What to expect?

[star_sandra]

I´m considering to buy the explorer 130 PM(Skywatcher) and I want to know what to expect; which objects(deep sky) am I able to see?
Of course I know that won´t be able to see things the way it appears in the magazines but at least I want to be able to see something. Or is it just planets I´m going to be able to see?

[Karlsson]

Sandra,

From your coordinates I take it you live close to, or in Stockholm - correct?

If so, what you will be able to see in your scope depends to some extent on how often you will be able to take it into truly dark areas. Close to the city you should be able to see the brighter DSO's, but farther away you can go deeper - read Rob_K's observation reports on this forum for details, even if they relate to the Southern skies.

Do not expect too much when it comes to galaxies or faint nebulae: only the very brightest will show from a place close to a big city. However, star clusters, some planetary nebulae, double stars, planets and the Moon should be well within its reach.

Also keep in mind that in summertime it may not really get 'astronomically dark' where you are, as during the height of summer the Sun does not sink below the horizon far enough.

good luck

[erick (Eric)]

Sweden, really! I have enjoyed visiting Stockholm.

Is it this one, Sandra??:-

SKYWATCHER Explorer 130 PM ASTRO TELESCOPE
130mm (5.1") f/650 Motorised Parabolic Newtonian Reflector

• Magnifications (with optics supplied): x26, x52, x65, x130
• Highest Practical Power (Potential): x260
• Diameter of Primary Mirror: 130mm
• Telescope Focal Length: 650mm (f/5)
• Eyepieces Supplied (1.25"): 10mm & 25mm
• x2 Barlow Lens
• R.A. Motor Drive with Hand Controller (D.C.)
• Parabolic Primary Mirror
• 0.5mm Ultra-Thin Secondary Mirror Supports
• Red Dot Finder
• EQ2 Equatorial Mount
• Aluminium Tripod with Accessory Tray
• 30% more Light Gathering than 114mm

Now, I don't know the actual scope, but from the description - it has a 5 inch parabolic mirror, is an f5. There is no built in barlow/corrector lens (good!). A reasonable range of magnifications. An RA motor drive. A Red dot finder. I think you'll see plenty of deep sky objects with that, double stars, globular clusters, open clusters, some nebula and some galaxies, as well as the Moon and planets. Enough to keep you busy for hours. It will probably be limited by the quality of the eyepieces, but they will get you started. You'll be able to get a few better ones in time which should improve the performance considerably.

Of course, it is best if you can get to where the sky is dark. Also, you'll need to learn how to set the collimation, and might want to buy a suitable collimation tool later.

What price is it selling for?

[star_sandra]

Yes, that´s the one. The price for it in Sweden(transformed into GBP)is about 231 GBP +delivery which is about 30 GBP, but I´m consider buying it from warehouseexpress.com where the price is 155 GBP+delivery, which I don´t know how much it is.

You have right that I live in Stockholm, or I live in a suburb to stockholm but in my neighbourhood there is like a big hill where I can have a pretty panoramic view. Because I have heard that it´s better the more higher up you are , or am I wrong?

[Karlsson]

Originally Posted by star_sandra

You have right that I live in Stockholm, or I live in a suburb to stockholm but in my neighbourhood there is like a big hill where I can have a pretty panoramic view. Because I have heard that it´s better the more higher up you are , or am I wrong?

This is correct - for two reasons: it potentially gives you an unobstructed view of the sky (unless there is a bigger hill close by....) and the seeing is likely to be better (less atmospheric instability = less twinkling of the stars, or shimmering planets).

If indeed you plan to take the scope out to the hill regularly then mobility is an important issue, and I reckon this size of scope is just fine - you don't want a big beast that you cannot handle on your own.

Have you looked into 8" dobsonians? I have little idea about European price levels, but it may be worth investigating before you decide: more aperture for similar mobility and price?