what to see with F=1000mm and D=80

[caleb]

I havn't had my scope for too long and I only recently viewed a Nebula in Orion.
I assume I can see Saturn, Venus and Jupiter, I have looked at Mars but there wasn't much detail.
So, what are some other nebulas, galaxies and anything else you recomend I can look at with my scope and is'nt too hard to find.
I was also interesed if I can see Pluto and Neptune and possibly some asteroids?

[erick (Eric)]

Here you go, thanks to Glen:-

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=18551

Pluto - It'll just look like another faint star.

Neptune, Uranus - yes, you'll find them with a bit of searching. Colour gives them away.

Asteroids - yes, if you know where to look - again starlike.

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

you won't get pluto. It's too faint even for bigger scopes.

Go to www.skymaps.com and download the current chart for the southern hemisphere. On page 2 there is a list of objects sorted by instrument, i.e. naked eye, binos, telescope. The naked eye and bino objects will look great in the 80mm, as will some of the telescope ones, except for the very faint ones which might need more aperture. Still there's lots there to get you started.

If you get well away from city lights (100km or more) and towns (20km or more) you will be able to see heaps more: easily all the objects on the above chart and more. For a more comprehensive but not overwhelming guide, check out the Southern Sky Guide. Scope shops have it for around $25. Great investment (as is a planisphere).

[Astro78]

The Tarantula nebula is cool, 47 Tucanae is nearby which is a globular cluster. Also the Pleiades is impressive in smaller scopes.