Hello Everyone

[Polmear]

Hello everyone.

I've finally decided to do something serious about astronomy, after fiddling around the edges for about 20 years.

Figuring I might run into some difficulties along the way, I thought it might be nice to seek out some friendly people who might be able to answer any questions that may arise.

After I headed over to sci.astro.amateur and discovered how much spam was there I thought there must be some web based forums that are better moderated. So here I am and I've already picked up on DSS which is the sort of program I was looking for.

I haven't got past DSLR on tripod yet, as per the recent AS&T article, but I do have red acetate film over my netbook screen, so that's as sophisticated as it gets just yet. I have a nice dark sky location and it would be inexcusable to not put it to good use.

Tim.

[Octane]

Welcome aboard, Tim. :)

H

[DavidU]

Welcome Tim, lots to learn here.

[ballaratdragons]

Hi Tim, welcome.

Hopefully you will be able to hook up with some other Amateur Astronomers (whether from here or elsewhere) and get some assistance or just company in learning this great hobby.
It can be a lonely hobby, so the opportunity to observe or even image with others is great.

Where are you located? Their may be some members close by that you could observe with :thumbsup:

[leon]

Welcome Tim, you have come to the right place for any advice/friendship you may ever need. :thumbsup:

This place is a wealth of knowledge, from the beginners to the high rollers so to speak.

Enjoy your time here and we hope to see some of your work as you progress along this most enjoyable hobby.

Leon :thumbsup:

[Polmear]

Unlikely :rolleyes:
I'm living in Pingrup WA. 50km south of Lake Grace. Who knows, there might be some observers in Lake Grace.

Pingrup is a very small town ~200 people, no shops, no fuel, no worries, so, quite isolated.

Tim.

[ZeroID]

So also no ( or at least very little ) Light Pollution .. a huge benefit !! :D

Welcome aboard, .. join the Lunartics, Star Hoppers and Nebulae Chasers that inhabit this place.

[jjjnettie]

Hi Tim, nice to meet you.
We look forward to sharing your astronomical journey with you.

[Iceaxe]

Hi Tim,:welcome:


Like you, I'm fairly new to astronomy.

Well I Googled Pingrup WA, and my standard line might be a hard due to distance, but I will suggest it any way.

Can I suggest joining a club / society (at least check it out).
The info you'll pick up is extremely helpful, there is more to astronomy that looking in telescopes, stuff like :- Spectrograph, Collimation, ect. The wealth of knowledge and experience of the members is great.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/clublistings.html

Some club have loan telescopes (that's how I learnt dods mount was easy, and my friend's equatorial mount frustrating).

Mt Barker (about 2-3hrs away) or Perth mmm wellll.

Don't race off and buy a telescope just yet. Get your -
Planisphere (I like Quasar Publishing [blue & white] with Planet Finder card),
Red light torch (dual beam LED light is better),
A good reliable compass,
A comfortable chair preferably one you can lean back in,
Find a safe spot were your not effected by too much light pollution (or face away from it),
And enjoy.

Other things you may wish to use are-
A good set of Binoculars,
and maybe download Stellarium (is a free open source planetarium for your computer. It shows a realistic sky in 3D, just like what you see with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope)

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.

On the bright side the skies over Pingrup WA must be perfect.

Hopefully I was able to help you.

Regards

Joe ( Iceaxe )

[Polmear]

Thanks Iceaxe,

I've been sitting on the fence for too long. I have a cheapie department store telescope that has some really sub-par eyepieces that I think spoilt my fun, though it was capable of resolving the Galilean moons.

What's sparked my interest again was doing the tripod astrophotography.

Your advice about not buying a telescope yet comes a little too late as I have already placed an order with Bintel. That may arrive this week I hope.

Stellarium is a good program for seeing what's up. I used to use Distant Suns on the Amiga.

Mt Barker isn't too far away if they are having an event of interest, but for monthly meetings or whatever they have - who knows. It is a bit of a hike.

Tim

[garyp]

hi Tim welcome to IIS. I havent posted for a while but
I read your post and thought something sounds familiar. I live in NZ now, but I used to work at West river. Do you know the area? The skys are very dark and clear there, I loved it.

Cheers

Gary:)

[Ric]

Welcome to IIS Tim.

I hope you have a great time here with us.

[Jen]

:hi::hi::hi: gday Tim welcome to IIS

Im sure the guys around here will take good care of you :D

[Polmear]

Hello Gary
I have only seen West River on the map, but I was aware there were some reserves and National Parks out that way so I hope to get over there some time.