Subject: New scope. Did we do okay and what can we expect from it?

I hope this is okay for starter. It is an 8" Twin Star. We found it on Craigslist.

Re: New scope. Did we do okay and what can we expect from it?

Congratulations on the new scope! It should do well for a starter scope... you should bring it out to one of our star parties, and any of our members should be able to help with any questions or problems you may have. It will work a bit better if it is pointed the other way than is in the picture, though... :-) . You are also welcome to ask me any questions you have.
Again, congratulations, and above all else, have FUN with it!

Devon

Re: New scope. Did we do okay and what can we expect from it?

Thanks! I will certainly bring to to the first star party. I definitely feel a little lost with it! I am completely new at this. I have ordered a few "beginner" books and have started my journey into learning but I know there is a massive amount of info and understanding to obtain and I am not even sure where to really start so I just decided to jump in. I Plan to be at the meeting Friday and can't wait to meet the group! -Leah

Re: New scope. Did we do okay and what can we expect from it?

There is vast amounts of astronomy and telescope info on the internet, of course.... you can Google 'beginning astronomy' or such.
One program I would suggest is 'Stellarium' ( http://www.stellarium.org/ )... is is an excellent planetarium type program that will show you what is in the sky at any given time. Put in your location and tinker a bit with the settings... you'll like it! It is a very visually attractive program, not very big, and is totally free.

Have fun!

Devon

Re: New scope. Did we do okay and what can we expect from it?

Thank you very much for suggestion. Part of the problem is that there is soooo much information that I don't really know where to start! So much of it seems so over my head at this point. I will check out that site for sure! I bought a "planisphere" which shows the stars and constellations for the hour and year at 42 lat which I think will be helpful but I don't yet have an eye for things and spent a few hours last night just trying gather some sense of it. Hopefully that will come with time and experience! If not, i will at the very least help inspire my two girls to have some interest in it. - Leah

Re: New scope. Did we do okay and what can we expect from it?

Hello, Newbie!

I'm a long time member of AOAS, and I've written a few articles that you may find helpful. One centers on how to become familiar with your new telescope by learning to adjust the finderscope to the telescope. In the topics section at left, click on "Telescopes", then look for my "Using a New Telescope -Part 1". Alternatively, you can click this link to the article.

http://www.aoas.org/article.php?story=20061225223734274

You'll learn how to become familiar with your scope in the daytime, which makes using it at night in the dark a LOT easier. I hope you get some helpful information from it.

Still seeing stars!
Bob

Re: New scope. Did we do okay and what can we expect from it?

Start off with the Moon and the brighter planets. This will get you familiar with the use of the scope........Veiwing moon alone will result in many sleepless nights!!!

We are having a Star Party on this coming Friday night at Wells Lake at the Nature Center............Bring your scope.............

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