I've been trying to capture some of my astronomy knowledge, but I'm a big slacker. I've got notes on how to find things in the sky without using a published ephemeris that I need to dig out.
The moon is cool, but the first thing you'll see in your 'scope that will really make you drag people out into the cold to share the experience (at least, it was for me) will be Jupiter. Very doable if you know what you're doing.
And if you get a good view of Saturn, you're kicking butt.
Colin D. Devroe
· 2 years ago
Owen: Interesting. I'll poke around when I get the chance for sure.
James Mathias
· 2 years ago
I'm not sure what's more disheartening. That you own a telescope that you don't use daily or that you read Wil Wheaton's blog. Of course I'm kidding, I too like his blog and I only wish I had a telescope to ignore. :(
Colin D. Devroe
· 2 years ago
James: Yeah, I wish I hadn't "ignored" it as long as I have. However I do have some pretty good excuses. The very same day I opened my telescope I had it outside and was getting it set up - I managed to see a few small stars near Orion's belt, then... the fog rolled in. It was about a week of really cloudy nights that followed that day.
Then, we moved. Since then I've not been able to find the time. But I plan on making time during this winter to really get a firm understanding of how all of this stuff works, and to hopefully get some enjoyment out of this wonderful gift.
Diana
· 2 years ago
Nice telescope, I'm envious. Good time of year to get out and use it, pretty guaranteed dry skies.
I really want to try to capture the moon with my camera. When I was down in Virginia last April, my Uncle has a telescope that looks similar to yours. He got the moon in nice view for us, but it moves fast. We kept having to move the telescope slightly to keep up with it. He also had a huge pair of binoculars that did a great job for looking at the moon too.
I'm gonna check out that skywatching book. Have you checked out the program, Stellarium for OS X. It's pretty nice!
All Comments
The moon is cool, but the first thing you'll see in your 'scope that will really make you drag people out into the cold to share the experience (at least, it was for me) will be Jupiter. Very doable if you know what you're doing.
And if you get a good view of Saturn, you're kicking butt.
Then, we moved. Since then I've not been able to find the time. But I plan on making time during this winter to really get a firm understanding of how all of this stuff works, and to hopefully get some enjoyment out of this wonderful gift.
I really want to try to capture the moon with my camera. When I was down in Virginia last April, my Uncle has a telescope that looks similar to yours. He got the moon in nice view for us, but it moves fast. We kept having to move the telescope slightly to keep up with it. He also had a huge pair of binoculars that did a great job for looking at the moon too.
I'm gonna check out that skywatching book. Have you checked out the program, Stellarium for OS X. It's pretty nice!
http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/18844
I'm not sure when is the right time of year for viewing but looking at Saturn is pretty amazing too :)
Have fun with your telescope