Society for Popular Astronomy

Hi to all SPA members,

My name is Peter and recently taken up the hobby of astronomy.

My equipment:
10x50 binoculars
Celestron Astromaster 130EQ
Canon digital camera

So far I've seen:
The moon through my reflector and photgraphed several of its phases over the last 2 weeks
Jupiter and the 4 moons - through the reflector

Orion plus the nebular
Saturn and Spicer
Mars
All seen through the binoculars

As I live on the 2nd floor, most of my observing is done out of a window facing east southeast. Light pollution can a problem but still able to enjoy my new hobby.

I have several recommended books which I am slowly working through and learning a great deal.

Clear skies
Peter

Welcome Peter,

You might find it better using the binocular pressed gently against the closed window depending on the quality of the glass.
This can show fainter stars and more detail.
It works best if the front of the binocular is rubber covered.
Also it only really works if the binocular is more or less at right angles to the glass.
The scope might also work through the closed window up to about 50x magnification.

In the winter the difference in temperature between indoors and out can be 20C and with an open window heat pours out creating desperate air currents degrading Seeing.

It might pay to turn off the radiator in the room you are observing from about an hour before observing, or don't turn it on until after you observe.

As you mention Saturn, you must be up about 5 am, so the radiators could affect the image.

Enjoy your new hobby,

Regards, David

P.S. Be aware of ghost images if you observe through glass.
If you discover a comet it isn't.

If the temperature inside your room and outside is the same say in warmer months, you can use the reflector up to 150x or even a bit higher if the Seeing is steady through the open window.
That is if the scope is also at the same temperature and the optics good.

Try Saturn through the telescope at present. You should see the rings and at least one moon.

regards, David

Hello and welcome!
Sounds like you're off to a great start.

Rachel

Hi Peter, Welcome to the Forum

ATB,

A warm welcome Peter

Hello Peter and a warm welcome to SPA,and a belated happy New Year.

phillj

welcome Peter,all the best for 2012


Regards Duane