Greetings

[WeeGraeme]

Hi. I found this site via a Google search the other day, and when I saw that it was here in Australia, I decided to register.

I was given a Celestron EQ130 for Christmas, but I haven't managed to actually use it yet (other than a 30 second look at a tree). That all came about because I said out loud that I'd like to get a telescope after I looked through my nephew's $50 cheapy one and saw Saturn a year or so ago.

Between the rain we had, and the fact that I work shiftwork, and the other cloudy but non-raining evenings we've had, I haven't had the opportunity to go outside with it. Hopefully soon.

I don't have any specific questions. At the moment, I'm just trying to get up to speed on the jargon. Once I've got that in my head, I might be able to come up with a meaningful question or two. In the meanwhile, I thought I'd just say G'day.

I'm actually just outside of Brisbane. We have quite a few stars here at night, so I'm just looking forward to having time to enjoy using my telescope.

Graeme

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Graeme.

My first "real" scope was a Celestron HD-102 EQ refractor and I had quite a few fun nights with that little scope so your 130 reflector should give you plenty of great nights. I still have my 102 but it's relegated to the occasional action as a guidescope these days.

If you are looking for a chance to get to meet a few IISers and to learn a bit more about your scope and the sky in general, keep an eye on the Star Party and Observing sessions forum. Each month on the Saturday nearest the new moon we have a get together at Cambroon on the Sunshine Coast, well away from the city lights. You would be most welcome to join us.

[leon]

Welcome aboard you will learn plenty here, and will find there is heaps of great information collectively from all the members.

There is no such thing as dumb question, I found that out very early in my membership of this great site.

Leon

[citivolus (Ric)]

Originally Posted by leon

There is no such thing as dumb question

Try to tell that to my wife

Welcome Graeme!

[Dog Star (Phil)]

G'day Graeme and welcome to the site. Still a newbie myself but this is THE place to ask questions and inter react with like minded people. Stimulating, friendly and chocker block full of characters. Wouldn't have it any other way, myself.

[Ric]

Welcome to the gang Graeme, hope you have a great time here with us.

Cheers

[WeeGraeme]

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate the welcome and words of encouragement.

[JimmyH155]

Welcome, Graeme. If ever you think of upgrading your scope, have a look in the for sale ads. My Meade 8 inch SCT is up for grabs with heaps of accessories. Price negotiable and I live in north Brissie suburb

[WeeGraeme]

Originally Posted by JimmyH155

Welcome, Graeme. If ever you think of upgrading your scope, have a look in the for sale ads. My Meade 8 inch SCT is up for grabs with heaps of accessories. Price negotiable and I live in north Brissie suburb

Thanks for the offer. I wouldn't be holding my breath waiting for me to call just yet. I had a look at your ad, just out of curiosity. After looking at it for a while, I've worked out that you're selling a telescope of some sort, and some "stuff".

I'm still going through the stage of learning what it is that I don't know. That's the problem with taking up a hobby which is somewhat technical. You know you don't know much, but you don't even know that you don't know stuff.

[WeeGraeme]

Originally Posted by [1ponders]

Graeme.

Each month on the Saturday nearest the new moon we have a get together at Cambroon on the Sunshine Coast, well away from the city lights. You would be most welcome to join us.

Just re-reading through the forum. I'd be very interested in something like that. I'm a shift worker, and I work weekends too. My roster will eventually allow me to attend one of these. It'll just be a matter of when.

[Dujon]

Hello, Graeme, welcome aboard.

Just to set you straight with terminology I refer you to the following basic terms for your edification:

Shift Worker: Someone who knows the value of working through the dark hours.
Idiot: Someone who does the same after a full day's work and doesn't even think about remuneration.

Photographer: Someone who pursues a career of capturing images with the intent of making a living from their endeavours.
Idiot: Someone who captures images indistinguishable from those of a photographer and posts them on the Internet fora without copyright restrictions.

Insomniac: Someone who has trouble sleeping.
Idiot: Someone who is an insomniac (or pretends to be such) and carts a telescope outside in the middle of winter in order to nod off when their woollies get warm and cosy.

Lover: Someone who looks after his or her spouse and would die to protect them.
Idiot: Someone who loves their telescope more than family, state or country.

Pessimist: Someone who always sees clouds.
Idiot: Someone who can always see the silver lining.

[luvmybourbon]