Society for Popular Astronomy

Posted: **Wed Nov 30, 2011 11:50 am**

Hello all,

I've just taken delivery of my first telescope, a Skywatcher Skyliner 150p Dobsonian. Of all the sites I visited they seemed to agree on the fact that this was a good scope to begin with, and it fell within my budget. I haven't had any chance to use it yet, too much rain and cloud - that's the UK weather for you...!

When I set it up what surprised me the most was how little there was to do. The main tube only has the main mirror and the secondary mirror and then there are the two eye pieces, a 10mm and a 25mm wide-angle. Is that really all you need to start viewing?

I've collimated it and tried it in daylight to align the finderscope but now I wait for decent weather and a break in the clouds.

Cheers
Ken

Posted: **Wed Nov 30, 2011 12:00 pm**

Dear Ken,
Welcome.
Yes that is all there is to do.
Try it first on the Moon and Jupiter, first with the 25mm eyepiece, then the 10mm.
Does it have a 2x barlow lens for doubling the magnification?
You may have to tweak the finder.
Then Orion's belt stars and the sword below and M42, the Trapezium and various nearby star clusters.

Good luck.
Today is clear for a change but there has been a lot of cloud although mild.

Regards, David

Posted: **Wed Nov 30, 2011 3:53 pm**

Hello, Ken, and welcome

I knew someone had to be to blame for the endless cloud these days.

Hope you get much enjoyment from your new toy.

Rachel

Posted: **Wed Nov 30, 2011 8:26 pm**

Welcome Ken

New telescopes are well known to be cloud magnets

. Still you might be able to see the Moon through the clouds if they thin a bit

Keep smiling,

Posted: **Thu Dec 01, 2011 10:09 am**

Hi,

Welcome Ken, nice scope you've got there. Will get some great views with that one

All the best
Dave

Posted: **Thu Dec 01, 2011 8:36 pm**

Welcome Ken - lets all pray for some clear skies!

Posted: **Tue Dec 06, 2011 8:50 pm**

I managed to take my scope out for its maiden voyage on Sunday night for an hour. It was 1:30 in the morning and very cold. Set it up next to the River Seven in Shrewsbury and got some good views of the Moon and Jupiter. Seeing the different colours on Jupiter did provide something of a kick.

Unfortunately I work nights so there will be several days between opportunities to stargaze.

Posted: **Tue Dec 06, 2011 8:55 pm**

Congrats on your "First Light" with the new 'scope

Look forward to hearing more in the future,

Regards,

Society for Popular Astronomy

First post and my first scope!

First post and my first scope!