Hi from Perth

[ezek]

Hi all,

Complete stargazing noob here from Perth, WA. I recently decided that I wanted to get into amateur astronomy (after reading a Carl Sagan book) and, wasting no time, ran out and bought a second-hand telescope.

The specs are:
Newtonian
D= 130mm (5.12 inches)
F= 900mm (35.45 inches)

- 9mm and 24mm lenses
- equatorial fork mount.

I have spent a few nights out with the scope and learned a bit about the sky, but I know little about my equipment.

I've enjoyed checking out the moon (watching it move through the 4mm lens is really trippy). I'm considering buying a 2X Barlow lens after viewing a YouTube video of Jupiter through a 6" scope/ 2X Barlow (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbSzXR6Elhk). Am I likely to have a shot at any detail with my equipment (good viewing conditions permitting, etc)?

Loving these forums by the way.

[Suzy]

Ezek! Great to have you on board.

If Jupiter looked that big and detailed in my 6" telescope - I would stay blissfully happy knowing I would never need to upsize! Don't get me wrong, I still get great views with my 6" - just nothing like that.

Have a look at this link http:///www.telescope-simulator.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=a rticle&id=45&Itemid=57 for a better representation of what image sizes to expect out of telescopes.

By the way, if you haven't already got it, The Astronomy 2010 is a great book to have on hand - it tells you month by month the events in our skies to look forward to, star maps, and a wealth of other information. Andrews Communications have it http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm for $20. Also I recommend a Planisphere - they're around $15, also from Andrews. It comes in very hand for a beginner learning the skies. When I was first learning (still am actually!) I used get confused when the constellations changed shape during the course of the night and it used to confuse me senseless to find anything! You just rotate the wheel to the appropriate month and time, and it will show you the sky in real time. Too easy. Also handy to have when you don't want to be juggling maps. Some computer software helps too - Stellarium is free to download.

Aside from the Moon and obviously you haven't seen any planets yet, but have you been able to see any beautiful star clusters or nebulae yet? If you're interested, and once you have gotten yourself some star maps, you can pm me and I will give you a short list of some easy to find, spectacular clusters and nebulae to get you started.

[Blue Skies (Jacquie)]

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

Welcome aboard ezek

[blink138 (Pat)]

christ thanks susie thats a great site!
pat

[big_dav_2001 (Davin)]

Hi ezek,

Welcome to IIS!!!


Davin

[Vanda (Ian)]

Hi & welcome ezek. Dont get too carried away with magnification! The moon is an easy target, saturn should look great even though "pea" sized and mars I find often difficult - requires very good conditions and the closer to earth the better. Jupiter can look great but rises 2.30ish in the morning at the moment - I think. Hope you enjoy your astronomy!

[bmitchell82 (Brendan)]

Howdie there, and welcome to this fab site

Dont be affraid to ask questions as theres always somebody around to answer them. unlike some forums where they dont have any reply!

Good luck and hear from you soon

Your local Garden Gnome!
Brendan

[Suzy]

Originally Posted by bmitchell82

Your local Garden Gnome!
Brendan

That is so funny! Garden Gnome! Never heard that one before - I love it!

I tell neighbours, I'm their best neighbourhood watch person!

[bmitchell82 (Brendan)]

thats my partner and familys nickname for me! because im always in the garden sittting... watttching.... siiiitttting..

[ezek]

Thanks for all the warm welcomes and advice everybody!

Suzy: I have a planisphere, but I'm still pretty lost. I need a starting point. Even with the sky mapped out in-front of me, I still can't seem to pinpoint anything, let alone star clusters or nebulae. I guess I need a bit more patience.

Thanks for the telescope simulator link also! That was incredibly useful.

I will spend a bit more time out with the telescope after I finish uni exams, and hopefully get better at this.

Also, anybody stargazing in Perth at this time of year is pretty keen. I almost got frostbite last Friday.

[Suzy]

Okay.. firstly don't get overwhelmed with how much you have it to learn - there is too much in those skies to learn too quickly. Take it slow. I've only been doing this for 5 months and the only two constellations that I knew back then was Orion and the Southern Cross. I consoled myself in the fact that by viewing and getting educated on a constellation at a time would be the stress free way to go. There's still many I haven't explored yet.. that fine by me.. it will still be there tomorrow and the next day and the next day.. get the picture? This way you build up your confidence and actually feel like you have accomplished things and feel rewarded at the same time. Works a treat for me.

My first starting point was the constellations of Crux (Southern Cross - Jewel box is there) and Carina, as it has so many fantastic targets. So thought this would be ideal for my first rush. And it was! Beginners you see, need that first up rush, then you know whatever else you do, if it has to take you ages to find etc, it will be worth it. Carina is the constellation next to the Southern Cross.

I highly recommend this book: "A Walk Through The Southern Sky - A Guide to Stars and Constellations and their Legends". Second Edition. By Milton D. Heifetz & Wil Tirion. Here is the link to Booktopia. Their service is fantastic.
Looks like it isn't currently in stock, but shouldn't take long for it to be. You can preview the book here as well - look for "google preview" on the right next to the price.
www.booktopia.com.au/search.ep?keywords=a+walk+through+t he+southern+sky&cID=&submit.x=36&su bmit.y=18&submit=search

Get a computer software programme. I use Starry Nights, some use Stellarium, which is free to download. You will learn lots and it will show you where the targets are.

Get the Astronomy 2010 book I was telling you about earlier on in this thread. It has maps in it, and is an invaluable source of information specially for a beginner.

Have lots of patience.

Find some easy constellations like the Southern Cross and work that area with your maps. Stay there and study that area for a while. Rug up and take out a nice hot cup of chocolate and a comfy chair and a pair of bino's if you have. Do console yourself that you will get to knows these pretty well soon enough... just take your time and relax.

[MrB (Simon)]

Hi ezek, welcome to IIS

[Elliot1628 (Bin)]

Hi, Perth guys,

I'm Elliott who is a Chinese overseas student in ECU now, living in Joondalup.

Until now, I almost observed all of southern constellations targets. I would like to Carina.

Once, I've been to Golden Grove Obs, for Messier Marathon, that's awesome~~