[gazob (Garry)]

Im new to this, saw a small dob on ozbargain a couple of weeks back and thought that would make a cool Christmas present, then started reading and about to buy something like a 10"dob.

Discussed with my wife and she is pretty interested as well, isn't freaked out by comments like "could always build an observatory where the kids old cubb house sits" so I think shes well and truly on board for the journey.

We live right on the edge of Sunbury so we get relatively dark skies, there isn't too much in the way of lights over our back fence.

Now to the couple of questions.

Apart from the telescope, lets assume 10" dob at this point, what other equipment is essential, very useful, and nice to have as a beginner. What books / charts fall in to the same categories. Worth noting we are both technically literate and have laptops, ipads and android tablets if digital is a better option for some of these.

Unless I am missing something there aren't any societies "close" by. The Melbourne group is based in Bentleigh which is the better part of an hour away, and the Bendigo group is an easier drive but 1.5 hours away. Would be both interested in getting along for a look before Christmas and first setup, and possibly joining for the learning and social aspects but the distance and time is an issue.

anyway, im sure ill be back posting noobie questions in the future.

GaZ