Old fart newbie

[NCC-2893]

Hey all. Johns the name. Just aquired a scope through a buddy of mine getting crook and he cant get outside much now, so he's pushing me into taking over from him. Must say after a couple weeks of fine weather I'm starting to get the bug. And they reckon you can't teach old dogs new tricks.I've always enjoyed looking at the sky through binos so this is next logical step. Hope I can pump you good people for info without being to much of a nuisance. Well I guess that was post number one. Thanks again.

[mbyrr]

Hi John welcome to IIS, one newbie to another. Don't forget your compass and Stellarium (http://www.stellarium.org/), or else you'll upset the locals with incorrect directions (take it from someone who knows, gadzooks!). :D

[erick]

Hi John and welcome. :thumbsup: What are your skies like? Are you out of town? What's the scope? See, we have more questions than answers! :D

[brian nordstrom]

:welcome: John , this is a great place for any newby , lots of kind astro , knowledgeable people here that wont hesitate to help you on the first steps to learning how our universe works .. :thumbsup: .
Take you time is the best for now , dont over load your self . Baby steps mate .
Most of all enjoy.
Hope your mate gets better soon .
Brian.

[brian nordstrom]

:lol: ha ha , me old mate ' lost in space ' did you see the eclipse tonight ?
Thats EAST ..:rofl: , see one small step ...... WEST is behind that ,, woaw 2 small steps .. :hi: .
Brian.

[mbyrr]

Nah mate, it was pouring here and blowing a gale unfortunately! :(

But got I my Backyard Astronomer's Guide arrived yesterday, looks like a great book for newbies and those "lost in space"! :thumbsup:

[ZeroID]

Hi John and :welcome: from another old fart. I've gotten back into Astronomy after a long break ( ~ 40+ years !! ) and enjoying it immensely as a challenge and learning experience. Ask away, anything you like. You'll get good advice and helpful answers and pointers. Just watch out and avoid the dreaded aperture fever or you'll be spending big $$$ real fast and as for astrophotography where I'm going ( sinking !! ) that's another whole ball park.
But it's fun... :thumbsup:

Brian, Mbyrr: Sky was clearish in Auckland for the eclipse, stayed up till 11:40 and took about 50 frames but they are hazy. I'll process the RAWs tonight and post in Astrophotog section if anything worthwhile shows.