[Dez]

Hi all

I thought it’s about time I posted after already spending many hours sifting through new and old posts here! I have for a long time, most of my life really, had a strong interest in astronomy and have for many years planned to buy that ‘dream’ telescope I saw so often in the Astronomy magazines. After discovering IceInSpace a couple of months ago (read an article in the Central Coast Express Advocate), reading many posts, looking at all the great photos members have taken, as well as noting how relatively affordable telescopes are nowadays, I’ve decided to - ‘just do it’ - and get back into it in a much more active way! While that may sound simple and straight forward, I have over the past couple of months needed to groom the wife into understanding the need, value and benefits of owning a decent telescope… Believe me, not an easy task, but I gotta say it went well enough, to the point that I have received provisional permission to start looking!! Time to now start considering the options….

I have only owned one telescope before, a 60x700mm refractor from memory. I’m guessing many are familiar with how much of the universe these babies open up! So needless to say, my experience with this has been very average. My main interests at the moment are DSO’s but will definitely want to explore everything closer to home too. I would also like to get into astrophotography in the not too distant future, think I need to take things in small steps though, so thinking visual observing to start with.

As for equipment, while that dream telescope I’ve mention earlier was always a 12” LX200, I think that may be a bit of overkill at the moment and not realistic for many reasons! Looking around and reading as much as possible, I am thinking GSO/BinTel Dob would be a good start, either 10” or 12”. I have a few questions around this but may start another post in the equipment section as I guessing this would be more appropriate.

Anyway, just thought I’d say G’day and let people know of my appreciation for all the info being shared on this amazingly informative site/forum. I’ll definitely have plenty of questions to ask and hopefully may be able to contribute to others not too far in the future!

And keep those astro pics coming too….

Cheers
Dez