moon and planets (whichever ones are up).
I'm slowly moving into other deep sky objects (DSO's).

There's so much to choose from. :)

[mick pinner]

the type of scope you have will determine what you can see clearly, l have a 12" lx 200 which will show deep space objects as well as solar system objects so l tend to cover the lot at different times.
with the scope you have l would settle for the moon and some of the brighter planets, eg - mars, jupiter, saturn although don't expect a lot of detail, be careful of the magnification quoted for your scope in reality it will be about 100x max.

[davidpretorius]

moon is great all the time, but seems to have more contrast when it is not full. planets are great at the moment. venus is a crescent shape at around 8.30 in the west, mars red and north at around 9.30pm, saturn rises in the east around 11.30, and jupiter is rising around 3am.

the iron pot is a great target, the handle is the best thing, won't spoil it, see if you work it out. it is about half way up in the east at around 10pm.

south is lovely for the milky way. have a real good huny there, for clusters and nebula.

it is a life long project that is sooooo much fun!!!

[ballaratdragons]

Usually I observe Galaxies in the Virgo Cluster (when it's up) and the Fornax Cluster. I don't know why they call it the 'Fornax Cluster' as 90% of the Fornax Galaxies are in Eridanus!

I also usually have a look at the common favourites: Orion Nebula, Tarantula Nebula, 47Tuc (globular cluster), the Moon, whichever Planets are in view, Plieadies (I can't spell it, but I can look at it), and a few others.

I spend other non-usual nights searching out new goodies! This is one hobby that doesn't wear out. There is no-one alive who can say "I've seen it all!"

[space lover]

You all observe great things and I can't wait to start on them.

I would just like to know, how do I find the plants such as Mars and Saturn.
Would they be visible from Canberra?




So true, so true.

[ballaratdragons]

Yep, you bet!

Mars is the orange-looking 'star' in the north sky and Venus is the very bright 'star' in the west. Saturn is a bit harder, it is a pale yellowish white 'star' in the East.

The main thing that makes Planets a bit easier to find amongst the stars is that Planets don't twinkle. Stars do!

I hope that helps to get you started.

[space lover]

Thanks a lot for the help ballaratdragons, thats gonna help me a lot :)
Well Im of to explore the skys :lol:

[ballaratdragons]

I'm good at giving simple directions. Don't ask me any hard stuff or I can't help LOL!

Ask any of us when you need help.

[ving]

hi space lover :hi:

gee! what a question!

I tend to set my self litle goals for an observing session. nothing big...

I start off with some familiar sights like mars, the orion nebula and some bright stars. then i move off to whatever goals I have set for the night, these could be splitting double stars or hunting galaxies (which is really hard from my backyard :)) then finish on some more familiar stars and nebulas.

at the mo i spend a fair bit of time splitting double and multiple stars :)

[johnno]

Hi All,
SPACE LOVER,
Welcome to Ice In Space,
I am sure you will get all the info,you will need here.
I would also suggest to you,that you try and get a Planisphere,and perhaps a monthly magazine devoted to AUSTRALIAN SKIES.
There are also many programs for the computer,that display the night sky from YOUR location,so you can track objects as they progress through the night.
My Favourite is the free version of "Starry Night",which to me, as a learner also,is great as it displays the sky as you would see it naked eye.

Happy new year.
Regards.
John

[ballaratdragons]

Ali,

Here is an easy way to find the Orion Nebula. Use the diagrams below to help you.

Face North East. Look half way between the horizon and straight up. You should see the constellation called 'Orion' in Diagram 1.

Diagram 2 shows you the basic shape of Orion and which stars are involved. Notice how the middle section looks like the shape of a Saucepan.

Diagram 3 Look at the Saucepan shape. The handle of the saucepan is made up of 3 'stars'. Look at the middle 'star' I have circled.

That is the 'Orion Nebula'. Cool huh?

P.S. These star diagrams are not exact but pretty close for finding Orion Neb.

[ving]

yup, that is cool ken :)

[johnno]

An extremly good explaination,and diagrams Ken,

Happy new year.
Regards.
John

[ballaratdragons]

LOL! Maybe I should write this book for people like me who can't follow the usual technical directions!

[jjjnettie]

Hi Space Lover,
Welcome to IIS.
A good program to download for free is The Ultimate Messier Object Log ( TUMOL ) It will give you a list of beaut stuff to look for. You can print out maps and also see photos of what you are looking for. I'm still working my way through the Messier list.
Virtual Moon is another very good program.
Don't forget to check out the library for some good astronomy books. The Night Sky by Steve Massey is a good start.

[RAJAH235]

Space lover, get yourself a 'Chandler' large version, planisphere from 'Bintel'. ~$22.
As noted by MickP, you will never get 525 x mag out of your 2.36" t'scope. General rule is 50 x the aperture in inches. eg; 2 x 50 = 100x mag. (visual).
Virtual Moon Atlas is here >
http://www.astrosurf.com/avl/UK_index.html
If you ain't on BB, may I suggest the 'light' or 'basic' versions.
Cartes du Ciel is here > http://www.stargazing.net/astropc/
Great prog.
Also free monthly sky charts here >http://www.skymaps.com/
HTH. :D L.
ps. Don't forget the extras.
pps. Nice finder chart & directions, Ken. Now I can see it....:P

[space lover]

Thanks a lot for the help guys.



Unfortunately I was unsucceful in finding Mars and Saturn last night. Mainly becasue of the damn street lights (they were so annoying) but I think I found Venus :)

[hogly52]

When viewing is possible, my usual hunt has been for the Messier objects. The range of objects has been fascinating, and the hunt is often challenging. I think the "challenge" component has added a lot of enjoyment to the hobby, and you feel a sense of achievement when you finally find your target.

My usual guide has been "Cartes du Ciel", found via Google, from which I prepare maps, and identify my next challenges. These star charts are very handy in hunting down your objective, (no matter what the celestial object), and providing the visual guides to finding it in the night sky. ;)

Good Luck, and happy hunting,
Graeme

[astro_south]

Welcome to this corner of the universe Space Lover

I prefer the hunt for deep sky objects (objects outside our soloar system) and I particularly like planetary nebula and globular clusters. Many globs have very individual characteristcs that really stand out with the aid of mid to large apertures. Galaxies are also high on my list too and I really chase and enjoy the views that have a number of galaxies in the one eyepiece field. I also enjoy the view of close multiple stars and to a lesser degree open clusters. I do peek at the planets occasionally (Saturn and Jupiter are definites) and the moon, but I don't usually set up my scope just for these.

[Stu]

Mostly I observe clouds. :nerd:

When I'm not doing that I'm observing open clusters. I find the different colours of stars the most fascinating. My favorite is the jewel box in crux (crux is the "real" name for the southern cross).

[RAJAH235]

My favourites are the planetary nebula. Eta Carina is my #1. On 1 or 3 'good' nights, I've been well over 200 x mag & clearly seen the detail in the dark speckled clouds on both ends of the Homunculus. Simply amazing stuff.
I also like going thru the Globular clusters. To think that each of these objects can contain anything up to 1 meg + stars, makes the mind boggle.
Just do what Ken says, "look up & enjoy".
Regards, L. :D
A safe and HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.

[Kieken]

I usualy stick to planetary nebulas, globular clusters and galaxies. Open clusters, other kinds of nebulas and planets are observed as well but not with the same enthusiasm :).

[ving]

and the neighbours... yes, mustn't forget the nieghbours ;)

[gaa_ian]

Welcome Spacelover
Hope you are starting to find your way round the night sky !
Deep space is the place for me, Galaxies & nebulas are my Favourite.
I presume you have already linked up with the Canberra Astro Socity, by your Logo.
I am sure they will show you loads of stuff.

[dhumpie]

Welcome to this fascinating hobby that will feed your imagination :) Like astro_south I am a planetary nebula and globular cluster lover as they all look different in mid to large apertures (and they are observable even from suburbia!). But they are fascinating even in small scopes (I observe heaps with my Orion 80ST which has just an 80mm objective). Galaxies are fun too but we reserve them for dark sky visits where they look best.....

Anyway you got some good suggestions....start with the best and brightest open clusters and of course the Eta Carina and Orion Nebula. They are well placed for viewing now.

Oh and Happy New Year.

Darren

[Stu]

You're funny...
:lol: :rofl:

[edosaurus_rex]

Currently I'm hooked on Double/Multiple stars but had a load of fun with globulars amd planetaries. I'll observe the Moon when it is too bright for the above deep sky stuff.



Ed

N32.75 W97.65

[mickoking]

G,day Space Lover,

I am very much a visual deep sky observer and I will look at what ever takes my fancy. Sometimes I will plan my nights and other times I will take the scopes out for a casual view of familiar object's (one's I can find with out an atlas).

Astronomy is a great hobby in a world of turmoil, the stars dont judge.

Chill :)

[ving]

please dont encourage my bad behavior ;)

my sugestion space lover (if you re after one) would be to get a star atlas of some sortand aim for one costellation. takle everything in that constellation including stars, doubles, planets if any and DSOs.... take notes if you want.
move on to the next constellation :)

it'll take a life time :)