Noob Question

[vaztr (Andrew)]

Hi All,

I've been lurking here for ages and finally took the plunge and bought
thersites SkyWatcher 8" Dob last week.

Only used it a couple of times so far (due to cloud!!) but WOW Saw Saturn on the 8th May and easily resolved Dione Titan and Rheys (?) Saturn was V sharp with V sharp ring and what I believe was the ring shadow. All this through the 10mm EP.

My Q is do youse guys know of anywhere (IceInSpace may well already do this - I just haven't found it yet) that gives an 'observing list for the month' and what you should aim to see with different sized scopes/weather conds/city-country skies? eg. May is 'Orion' month you should aim to find M42 with xyz detail and M43 with lots less detail.

I have no problem finding things to look at, but it would be nice to know if I'm even close to getting 'in the ball park' with my equipment/location etc.

Your advice is always welcome

VAZ

[erick (Eric)]

Australian Sky & Telescope have plenty of recommended targets.

[toryglen-boy (Duncan)]

Originally Posted by vaztr

Hi All,

I've been lurking here for ages and finally took the plunge and bought
thersites SkyWatcher 8" Dob last week.

Only used it a couple of times so far (due to cloud!!) but WOW Saw Saturn on the 8th May and easily resolved Dione Titan and Rheys (?) Saturn was V sharp with V sharp ring and what I believe was the ring shadow. All this through the 10mm EP.

My Q is do youse guys know of anywhere (IceInSpace may well already do this - I just haven't found it yet) that gives an 'observing list for the month' and what you should aim to see with different sized scopes/weather conds/city-country skies? eg. May is 'Orion' month you should aim to find M42 with xyz detail and M43 with lots less detail.

I have no problem finding things to look at, but it would be nice to know if I'm even close to getting 'in the ball park' with my equipment/location etc.

Your advice is always welcome

VAZ

Hi Andrew

Where in Canberra are you? there are plenty of guides, but better than that, there are alot of us astro-geeks in Canberra, and the CAS is excellent, why not join? There are also many dark sky nights, that are really good, and will help you find what you are after.

I find that even driving 10 mins outside of Canberra makes a huge difference.

someone will be along in a minute to post a link to a monthly sky guide.

[vaztr (Andrew)]

Thanx Duncan

I'm in Wanniassa - not a million miles away from the ASIGN observatory (if you know it).

Yeah - I've seen CAS and am interested, it's just finding the time to get away that I'm not sure I'm able to do at the mo - 3 kids and a wife have LOTS to do with that!!!!

Many moons ago (pre wife and kids) I used to drive out to the Cotter or Stromlo with my rickety Tasco 60mm refractor to marvel at the V blurry images of Jupiter. The new 8" is just awesome - even from my backyard!

I'm off to the CAS website now to look around some more

Andrew

[erick (Eric)]

OK, what about:-

http://www.skymaps.com/

Try searching these links:-

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/links.html

[vaztr (Andrew)]

Eric,

The Skymaps site is great - almost exactly what I was looking for and not too challenging for a noob!!!

Thanx

Andrew