[ngcles]

Hi Jessica,

Congratulations on your find and it seems like it left quite an impression on you -- as it should. Saturn is simply spell-binding in virtually any 'scope and some of the best views I've had of it was with my old 10" many, many moons ago when it was high in our southern skies. It's heading our way again! Virgo soon, then Libra, then ... Woohooo!!!

Don't be in a huge rush on those eyepiece/barlow purchases. Join an astronomical society if there is one nearby, go to one/several of their field nights and spend a little time having a look through other people's eyepieces.

The most important rule in eyepieces is that it is much better to buy a few high-quality ones than a bucket-full of mediocre ones. If it means one-at-a-time then so be it. This is better than than realising in 6 months time what you bought cheap is going to need upgrading (again).

Spend a little time trying out other peoples eyepieces. Lots of other amateurs at field night and star-parties will let you try their eyepieces for a few minutes in your 'scope just to see how it is -- if you ask nicely!

Take time to work out what you want/need/can afford, save a bit of extra cash and then make some wise choices.

In the meantime enjoy what you've got and keep observing !!


Best,

Les D