newbie with a scope and not a single clue!

[astrocookie (Molly)]

hello everyone,

I recently got a second hand scope and have used it twice, managing a glimps at M7, the jewel box cluster and saturn. all of these objects are very beautiful but i was wondering if anyone could tell me some other easy to locate, awesome DSOs.

thanks everyone!!!!!

[Ric]

Hi Molly and welcome to IIS.

I would say that the best way would be to research your scope and find out exactly what it is capable of.

With that knowledge in hand the next step would be to download a good software program like Stellarium to help you find those hidden DSO gems that are out there.

Of course don't forget to ask heaps of questions here, the knowledge base is awesome.

Cheers

[Robh (Rob)]

Hi Molly,

Try...
alpha Centauri (brilliant binary)
Albireo (beta Cygni) (beautiful orange/blue pair)
omega Centauri (most spectacular globular cluster)
47 Tucanae (also most spectacular globular cluster)
M22 (globular cluster in Sagittarius)
M13 (Hercules Globular Cluster)
M6 (Butterfly Cluster in Scorpius, not too far from M7)
M11 (Wild Duck Cluster in Scutum)
eta Carinae nebula
M8 (Lagoon Nebula)
All relatively bright objects.

Regards, Rob

[astrocookie (Molly)]

thanks Ric,

I did as you suggested and tried to do some research, but because my scope is second hand, I only have all of the eye pieces and the instruction manual that came with it. on the manual, its called "telescope 175 power" I searched this and my results were not what I'd hoped for. any other ideas?

[stephenb (Stephen)]

Hi Molly, Rob's list is a great start for you. And don't forget the moon over the next week or so.

Can you post a picture of the scope so we can see what type it is? (When posting a picture in your reply, hit the "Go Advanced" button, then scroll down to "Manage Attachments" button")

Regards,
Stephen

[M54 (Molly)]

Hello Molly!

I second Rob's list and stellarium is great... http://www.stellarium.org/



Molly.

[astrocookie (Molly)]

here's my scope!

[Waxing_Gibbous (Peter)]

Cool.
You should also get 30 Dorado, M45 (later in the year) and M42 (Orion Nebula).
In fact.
Darn little interesting things you won't see.
A bigger scope will give more and better detail, but most interesting objects will be in view.

Welcome and happy hunting!