Just inherited a telescope, where do I point it?

[Treadly (Chris)]

Hi all, first post on these forums.

Been interested in astronomy for a while but never had the goods. Now I have obtained an Amasco 114m reflector telescope. Nothing special but I just need something to get started.

I know where the moon is so I can find that pretty easy, but how do I identify planets and other items of celestial interest?

The telescope didn't come with any educational material.

Thanks,

[DavidU (Dave)]

Download Stellarium.
http://www.stellarium.org/
This should help.

[erick (Eric)]

Try the brightest object up in the sky to the west - this evening.

[taminga16 (Greg)]

Chris,
Along with Eric's suggestion arm yourself with a copy of a skymap.

www.skymaps.com

A free download and very easy to use.

Greg. Good hunting.

Point it at the middle star in the handle of the sauce pan, big dipper or it's real name the Orion nebular M42.
You will love it.
This Picture is on my computer's desktop.

No I did not take it.

http://www.astropix.com/HTML/SHOWCASE/M42.HTM

[Ric]

Originally Posted by Treadly

Now I have obtained an Amasco 114m reflector telescope. Nothing special but I just need something to get started.

Hi Chris and welcome to Ice in Space

114m and it's nothing special

Don't worry I know what you mean.

A planisphere from someone like Bintel would also be a good start as well to help you get used to navigating your way around the stars.

Cheers

[Lismore Bloke (Paul)]

Sydney Observatory has a monthly sky chart that is nice and clear. It also has podcasts and blogs on what's currently in the sky. They also have public nights. Might be worth a visit if you haven't already been there.

http://www.sydneyobservatory.com.au/

Astronomy clubs often have public nights where you can learn heaps:

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

[Treadly (Chris)]

Thanks for the replies. I'll follow up on all the advice.

Had a little play last night, couldn't see too much but started to learn how to aim the telescope.

Cheers,

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

If possible can you take a picture of the scope and post it.