The southern cross (Crux) is the smallest constilation in the sky at 104 sq degrees and its way to big even for binoculars so don't expect to be able to navigate easily, there are just to many stars .
Get a good star atlas and planesphere .
Like most newbys like you , you expect it to be easy , but sorry to say ,,, its not and it takes time to learn the sky , just start at Crux and from there the 2 pointer's ( a and b Centatui ) and so on learning the bright stars visable for this time of year , but in 3-4 months it would have changed a bit but don't worry , learn some more and it just takes time .
Astronomy is the hobby for a lifetime so take your time learning using just your naked eye , the stars aint going anywhere .
Brian.
Quote:
Originally Posted by zultan
Thanks for the info everyone. Yes, the main issue is that I'm having real trouble navigation the night sky, even at a 'spotter' magnififcation I can't identify something obvious like the southern cross is beyond me - even through a set of binos.
(that said even the GT mount can be found cheapily, with the hand-controller included. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Celestron-Te...-/281274860276 ) |