the type of scope you have will determine what you can see clearly, l have a 12" lx 200 which will show deep space objects as well as solar system objects so l tend to cover the lot at different times.
with the scope you have l would settle for the moon and some of the brighter planets, eg - mars, jupiter, saturn although don't expect a lot of detail, be careful of the magnification quoted for your scope in reality it will be about 100x max.
moon is great all the time, but seems to have more contrast when it is not full. planets are great at the moment. venus is a crescent shape at around 8.30 in the west, mars red and north at around 9.30pm, saturn rises in the east around 11.30, and jupiter is rising around 3am.
the iron pot is a great target, the handle is the best thing, won't spoil it, see if you work it out. it is about half way up in the east at around 10pm.
south is lovely for the milky way. have a real good huny there, for clusters and nebula.
it is a life long project that is sooooo much fun!!!
Usually I observe Galaxies in the Virgo Cluster (when it's up) and the Fornax Cluster. I don't know why they call it the 'Fornax Cluster' as 90% of the Fornax Galaxies are in Eridanus!
I also usually have a look at the common favourites: Orion Nebula, Tarantula Nebula, 47Tuc (globular cluster), the Moon, whichever Planets are in view, Plieadies (I can't spell it, but I can look at it), and a few others.
I spend other non-usual nights searching out new goodies! This is one hobby that doesn't wear out. There is no-one alive who can say "I've seen it all!"
I would just like to know, how do I find the plants such as Mars and Saturn.
Would they be visible from Canberra?
Yep, you bet!
Mars is the orange-looking 'star' in the north sky and Venus is the very bright 'star' in the west. Saturn is a bit harder, it is a pale yellowish white 'star' in the East.
The main thing that makes Planets a bit easier to find amongst the stars is that Planets don't twinkle. Stars do!
I tend to set my self litle goals for an observing session. nothing big...
I start off with some familiar sights like mars, the orion nebula and some bright stars. then i move off to whatever goals I have set for the night, these could be splitting double stars or hunting galaxies (which is really hard from my backyard ) then finish on some more familiar stars and nebulas.
at the mo i spend a fair bit of time splitting double and multiple stars
Hi All,
SPACE LOVER,
Welcome to Ice In Space,
I am sure you will get all the info,you will need here.
I would also suggest to you,that you try and get a Planisphere,and perhaps a monthly magazine devoted to AUSTRALIAN SKIES.
There are also many programs for the computer,that display the night sky from YOUR location,so you can track objects as they progress through the night.
My Favourite is the free version of "Starry Night",which to me, as a learner also,is great as it displays the sky as you would see it naked eye.
Hi Space Lover,
Welcome to IIS.
A good program to download for free is The Ultimate Messier Object Log ( TUMOL ) It will give you a list of beaut stuff to look for. You can print out maps and also see photos of what you are looking for. I'm still working my way through the Messier list.
Virtual Moon is another very good program.
Don't forget to check out the library for some good astronomy books. The Night Sky by Steve Massey is a good start.
Space lover, get yourself a 'Chandler' large version, planisphere from 'Bintel'. ~$22.
As noted by MickP, you will never get 525 x mag out of your 2.36" t'scope. General rule is 50 x the aperture in inches. eg; 2 x 50 = 100x mag. (visual).
Virtual Moon Atlas is here > http://www.astrosurf.com/avl/UK_index.html
If you ain't on BB, may I suggest the 'light' or 'basic' versions.
Cartes du Ciel is here > http://www.stargazing.net/astropc/
Great prog.
Also free monthly sky charts here >http://www.skymaps.com/
HTH. L.
ps. Don't forget the extras.
pps. Nice finder chart & directions, Ken. Now I can see it....
Mars is the orange-looking 'star' in the north sky and Venus is the very bright 'star' in the west. Saturn is a bit harder, it is a pale yellowish white 'star' in the East.
The main thing that makes Planets a bit easier to find amongst the stars is that Planets don't twinkle. Stars do!
I hope that helps to get you started.
Unfortunately I was unsucceful in finding Mars and Saturn last night. Mainly becasue of the damn street lights (they were so annoying) but I think I found Venus
When viewing is possible, my usual hunt has been for the Messier objects. The range of objects has been fascinating, and the hunt is often challenging. I think the "challenge" component has added a lot of enjoyment to the hobby, and you feel a sense of achievement when you finally find your target.
My usual guide has been "Cartes du Ciel", found via Google, from which I prepare maps, and identify my next challenges. These star charts are very handy in hunting down your objective, (no matter what the celestial object), and providing the visual guides to finding it in the night sky.
Welcome to this corner of the universe Space Lover
I prefer the hunt for deep sky objects (objects outside our soloar system) and I particularly like planetary nebula and globular clusters. Many globs have very individual characteristcs that really stand out with the aid of mid to large apertures. Galaxies are also high on my list too and I really chase and enjoy the views that have a number of galaxies in the one eyepiece field. I also enjoy the view of close multiple stars and to a lesser degree open clusters. I do peek at the planets occasionally (Saturn and Jupiter are definites) and the moon, but I don't usually set up my scope just for these.
L.
