Enthusiatic Noob With a Celestron

[erick (Eric)]

Have fun! NGC 104 is a globular cluster, not a galaxy - but just beside it is a galaxy - the Small Magellanic Cloud! Naked eyes in a dark sky site is all you need for that - it won't all fit into your scope field of view!

But, for a galaxy through the telescope, look for NGC 253 in Sculptor. That will be well up in the sky mid to late evening and I think you'll see and enjoy that one.

Eric

[psyche101]

Hrrmzz

Worst part is you already told me that !! LOL So it is.

I am looking up NGC253 now so I can be ready for it tonight. Thanks erick.

[erick (Eric)]

Looking forward to a report tomorrow!

[psyche101]

Bah!!

Cloudy!! Google says a few more nights yet too.

Good chance to get aquianted with Stellarium, these planispheres look handy too, I might have a good look at those whilst I await clear skies.

EOR LOL

[xelasnave]

With the Moon getting up it will be harder but explore the Milky Way ...just move the scope around and stop on what looks interesting... I had found most things well before I ever picked up an atlas... by the time I saw photos and the objects name I knew where it was... not to say that is the only way just saying you will be surprised what you stumble across...
good luck
alex

[psyche101]

Thanks xelasnave, I noticed lately the moon swinging up toward the denser part of the sky. I have done a little random observing. I didn' really know what to look for, so I figured I'll just look at all of it

Is it possible to view artificial satellites ? Like the ISS?

[psyche101]

Bit of Luck Saturday Might

The Clouds moved away to offer a couple of hours of strangely clear skies. I saw the stars coming out, decided to take the opportunity to tackle some deep sky viewing before the moon made it's appearance. Glad I did. I was rewarded with views of the Butterfly cluster and the Prolemy Cluster. I was amazed to see dark sky with a naked eye, peer into the eyepice and whamo, a beautiful cluster of stars. After that, I decided to squint at Antares red glow, then swung across for my first view of Alpha Centauri (sure that was it). Spliting the binary was my first and I was most impressed. After that, across again back to Jupiter for the most spectacular view for me to date. Found the moons very bright (I swear I had 5 at one point - maybe just a floater) and could make out the large centre band. I wasnt expecting such clarity. I am rather looking forward to attempting Pluto and Uranus, but am struggling a bit with finding them. More time and experience will offer them I am sure. About then, the moon came up and I near blinded myself, but worth it, the moon never ceases to impress does it. Must consider a moon filter though...which in itself was also a shame because I was hoping to attempt Plieades and Mars, but the wash of the moon washed the entire area. Ready for next time! I have always wanted to see Mars with my own eyes. Probably have, just didn't know it. Before long the cloud cover returned and the night's viewing was over, but it was rather spectacular all the same. Great newbie night out.

Stallarium is just great as well, really helping me learn the skies in a good way and makes for an interesting night when the clouds are up. Really getting into that one.

[erick (Eric)]

Great to hear! It's all fun, isn't it. How about you stay up and point it at 17P/Holmes? And Mars will be around somewhere then as well. And Venus a bit later! Hell, don't bother sleeping at all!!

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Originally Posted by psyche101

I have had much difficulty with the Skyalign database built in. I asked the NG shop where I purchased it, but they suggested I give it a miss and stick with manal slew on a slow rate. I'd like to use the software, being an amatuer, that was a big selling point to me.

I still find it absolutely RUDE and 'disgusting service' of National Geographic shop to say what they did to you!

What's the point of having (and paying for) GoTo, and then tell you not to use it. Just because they don't know how to. It is ridiculous!!!

[coldspace]

Hi psyche101,

I got jibbed a few years ago by a salesman and it nearly sent my passion down hill. Always loved the sky and when Mars was closest a few years back I ran out and was sold the wrong scope. Anyway back on track now and joined the SAS down the Gold Coast and have not looked back. A very experienced and such a great bunch of people. At the club you can hire various 8 inch scopes and many other items for next to nothing. All funds go back to the clubfor new gear. You are welcome to attend as much or little as you want. Go to our web site for times of meetings and contacts. $30 bucks a year is an absolute bargain for the wealth of information there. On pluto even through a large scope you may see only a small star like thing and even then you need to know its position to confirm that its not a star. Hope you stay as keen as me.

Regards Matt.

[psyche101]

Originally Posted by erick

Great to hear! It's all fun, isn't it. How about you stay up and point it at 17P/Holmes? And Mars will be around somewhere then as well. And Venus a bit later! Hell, don't bother sleeping at all!!

If I didn't have to work, I reckon I would But I am gonna need some binoculars now lol. Looking forward to the Christmas break I can tell you. I am so very keen to lay eyes on Mars - and recognise it. I just knew this hobby was for me, I was right.
I've been reading about Holmes, I may have a crack at that one Friday night weather permitting.

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

I still find it absolutely RUDE and 'disgusting service' of National Geographic shop to say what they did to you!

What's the point of having (and paying for) GoTo, and then tell you not to use it. Just because they don't know how to. It is ridiculous!!!

I gotta admit, I was rather suprised telling me to give it a miss, even though it was a heck of a bargain, and I am very happy with the scope, I was indeed disillusioned to find nobody could tell me how to work the thing, especially when that was indeed the main selling point. Actually, the NG shop said they would offer a one of setup at the time of the sale, although not so keen on my return visit, when I got the "give up" advice. Staff are very pleasant and as helpful as possible, I like to think that it was purely a mistake as to the experience level believed to be inhouse. I would hate to think those lovely people would knowingly take advantage. I am sure the manual is missing something basic in the setup it assumes all people know, that I don't. Although....it does seem to have the NG staff perplexed as well, even the one who has tried this scope out.....
Still haven't got the darn thing running right. Thank goodness for Stellarium

Originally Posted by coldspace

Hi psyche101,

I got jibbed a few years ago by a salesman and it nearly sent my passion down hill. Always loved the sky and when Mars was closest a few years back I ran out and was sold the wrong scope. Anyway back on track now and joined the SAS down the Gold Coast and have not looked back. A very experienced and such a great bunch of people. At the club you can hire various 8 inch scopes and many other items for next to nothing. All funds go back to the clubfor new gear. You are welcome to attend as much or little as you want. Go to our web site for times of meetings and contacts. $30 bucks a year is an absolute bargain for the wealth of information there. On pluto even through a large scope you may see only a small star like thing and even then you need to know its position to confirm that its not a star. Hope you stay as keen as me.

Regards Matt.

That sounds great. I have to join. I have so much to learn and would rather it not be a lesson I overspend on. I am keen to try a barlow - to get the double magnification out of my eyepieces, but the reviews in here make them sound rather ordinary? It would be an imense help to see my Skyalign set up just once by an experienced person as I seem to learn well by example. I am sure it would only take watching it go together once to get me going. I can see this would be hugely advantageous, definitley going to have a look at this.
Thankfully, I have not been put of, even though I now see that it would have been a darn good idea to come here first and read "what wrong with each of my scopes", as that is a brilliant article, it seems my instincts. led me well. I have chosen something with a good solid tripod, easy to slew, holds steady, light enough to hand cart around the backyard for best viewing angles (going to build a viewing platform, found it best about roof level), offers great views and looks impressive to boot. I am sure if I get Skyalign happening properly I will love the tour function even when I eventually recognise the skies. I'd love to hire an 8" or larger for a big night in the backyard, hope to see you there. I was expecting a tiny blue/green spot with Pluto, but I am finding it takes some time to comb the sky. I was looking for a coloured star that does not twinkle? Would that be the way to go? I am pleased to say my enthusiasm shows no signs of fading. The Sculptor Galaxy and Plieades are my next main targets.

Righto, off to put my order in for Astronomy 2008. Got my email, sounds like a bargain to me. Gee, it is even more encouraging to hear from you all. Thanks for the replies.

[psyche101]

I have read some very interesting posts here about catching meteor showers, which sounds pretty darn impressive. Any tips? I was also wondering if satellites like the ISS can be viewed, or are they too fast? Too small?

[erick (Eric)]

Originally Posted by psyche101

Righto, off to put my order in for Astronomy 2008. Got my email, sounds like a bargain to me.

You cannot go wrong with this book as well, and a good price if you can find it for this at Big W:-

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ighlight=atlas

[psyche101]

Originally Posted by coldspace

back on track now and joined the SAS down the Gold Coast and have not looked back.

Regards Matt.

I followed the link provided in this thread (www.sas.org.au) that does not seem to work? Is this the same place as www.sas.org and do I have to join this site to join the Gold Coast chapter, or is it all the same thing?

[vash (Ashley)]

try this one
http://www.sas.org.au/index.html

I has the same thing come up

[psyche101]

Originally Posted by erick

You cannot go wrong with this book as well, and a good price if you can find it for this at Big W:-

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ighlight=atlas

Thanks for the tip.

Tempting to have it immediately, but I might have to wait and go through Ice In Space. I want to get my sticker and let other amatuers know how great this place is. This is a great way to introduce oneself, and the anonimity helps when asking very basic questions LOL.
I know a couple people at work who have taken quite an interest in my new hobby. I am surely going to point them here. You guys are great.

[psyche101]

Originally Posted by vash

try this one
http://www.sas.org.au/index.html

I has the same thing come up

Ahhh, that's better. Thanks very much.

Great! Pimpima is about a 15 min drive from me. This just gets better all the time.

[erick (Eric)]

Originally Posted by psyche101

Thanks for the tip.

Tempting to have it immediately, but I might have to wait and go through Ice In Space....

Different book. I recommend you have both the Astronomy 2008 (through IIS of course) and the Atlas of the Southern Sky - especially if you can get the later for $30!

[psyche101]

Originally Posted by erick

Different book. I recommend you have both the Astronomy 2008 (through IIS of course) and the Atlas of the Southern Sky - especially if you can get the later for $30!

See now this is what I mean. What great people.
Thanks for your patience Eric, I thought it was the same one with many good offers. Payday tomorow, off to Big W Runaway Bay for that one. Sounds like a gem.

[erick (Eric)]

My fault Too frugal with words and cryptic of meaning - sorry! But I recommend that you do get the Atlas - it's very good.