Help, I'm new at this!!

Sue Lang · #1 25-11-2007, 07:22 PM

Can anybody tell me how I can find out my exact latitude and longitude? Is there an easy way of doing this? (Like on the computer)

mill (Martin) · #2 25-11-2007, 07:27 PM

you can find it here.
http://www.csu.edu.au/australia/latlong/index.html
And welcome to iis

snowyskiesau · #3 25-11-2007, 07:30 PM

Welcome to IIS.

The easiest way is probably googleearth. Either download it from http://googleearth.com or access it via your browser at http://maps.google.com.

If you can identify where you live, then it's a easy matter of getting your latitude and longitude.

programmer · #4 25-11-2007, 08:52 PM

Another 'easiest' way is actually built into IIS, when editing your profile.

Click User CP at the top (next to FAQ, Member List, etc.) then click Edit Profile on the left. Then scroll down a bit to the Get Your Location button, click it, and follow instructions. From memory it even enters the coordinates for you.

And welcome to IIS!

rmcpb (Rob) · #5 25-11-2007, 09:06 PM

Want another "easy way" then go to Heavens Above and follow the instructions.

BTW welcome to IIS

Sue Lang · #6 26-11-2007, 03:16 PM

Thanks everyone. Such a speedy result! I'm a bit frazzled at the moment as I think I've bought the wrong scope for my circumstances. I have been using binoculars for a few years and can find my way around the skies. Now retired so I bought my first scope(good). But I bought a "go-to" celestron and am having problems with aligning finderscope as I can't get mount below about 30 degrees. Does anyone know about these things?

rmcpb (Rob) · #7 26-11-2007, 04:07 PM

Sue,

I cannot help you with the Go-to BUT the people who can will need to know the type and model of your scope.

More info please........

Sue Lang · #8 27-11-2007, 03:18 PM

Hi Rob,

The scope is a Celestron C8-SGT. Following the book, I've put it together, balanced it and now want to align the finderscope. I've removed the front latitude clamp(screw-whatever) as suggested by the manual and wound the back one out so I can lower the scope to align the finderscope on an object over 1.6 klm away. Unfortunately there is nothing that distance away that I can see that comes into view. I can see Gosford and surrounding hills but they are not high enough to view through the scope. All I get is sky. Bit hard to align.

The manual does state that the mount travels between 30-60 degrees, but if thats the case, I don't know how you can view objects that are low on the horizon.

Hope someone can assist
Thanks
Sue

iceman (Mike) · #9 27-11-2007, 03:51 PM

Wheer abouts do you live, Sue? Are you on the Central Coast?

Sue Lang · #10 27-11-2007, 04:30 PM

Yes I'm at Blackwall (Woy Woy)

iceman (Mike) · #11 27-11-2007, 06:44 PM

Can you come to our Central Coast observing meet on the 8th December? There's a thread in the Star Parties & Observing Sessions forum.

You can bring your scope! There should be people there who can help you with it!

Sue Lang · #12 28-11-2007, 03:25 PM

ILL give it some thought! How long do people stay out on the night and what time do they arrive? I've spoken to the retailer and I'm told I can align on a leaf of a tree on top of the mountain behind me so I'm giving that a go today. Thanks for the responses - doesn't seem so lonely now!!

iceman (Mike) · #13 28-11-2007, 03:30 PM

We usually get there between 7 and 8pm (before dark is good if it's your first time there).

Some people stay all night until morning, but some people leave after a couple of hours. It's completely up to the individual.

It's a much more enjoyable hobby when you can share it with friends.

Follow the thread here, it has a link to instructions on how to get there too.