where do i start

[superfly (Sam)]

my brother has given me a celestron nexstar 80gtl, and i don't know where to begin.

[GTB_an_Owl (Geoff)]

welcome Sam

you just made the best beginning that you could have made by coming here

i am sure others will respond and answer any questions you may have

geoff

[garin (Garin)]

Hi Sam,
You did say if you had the user manual for the scope. If not you can download it here =
http://www.celestron.com/c2/images/f...L_22085-SA.pdf

Also getting a set of starcharts, either paper or electronic (better if you have a laptop so you can see them form the scope) there are free planeterium programs on the net Stellarium being one of the better ones particularly for the beginner. Also check you local library they usually have some books on astronomy so you can read up on what particular objects are. I find that knowing a little about the object helps you appreciate what you're looking at and keeps your interest up.

If you can get along to your local astro group, the people there will be more than willing to help you get up and going, this will alleivate much frustration as well as helping you decide what accessories will help in your viewing.

Clear Skies
Garin

[acropolite (Phil)]

As the others have said, (download?) read the manual and get familiar with the operation of your new toy.

Go to http://www.skymaps.com/downloads.html and download a southern hemisphere skychart (you can download in PDF format and print). There will be a list of suitable targets included.

Hope this helps.

[deadsimple (Ash)]

Originally Posted by garin

there are free planeterium programs on the net Stellarium being one of the better ones particularly for the beginner.

Yep I'd definitely suggest getting Stellarium as a beginner. Very quick way to see the current state of the stars/planets and zoom in for extra detail, without getting bogged down in astro lingo

[superfly (Sam)]

i've taken the advice and downloaded stellarium, i am taking the telescope out tonight.
thanks again everyone.

[Ian Robinson]

Take it outside one night , and have fun.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Find the constellation of Scorpius and with star maps in hand, use it as a start off point to star hop through the smorgasbord of clusters and nebulas throughout the Sagittarius region.

[fwhong (Wai Hong)]

Hi Sam!

Welcome to the forums. You'll find a ton of help here

Enjoy your new scope