Beginner's speech (ramblings?)

[gmi101]

Hi All, I didn't realise I caused such a commotion last night being the 8000th member. Just registered and thought I would post tonight. When I arrived home I had messages of welcome and informing me of the state of affairs and encouraging me to make a "speech" (thanks to Suzy and Tony). I must admit to being a lurker for some time now and I would like to say :thanx: to the many people who have posted their thoughts and information which I have drawn upon in the last few months.

I have followed the advice of joining an Astronomical society (Canberra) and attended meetings and viewing nights before making a purchase. This I did recently, obtaining a 12" GSO dob from Andrews. I took my car to make sure it fit across the back seat. I had a whole 15mm left each side!!!! It came with 5 EPs, 8 x 50 right angle finderscope and is just fantastic. Also picked up a 2x Barlow, laser collimator and red dot finder so I'm as happy as a pig in muck. Just need some more clear skies now although this week saw my first Jupiter transit with Io and the GRS!

I've waited probably 25 years to get a telescope and I can't wait to share the experience around so I've already organised myself to go to the local scout group next week and help some of them obtain their astronomer badge by putting on a viewing night. Anyway thanks again to all and looking forward to listening and sharing in the future. Cheers Michael.

[h0ughy]

well congrats - were you lurking for a while or just found the site and thought i better join? it was worth the wait for the scope........

[gmi101]

Thanks David. I have lurked for a few months now and thought I should probably register and acknowledge everyone for their unknowing help which I've appreciated so much, and who knows, I may be able to contribute something as well. It's a great site and must contribute a massive amount to the amateur community. Michael.

[Suzy]

:hi: Hi Michael and a very warm :welcome: to you, *drum roll* our :cool: 8,000th :cool:member!
You celebrity you!

Well, I see you've done all the right things:-

:cool2: Research our forum threads before buying ... tick
:cool2: Spent time at club meets before purchasing ... tick
:cool2: Making sure scope fits in car before purchasing ... tick
:cool2: A dob for ease of use, being a beginner ... tick
:cool2: Largest aperture one can afford/handle ... tick
:cool2: A Variety of eyepieces in different focal lengths... tick
:cool2: Useful accessories ... tick

And all this from lurking and we didn't even need to strike a key on the keyboard to help you :whistle:(not that we would have minded). :) It really does pay to read, read, read through our forums doesn't it. I read as much as I could by drawing on the incredible wealth of knowledge that is so readily available on here before I purchased my first scope. I have never been part of any sort of forum before and was a bit shy, but soon enough after asking questions and posting, do you know what I found out? This community has such a great bunch of people - never tiring to answer the same questions over and over again, help in any way possible and are so supportive when we get excited of even the simplest of things. It is true what they say.. Astronomy is the greatest supported hobby around and this hobby attracts the most sincerest, helpful people (we all noted that point in the chat room the other night - we had a teary moment). So you see Michael ...you're amongst great company. ;) :)

Congratulations Michael on your fabulous scope package purchase - you've done really well. :thumbsup:
And thank you by the way for making your speech. :D

[Paddy]

Hi and welcome, Michael. It's great to hear of your passion and a passion well supported by research! The best way to get the most out of astronomy. I look forward to reading about you discoveries as you prowl the skies with your new scope. 12" dob - what a great way to be able to begin!

[astroron]

:hi:Mike and:welcome:, weither you observe alone or in a group you will find that Astronomy is a very fulfilling hobby:D
I hope we hear more from you in the future:thumbsup:

[GTB_an_Owl]

thankyou for being #8000 Michael
as it turned out, it was a very entertaining (and amusing) wait for you to register.
I was hoping that #8000 would turn up before we got to the 100 posts mark in the thread.

anyway - a big welcome from me also

geoff

[Ric]

Hi Mike and welcome to the group.

It sounds like you have done your research and got yourself a very nice scope.

Cheers

[barx1963]

Well done Mike! The 12" GSO is a great choice, I love mine. Good to see you spreading the good word also.

[gmi101]

Thanks to all for your warm welcomes and comments. Another cloudy night coming up for Canberra tonight but did manage to get an hour in last night and managed to observe Uranus for the first time. Now for Neptune! Set myself the challenge of observing the Messier list of objects as my first major goal. Twelve down, 98 to go!

[barx1963]

You will probably find that only 100 are visible here down south, I have 7 to go, all tough and low. Good luck with it.