Hi from Adelaide

johnno59 (John) · #1 15-01-2011, 04:52 AM

I am John and after many years have finally picked up a telescope. I always remembered seeing Saturn as a high school student. I was taken then. However nearly 40 years later and today we picked up our 8" Dobsonian.
The sky was pretty clear and my younger son and I had a great time. We explored the moon, saw Jupiter (accident) got absorbed in the Pleiades and Got to see Saturn again! We did all this from our back yard. looking forward to going to a good viewing spot.
Thanks for this forum, i hope to spend alot of time learning here.

regards John

miki63au · #2 15-01-2011, 07:38 AM

Hi John

I live in Mount Compass, the sky is reasonable here.

Best Regards,
Mick.

astroron (Ron) · #3 15-01-2011, 09:46 AM

John and

to iceinspace There are lots of helpful people here so ask any questions you like

there is bound to be a answer forthcoming

Cheers

barx1963 (Malcolm) · #4 15-01-2011, 10:45 AM

Hi John
Great choice for a first scope, an 8" dob is the pick of the crop IMHO as a starter. Make sure you get yourself to a dark sky site ASAP, as the scope will really come into its own then.

Oh and welcome to IIS!!

Malcolm

BlackWidow (Mardy) · #5 15-01-2011, 12:42 PM

Hi John. I am also in Adelaide and am a member of the Astonomical Society of SA.. We often meet up at the Hights High school and other areas. Look us up on the Web and you will find our viewing days. Might catch up and have a cuppa. I am also on the new side with about 12 months. Loving it and will be in the back yard tonight using my scope.. Great way to spend time with you Son. Enjoy you new venture..

Regards
Mardy

johnno59 (John) · #6 15-01-2011, 05:23 PM

Hi,
Thank you all for the good words and encouragement, I hope to catch up with you all over the journey. My youngest lad (13yo)was up with me last night and had a ball. It is great to watch his enthusiasm grow. He has spent today reading astronomy books and is hanging out for this evening.

My 2cnd eldest boy gets back from his cadet camp tomorrow, so he will have his first evening tomorrow night. My wife loved it as well. I guess the problem we will have is sharing the dob.
The 13 yo is talking about making his own scope! I may join him, it seems like a great project.
Once again thanks for all your kind welcomes.
Regards John

Paul Haese · #7 15-01-2011, 05:31 PM

Hey John, well done on finding the hobby again. Martin beat me too it but I was going to suggest joining the Society and perhaps taking the beginners class before the general meeting each month. It is free and the instruction is superb. You will learn all about the night sky and this will give you so much more enjoyment of your new scope.

Once again well done.

Trixie (Carey) · #8 15-01-2011, 08:37 PM

Hi John,
I am from Adelaide too (Hills area) and am just starting out with my 8" dob too!

TheDecepticon · #9 16-01-2011, 11:35 AM

Hi John, I'm from Adelaide and am a member of the ASSA as well. There are several ASSA sites you can view from if you look us up. Welcome to the dark side!!

NeilW · #10 16-01-2011, 09:33 PM

Hi John,

Welcome. I'm from Adelaide too, and have been using my 8" dob for about two years now, and love it. I agree wholeheartedly with other's comments abou ASSA. Join in...it's a great way to learn and meet people.