New to astronomy and these forums

JarrydS (Jarryd) · #1 07-03-2009, 05:22 PM

Hello, i thought i would introduce myself and ask a few questions, my name is Jarryd Sullivan and i am 17 years of age, almost 18. I am rather interested in astronomy, more of a hobby than anything else. I have just started reading up some suggestions on getting into astronomy, and it seems everyone recommends using the naked eye or binoculars for a while until you get use to the sky and the stars and planets. I have decided to do this, and i have downloaded some star charts, but i am having trouble understanding a lot of these charts, i was wondering if anyone can provide me with some good reading material on astronomy and maybe some star charts that i could understand easily so i can go out tonight and have a look at the stars.

Also, i'd appreciate any tips you have to offer, and maybe even some good software for a computer to generate star charts, maybe even just some good software in general related to astronomy that would be good for beginners.

Kind Regards,

Jarryd.

PCH (Paul) · #2 07-03-2009, 05:38 PM

Hi Jarryd,

and welcome to IIS. I've never downloaded any star charts, but I'd imagine they are pretty similar to the Philips Planisphere that is available to purchase at bookstores such as Angus and Robertson or Dymocks etc for about $20.

Basically, the thing consists of a rotating disc on the outside, which surrounds a picture of the whole of the night sky on the inside of the circle. You adjust the moveable disc to make the time and date match up (the 'time' being the time you are actually stood out there observing in case that wasn't obvious!). And then you would typically face south and hold the planisphere above your head with the 'South' marker on the device pointing to actual South on the ground.

The stars that you see in the sky should pretty much match up with the picture on your Planisphere.

These devices are typically quite accurate whereas a downloaded star chart could only be for a time either early evening, mid evening or midnight, and so the picture presented when you hold them in the same way as described above, may not quite match the actual night sky for the time you're stood there trying to make sense of it all

. But it would be somewhat similar, and once you understood why it was slightly different, this wouldn't be a major problem.

There's an assortment of reasonable books available at good bookstores on the subject of Astronomy. Try to pick something that refers specifically to the southern hemisphere otherwise much of the book may be wasted on you.

Hope it helps Jarryd. Cheers

PCH (Paul) · #3 07-03-2009, 05:39 PM

PS Google 'Stellarium' and download this terrific free software

Cheers

JarrydS (Jarryd) · #4 07-03-2009, 07:21 PM

Thanks paul, i will look into it more. I will have to download that software, it looks really great.

Cheers,

Jarryd.

Baddad (Marty) · #5 07-03-2009, 08:33 PM

I am a newbie myself. I don't really have any info to offer but keep at it JarrydS. The members here have helped me no end. I have been welcomed, advised and informed. This is a very well informed community and well run.

I grew up in Adelaide. Lived in North Qld and now Bris.
Just ask and you always get someone who helps.
I did.
Cheers

Kevnool (Kev) · #6 07-03-2009, 08:48 PM

Hi Jarryd and welcome as there saying Star Wheel , Stellarium software , then the skys the limit with how much you want to spend on whether you get yourself into astrophotography or observational astronomy.

Fire away questions you may have.
Cheers kev.

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #7 07-03-2009, 09:39 PM

Hi,
I can highly recomend "Astronomy 2009" by Quasar Publishing. You should be able to pick it up in most big bookstores.
It has some very good all sky maps that are easy to use and are chock full of stuff to find with binoculars or a small scope.
But it's more than just maps. You get a month by month ephemeris that keeps you up to date with what is happening in the night sky, letting you know when to expect meteor showers, rise and set times for the planets, and more, much much more.
For under $25 it's the must have guide.

GrahamL · #8 08-03-2009, 08:13 AM

.. these sky maps are great.. they have a few targets to locate each month.. binos or scope .. getting to know the brightest stars will help you get used to finding your way around the night sky;
enjoy your stay

http://skymaps.com/downloads.html

Quark (Trevor) · #9 08-03-2009, 06:49 PM

Hi Jarryd,

Welcome aboard, I am sure you will find answers to your questions on IIS.
This is a top forum to learn about all facets of amateur astronomy.

Regards
Trevor

Davekyn (David) · #10 08-03-2009, 09:29 PM

Hi Jarryd,
This forum has been a great help for me. I also get a lot out of Astronomy magazines such as Australian Sky & Telescope. Totally agree that learning the constellations is the best way to go. Using Binos is a great way to enjoy many of the DSO amongst them. Welcome to the forum...I am sure you will love it here.
Cheers
Dave

hilb · #11 09-03-2009, 12:17 AM

Hey Jarryd,

Another option is to check out the Astronomical Society of SA. If you are not interested in joining a club, they have some great monthly viewing nights which visitors are welcome to attend.

Cheers and happy viewing,
HilB...

Jen · #12 09-03-2009, 01:48 AM

Hi Jarryd welcome to IIS youve come to the right place to get started
Yep go for what they all said above nice choice selection there Stellarium is great and very simple to use and the Astronomy 2009 book is a great way to start you are now hooked for life
happy viewing
cheers

JarrydS (Jarryd) · #13 02-04-2009, 06:21 PM

Thanks to everyone, i have started looking more into astronomy lately, and i have started learning common terms. One thing i am recently addicted to is Mimosa, when i first heard that name it like....grabbed me and pulled me into it's gravity field.

(If stars have a gravity field.)

Jen · #14 02-04-2009, 06:30 PM

Hey Jarryd
I like the name Mimosa too its a very yummy cocktail
3 parts champagne
2 parts yummy chillled OJ

or add a dash of Grand Marnier and you have a Grand Mimosa

JarrydS (Jarryd) · #15 15-04-2009, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jen

Hey Jarryd
I like the name Mimosa too its a very yummy cocktail
3 parts champagne
2 parts yummy chillled OJ

or add a dash of Grand Marnier and you have a Grand Mimosa

Ooohhh sounds good to me, but i'm only 17 for another few months, can you please bring me one to try? ;D

Jen · #16 15-04-2009, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JarrydS

Ooohhh sounds good to me, but i'm only 17 for another few months, can you please bring me one to try? ;D

when u are old enough sure

saturn c (Leo) · #17 18-04-2009, 01:48 PM

Hi Jarryd, welcome to iis.

figgylion (Steve) · #18 18-04-2009, 03:28 PM

Hi Jarryd
As a bit of a newbie myself I have to say that Stellarium helps me no end. I use it to give me an idea of what to look for, where and when. I also use it to learn the constellations, although nothing beats looking at the real thing. Once you have a few constellations and know the names of some of the brighter stars you'll soon find it easier to move around the night sky.
The planisphere is also a great tool.

Good Luck and clear skies