[pete_pumpkin (Pete)]

Hi, I'm new to this forum - New to astronomy aswell.

This probably sounds a bit funny but yeah my interest in astronomy probably began a few months back when I mate of mine at work started talking about the 2012 Mayan callander and how the world was going to end etc. I thought this was interesting so I started to look up info about this prediction on youtube. As well as this so called 'conspiracy', I came across all sorts of stuff, including the possibility of alien bases on the moon. Funny stuff ehh? Yeah maybe, but all this stuff recindled my interest in space. I've always loved science so I think astronomy for me is just another thing to discover.

Ok so I'm over my initial excitment with the aliens thing. What I've since discovered is that there is so much to astronomy - learning about constellations etc

Anyway I've had my telescope for about a week now - it's a 8" skywatcher collapsible dob.

First light wasn't up to my expectations, but this was mainly due to me not knowing how to comfortably move the telescope. Since then I think I'm slowly learning how to use it. The first night I ended up with such a sore back looking through the finderscope. I only knew two constellations, orion and the crux. And I found saturn as well. Saturn was pretty exciting, but still I din't feel comfortable using it. Duh, I since realised a nice comfy chair is the way to go for a good viewing.

Anyway my mate had a party the other night and asked if I could bring my nice shiny scope over to the party.

I was amazed as a lineup formed around me as I zoomed in on the moon. Every body was amazed at the craters etc. The same with Saturn. Yeah after that night I felt really good that a dozen or so people had the opportunity to see something they would normally not see. Most of these people were in therir early 20's, so I guess another bonus - maybe they'll go on and find an interest in astronomy? Eitherway it was a great night.

So yeah that's pretty much it. I obviously need to learn a lot more; I just bought a book about the constellations which is really good. What I have noticed is that I'm starting to get the 'buy more stuff' bug. Better eypieces etc

Pete