Astronomy (Heya kwj....)

[Don D]

OK, I bought Deb (my SO) a telescope for her bday back in Nov. She has been like a giddy school girl since. LOL The only problem being neither of us knows a lot about what we are doing.

She joined a local club, but do you know any other good sources, i.e. books, that can help with basic stuff about using this thing properly?

She actually managed to find Saturn on her own last week and got it focused in and we ooed and ahed the rings. So she is making some progress on her own. :)

[kwj]

Well, we got the magazine Backyard Astronomy, Sky and Telescope magazine as well and one more but I have to do some hunting to find the name as I can't remember it.

We also found a "local" astronomical society and joined. We learned a bit from the folks there.

As for books, unfortunately the hurricane ate most of them and I didn't get to salvage the titles. So I would again have to do some hunting at the local bookstore. Give me a little time though okay?

We also got some software to help find the stars. We have a program called Starry Night Orion Special. It came with our latest telescope. Check out Orion Telescopes and Binoculars for more software.

I know how y'all felt about seeing the rings of Saturn. The first planet I saw was Jupiter. It was so awesome! I actually woke my Dad up to tell him about it. :)

Good luck with the scope, but beware: They are addicting.

Oh yeah, check out jackstargazer.com. It is a pbs minute show that gives some great astronomical information that is user friendly. He shows where in the skies to find things.

[kwj]

Don, Hubby wants to know what kind of scope you got. He did say that any good book or magazine will have information on using your scope.

He asked if I knew if you have a correct image eye piece. we have them for both of the reflectors and the refractor so we aren't trying to figure out which way is up when moving the scope around. the other thing he suggested was to get a "go to" attachment. That will automatically help the telescope and user to find objects.

Hope you have great viewing weather. I'm still waiting for the skies to clear.

[Siberman]

http://www.meade.com/

http://www.thediscoverychannelstore.com (I think)

*Hint* Buy a red LED for reading star charts/instructions in the dark. It won't take your "night vision" away.;) Wal-Mart has a nice headband-mounted white/red LED set in the sporting goods section.

[MADLisa]

siber your discovery channel store link is wrong. Its http://shopping.discovery.com/ :)

[Don D]

OK, it is a Maksutov-Cassegrain. Zhumell model Perigee 100. We have Plossl eyepieces ranging from 32mm to 4mm. The focal length is 1400mm. Plus she bought a wicked pair of binocs on sale. These things are great. I was able to see Orions Nebulae with them.

I will let her know about those mags. Thanks for the info. :)

Oh, its been raining and nasty today and yesterday. But Mon and Tues were awesome.

Siber, I got her a military flashlight with red filter, a compass and a hunting vest so she has places to put eye pieces in the field for Christmas.