Hi Brian - thanks, yes I'm aware, although not (yet) a member of the AST. I'm currently doing their introductory course, although the first night of the course was hampered by complete cloud cover
Incidentally, on the subject of clouds, can anyone tell me if there is a seasonality associated with cloud formation? It seems that the last few weeks have been very claggy, just wondering if it's a spring thing?
Anyway - I took the plunge and ordered the 12" dob! I'd pretty much already settled on this anyway several weeks ago after plenty of research, just the 8"er tempted me at the last minute with tracking. My new baby arrives at the end of this week or more likely early next week, courtesy of Andrews Comms.
Can anyone recommend a good beginner/intermediate sky atlas? I'm not sure I want to splash out on the full Uranometria/Nortons/Millennium for $200-300
I'm considering either
Atlas of the Southern Skies or
Night Sky Observers Guide vol 3. Can anyone comment on the quality/worth of these two? Or suggest something better? I have Stellarium/Cartes du Ciels, but I prefer the feel of paper in my fingers, and would rather not be forced to use the laptop.