12" Goto Dob for general viewing astro lessons

[hunty (Rob)]

Hi folks,

I'm toying with the idea of conducting astronomy classes for the general public, but I need a telescope (yep, don't have one!). I've always fancied a 12" Dob with Goto. This would be a scope for general viewing, but I want it to be big enough to be 'satisfying' and from which I might take some pics even?? Any advice on brands, second-hand/new, etc etc wld be greatly appreciated

Regards

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

hi rob,

a goto 12" dob is a great choice. I would recommend getting a flexitube model, as they are easier to move, as they are huge beasts!. if you go bigger than a 12" you will probably need a step to get to the eye piece.

you will get great views with that much aperture, great views of the planets and deep sky objects.

I have a skywatcher 12" goto dob. my photos can be seen here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/80336656@N07/
of course at the eyepiece things look not as colourful!

Cheers

Rusty

[hunty (Rob)]

tnx Rusty!

Now to shop around and find the best quality for price....

cheers

R

[parryg (Parry)]

Hi Rob,

Same with me LOL. I have a 152mm F5.9 GOTO refractor (had that for a month) .. but for the first star party I just conducted on Sat night, I had also purchased on Sat morning a Meade 12 " Lightbridge for $1199 from BinTel.

I joined a group called "Astronomers without Borders" and they conducted their first "Global Star Party" on Saturday night, trying to get folk to be aware that there anen't any borders between us when we all look "up".

I studied physics at Uni, intending to go into astro-physics but instead finished up in computers .. always kept up the astro-physics study over the years, but had never done any observational pracs lol .. hence the decision to share the knowledge.

I must say the Dob worked an absolute treat .. even had a first time user take very good pics with their mobile phone (EP projection) of the moon and an open cluster she found on her own .. lots of OMG's and WOW's

There was much less phobia about newcomers playing with the manual Dob than coming to grips with the GOTO system on the EQ6 mount.

Good luck with your endeavours

Cheers and Clear Skies
Parry