View Single Post
  #4  
Old 16-12-2011, 02:30 PM
niko's Avatar
niko
Registered User

niko is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Posts: 1,053
G'day Jake and welcomeBest to get yourself a stardisc ($15 from Austrlian Geo shops, Bintel, online etc) and some planetarium software. Stellarium is free - I haven't used it myself but many recommend it. There is also Australian Astronomy 2012 - available through IceInSpace that shows you highlights in each month.The dob is a great choice and you'll have plenty to look at to keep you busy for ages.I would wait to purchase anymore eyepieces as there are many to choose from and a huge range of prices. Get used to using what you have and improve your seeing skills before thinking of outlaying more cash. Also, try to get to an astro club night where others can show you the benefits (and pitfalls) of various eyepieces.Don't bother with binocular adaptor - they don't work with dobs I believe. Having said that the view through a specially built binocular dob (basically 2 dobs together) is an awesome experience.In terms of some things to start hunting for - here's a few of my favourite ones that are easy to locateThe Orion Nebula (M42) - second "star" in the sword of orionThe Jewel Box - nice little cluster just below the southern cross (the bottom most star of the cross arm)Pleiades or Seven Sisters (M45) - another cluster located in TaurusEta Carinae NebulaYpu won't see colour in the deep space objects because your eyes can't draw enough light in but you will see clouds of nebulosity which are pretty stunning. You will see colour in the stars (esp in the jewel box)have funniko
Reply With Quote