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Main
Date: 20 Sep 2006 08:30:10
From: Lauren the Ravishing
Subject: Got a Telescope, Now What?
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Hi, I'm just getting started in astronomy. I recently received a
Celestron PowerSeeker 127 EQ as a gift, I'm taking an intro to
astronomy class in college, and my textbook came with SkyGazer
software.
What I'm missing is a practical guide to using the telescope. The local
bookstore doesn't have much. On-line searches have given me some
basics, like how the lenses work, but not much else. The Celestron
manual was only for assembly instructions.
- What are recommended books, websites, or software for finding things
in the sky - things that I can acually see with my level of telescope?
- What lenses should I buy first, if any. What about filters?
- Should I buy the lens attachment that corrects the up/down,
left/right orientation?
- Should I replace the existing finder scope with something better?
- What other accessories are helpful?
- Is it even worth it to buy accessories for my level of scope?
I haven't had much of a chance to use the thing since I got it
(weather, and busy evenings), but I'd like to get started and avoid
wasting my time by being unprepared.
~ L
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Date: 20 Sep 2006 12:36:11
From: Dennis Woos
Subject: Re: Got a Telescope, Now What?
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> Hi, I'm just getting started in astronomy. I recently received a
> Celestron PowerSeeker 127 EQ as a gift, I'm taking an intro to
> astronomy class in college, and my textbook came with SkyGazer
> software.
>
> What I'm missing is a practical guide to using the telescope. The local
> bookstore doesn't have much. On-line searches have given me some
> basics, like how the lenses work, but not much else. The Celestron
> manual was only for assembly instructions.
The best thing you can do is to join your local astronomy club, where you
will find folks who can give you a hands-on introduction to observing.
Don't buy a lot of expensive stuff Do buy "Turn Left at Orion", a star
wheel, a 1x finder (e.g. Rigel Quickfinder), and a pair of binoculars (less
than 11x, and they needn't be expensive).
Dennis
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Date: 21 Sep 2006 01:28:33
From: Trane Francks
Subject: Re: Got a Telescope, Now What?
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On 09/21/2006 12:30 AM +0900, Lauren the Ravishing wrote:
> What I'm missing is a practical guide to using the telescope. The local
I'm a big fan of The Backyard Astronomer's Guide, by Terence Dickinson
and Alan Dyer.
There is also a supporting website: <http://www.backyardastronomy.com/ >
Unfortunately, the book and website haven't been updated in a while.
That said, much of the information is still very relevant.
trane
--
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
// Trane Francks trane@gol.com Tokyo, Japan
// Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty.
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Date: 20 Sep 2006 12:04:02
From: Dave Jessie
Subject: Re: Got a Telescope, Now What?
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Lauren the Ravishing wrote:
news:1158766210.150011.154170@i3g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
> snip <
> What I'm missing is a practical guide to using the telescope. The local
> bookstore doesn't have much. On-line searches have given me some
> basics, like how the lenses work, but not much else. The Celestron
> manual was only for assembly instructions.
> snip <
Hi Lauren,
Without question, the first book I'd recommend is "Turn Left at Orion" by
Guy Consolmagno.
http://www.amazon.com/Turn-Left-Orion-Hundred-Telescope-/dp/0521781906/sr=8-1/qid=1158768003/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-4782285-4574358?ie=UTF8&s=books
A really great book and loaded with useful information.
Also, a set of nice charts is a great addition, and I really love "Pocket
Sky Atlas"
http://www.amazon.com/Sky-Telescopes-Pocket-Atlas/dp/1931559317/sr=1-1/qid=1158768142/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-4782285-4574358?ie=UTF8&s=books
You're certain to get a lot of conflicting responses to your query, but
these are what I'd recommend.
Clear Skies,
Dave Jessie
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Date: 20 Sep 2006 17:16:18
From: Don't Be Evil
Subject: Re: Got a Telescope, Now What?
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Lauren the Ravishing wrote:
> Hi, I'm just getting started in astronomy. I recently received a
> Celestron PowerSeeker 127 EQ as a gift, I'm taking an intro to
> astronomy class in college, and my textbook came with SkyGazer
> software.
>
> What I'm missing is a practical guide to using the telescope. The local
> bookstore doesn't have much. On-line searches have given me some
> basics, like how the lenses work, but not much else. The Celestron
> manual was only for assembly instructions.
>
> - What are recommended books, websites, or software for finding things
> in the sky - things that I can acually see with my level of telescope?
> - What lenses should I buy first, if any. What about filters?
> - Should I buy the lens attachment that corrects the up/down,
> left/right orientation?
> - Should I replace the existing finder scope with something better?
> - What other accessories are helpful?
> - Is it even worth it to buy accessories for my level of scope?
>
> I haven't had much of a chance to use the thing since I got it
> (weather, and busy evenings), but I'd like to get started and avoid
> wasting my time by being unprepared.
>
> ~ L
That scope should be able to show you a lot. The 20mm eyepiece should
be useful, but the 4mm will have too high a magnification and too short
an eye relief. In fact, for higher powers, you'd do better with the
20mm and the Barlow. First, add a long eye relief eyepiece of about
6-8mm (Orion Expanse or Stratus), then a 32mm Plossl, then a better 2x
Barlow.
Skip filters and don't bother trying to correct the orientation.
Supplementing the finderscope with a Quikfinder is an excellent idea.
Turn Left At Orion is excellent. Also, bookstores like Borders and B&N
usually have bargain books on astronomy that will serve as a basic
atlas and guide to what's in the various constellations. Collimation
is important. It can be done indoors, so you'll be ready when you go
outside.
Lastly, take some time to recognize the main constellations with the
naked eye. Just learn 2 or 3 at a time when they're overhead in the
evening.
Greg
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Date: 20 Sep 2006 18:26:57
From: William Hamblen
Subject: Re: Got a Telescope, Now What?
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On 20 Sep 2006 08:30:10 -0700, "Lauren the Ravishing"
<lauren_the_ravishing@yahoo.com > wrote:
>- What other accessories are helpful?
>- Is it even worth it to buy accessories for my level of scope?
The Sky and Telescope web site http://skytonight.com/ has some helpful
information. There are links to hints for beginning stargazers and
links to astronomy clubs.
Before you buy any accessories, buy a book. Something like the
Peterson Field Guide to the Stars and Planets or Norton's Star Atlas
might be a good starting point.
If the finder is a real 5 x 24 mm finder it is a little small, but OK
to start. If it is one of those "fake finders" where they put in a 24
mm simple lens and then stop it down to about 4 mm to hide the defects
of the lens, you will want to replace it. You can tell whether it is
a "fake finder" by looking in the front end. If it is a fake you will
see just inside the lens a piece of black plastic with a small hole in
the center. In any case, you want to adjust the finder to make it
point in the same direction as the telescope. Aim the main telescope
at a distant object such as the top of a telephone pole or an antenna.
Get the object in the center of the eyepiece. Without moving the main
telescope turn the adjustment screws on the finder until you get the
object in the center of the finder eyepiece. At night check the
adjustment with a star. A good finder, properly adjusted, is a
must-have.
Hook up with an astronomy club if there is one in your area. They
don't have enough ravishing members.
Bud
--
The night is just the shadow of the Earth.
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Date: 20 Sep 2006 22:45:22
From: John Nichols
Subject: Re: Got a Telescope, Now What?
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"Lauren the Ravishing" <lauren_the_ravishing@yahoo.com > wrote in message
news:1158766210.150011.154170@i3g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
> Hi, I'm just getting started in astronomy. I recently received a
> Celestron PowerSeeker 127 EQ as a gift, I'm taking an intro to
> astronomy class in college, and my textbook came with SkyGazer
> software.
>
> What I'm missing is a practical guide to using the telescope. The local
> bookstore doesn't have much. On-line searches have given me some
> basics, like how the lenses work, but not much else. The Celestron
> manual was only for assembly instructions.
>
> - What are recommended books, websites, or software for finding things
> in the sky - things that I can acually see with my level of telescope?
> - What lenses should I buy first, if any. What about filters?
> - Should I buy the lens attachment that corrects the up/down,
> left/right orientation?
> - Should I replace the existing finder scope with something better?
> - What other accessories are helpful?
> - Is it even worth it to buy accessories for my level of scope?
>
> I haven't had much of a chance to use the thing since I got it
> (weather, and busy evenings), but I'd like to get started and avoid
> wasting my time by being unprepared.
>
> ~ L
>
Hi,
As someone else said, you're going to get a lot of conflicting advice. And
most of it will be good. I am curious though. Have you asked what your
instructor would recommend? If so, what have they said?
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Date: 20 Sep 2006 15:57:47
From: Willie R. Meghar
Subject: Re: Got a Telescope, Now What?
|
"Lauren the Ravishing" <lauren_the_ravishing@yahoo.com > wrote:
>Hi, I'm just getting started in astronomy. I recently received a
>Celestron PowerSeeker 127 EQ as a gift, I'm taking an intro to
>astronomy class in college, and my textbook came with SkyGazer
>software.
I suggest a meeting with the instructor of your astronomy class.
There's a reasonably chance he/she could either provide direct
assistance or direct you to a club or individual who can.
>What I'm missing is a practical guide to using the telescope. The local
>bookstore doesn't have much. On-line searches have given me some
>basics, like how the lenses work, but not much else. The Celestron
>manual was only for assembly instructions.
I did a quick search on your scope. One source mentioned that the
finder could not be adjusted and the counter weight was not heavy
enough to balance the scope. If that information is accurate, those
conditions *can* (and should) be remedied.
>- What are recommended books, websites, or software for finding things
>in the sky - things that I can acually see with my level of telescope?
Others seem to be doing well in answering that question . . .
>- What lenses should I buy first, if any. What about filters?
Assuming your telescope came with a 20mm and a 4mm eyepiece, the 20mm
eyepiece is usable; but the 4mm eyepiece may not be a practical
option.
Eyepieces (which are best not referred to as "lenses") come in a wide
variety of designs and prices. A reasonable compromise for starting
out with are the Expanse eyepieces available from oriontelescopes.com
(and other sources). It *might* be worthwhile to purchase a 9mm
Expanse eyepiece *after* you've gotten the telescope to perform
reasonably well with the included 20mm eyepiece.
I suggest forgetting about filters -- at least until you've gained
more experience and become more comfortable in using your telescope.
>- Should I buy the lens attachment that corrects the up/down,
>left/right orientation?
No! In astronomy hardly anyone is concerned with the image
orientation in their telescopes. The main exception lies with the
finder scope (for some observers).
>- Should I replace the existing finder scope with something better?
From the limited information I discovered about your telescope, this
looks like an area in which there's definite room for improvement.
Some form of 1x red dot finder would probably be a good idea
(available from Orion and numerous other sources).
>- What other accessories are helpful?
A planisphere *might* prove useful. A red flashlight of adjustable
brightness is usually good to have. A printed star atlas such as
"Norton's Star Atlas and Reference Handbook" or "The Cambridge Star
Atlas" or some other atlas should prove to be extremely useful in
finding your way around the night sky. The two atlases mentioned
above have charts that cover large areas of sky. Such charts tend to
be easier to start out with.
>- Is it even worth it to buy accessories for my level of scope?
Yes, provided you start with those accessories most needed -- such as
a usable finder (if the one your scope comes with is indeed unusable).
If the counter weight is too light to balance your telescope you
should be able to improvise some way of adding weight until balance is
achieved.
After these issues have been taken care of, subsequent accessories
tend to become increasingly less critical.
>I haven't had much of a chance to use the thing since I got it
>(weather, and busy evenings), but I'd like to get started and avoid
>wasting my time by being unprepared.
The moon, when visible, is an excellent target to start out with!
A good exercise is to practice pointing the telescope at the brighter
stars in the night sky. The skills you learn from this can later be
applied when seeking out more interesting celestial objects. You
might even stumble across a planet!
As time goes by and you have more specific questions the people here
should be able to provide more helpful answers. Good Luck!
Willie R. Meghar
http://meghar.blogspot.com/
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Date: 20 Sep 2006 11:48:39
From: Robert Sheaffer
Subject: Re: Got a Telescope, Now What?
|
As for which objects to look at with your telescope: download RTGUI, the
free Windows real-time astronomy program ( http://www.rtgui.com ). Enter
your location, and also the size of scope you have. It will recommend
the "best" objects for you to look at, based on that info, and the time.
It won't waste your time trying to find objects that you won't be able
to see.
And definitely join up with your local astronomy club. It's definitely
the best way to come up to speed quickly.
Robert
Lauren the Ravishing wrote:
> Hi, I'm just getting started in astronomy. I recently received a
> Celestron PowerSeeker 127 EQ as a gift, I'm taking an intro to
> astronomy class in college, and my textbook came with SkyGazer
> software.
>
> What I'm missing is a practical guide to using the telescope. The local
> bookstore doesn't have much. On-line searches have given me some
> basics, like how the lenses work, but not much else. The Celestron
> manual was only for assembly instructions.
>
> - What are recommended books, websites, or software for finding things
> in the sky - things that I can acually see with my level of telescope?
> - What lenses should I buy first, if any. What about filters?
> - Should I buy the lens attachment that corrects the up/down,
> left/right orientation?
> - Should I replace the existing finder scope with something better?
> - What other accessories are helpful?
> - Is it even worth it to buy accessories for my level of scope?
>
> I haven't had much of a chance to use the thing since I got it
> (weather, and busy evenings), but I'd like to get started and avoid
> wasting my time by being unprepared.
>
> ~ L
>
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Date: 21 Sep 2006 10:03:02
From: Lauren the Ravishing
Subject: Re: Got a Telescope, Now What?
|
Hi again,
I picked up "Turn Left at Orion," and "Sky & Telescopes Pocket Sky
Atlas," recommended by Dave and others. I'm going to pick up a
planisphere since the Sky Atlas doesn't provide the wide view.
It appears that I'm going to need a different finderscope. It's very
difficult to simply center in on a specific point in my living room so
I can imagine the frustration of aligning it for real use. I also
noticed that the cross-hair target shifts as my eye moves off center
from the eye piece, adding more frustration. What finderscopes do you
recommend? What are features I look for?
I'd also like to find out more about the 1x LED finders, such as The
Rigel Quickfinder, as Dennis suggested. Will this complement or replace
a finderscope? It seems obvious that the first priority in sky watching
is being able to find the object, and where I should first put my
money, but these two items alone could equal the cost of the scope.
Does it make sense to spend as much money on the tires as the car?
Regarding the telescopes counterweight. It seems ok as far as I can
tell. I can pivot to any position without much of a problem, except for
the front/back elevation.
I'm not sure I fully understand the EQ mount. There are two fine
adjustments for Right-Ascension and Declination. One of them (the RA?)
only adjusts to a range of 15 to 20 degrees. And there's a big screw
that raises the front to back tilt from 0 to 90 degrees. It seems odd
that the front to back tilt has such a clumsy control. Is this
something that gets set only once for the evening depending on latitude
and then only the RA and Dec positioning are required? I'm gathering
that I need to align the mount with Polaris - for example, setting the
big screw to a height of 40 degrees latitude in NY, and positioning the
12:00 RA to also align with Polaris. Some clarity here would be greatly
appreciated.
I downloaded RTGUI last night (suggested by Robert). That combined with
SkyGazer software makes mapping out a plan easy.
Walking home last night I noticed a distinct pattern of bright stars.
When I got home I downloaded RTGUI and got a suggestion for M31 -
Andromeda. I located M31 in the SkyGazer software and noticed that it
was close to the zenith, and that I could visually navigate to it by
lining it up with that distinct pattern of stars I saw earlier - which
I learned is Cassiopeia. So Andromeda will be my first target tonight
if sky conditions are right.
I also downloaded the free Stellarium, which is visually very nice but
has a crucial flaw; the celestial sphere doesn't pivot around Polaris
but some other arbitrary point. Another annoyance is that the time zone
setting isn't clear, I think it showed me a sky that was a few hours
ahead.
Many thanks,
~ L
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Date: 21 Sep 2006 14:29:50
From: AM
Subject: Re: Got a Telescope, Now What?
|
Lauren the Ravishing wrote:
> I also downloaded the free Stellarium, which is visually very nice but
> has a crucial flaw; the celestial sphere doesn't pivot around Polaris
> but some other arbitrary point. Another annoyance is that the time zone
> setting isn't clear, I think it showed me a sky that was a few hours
> ahead.
>
> Many thanks,
> ~ L
>
For Stellarium,
Have you checked weather you have it set in RA,
or ALT AZ mode ? Also you can adjust for your time
zone under configuration. On slow machines, and or
those without a real video card, it does not run
well.
I run both OS versions, and it is the same.
Also if you run Linux, you should definitely try
XEphem. Down to mag 15 in trial version, mag 20+
in full version.
Cartes Du Ceil is easily one of the best programs
out there now, both Linux, and Windows versions.
EXCELLENT software !! (I still preffer XEphem)
For planning software, AstroPlanner seems to be
the best.
Oh... for your telescope, you got it right about
the big screw. Set it for your latitude, and move
the entire mount to get Polaris into the field of view.
You are right, it only gets set once. If you want to
do a polar alignment, than yes you will need to adjust
it. Really no need for this except for using setting
circles to find things, and or photography.
Forget about the RA circle for now. Now when you look
at an object, you should only need to turn the fine
adjustment for RA to keep it centered in the field of
view, (FOV) for the most part. I dont have one of these
telescopes, but know EQ mounts, give me a holler if ya
need more info.
As soon as possible, definitely learn collimination,
and check it when you setup to observe. After a while
it gets second nature to adjust it. (others here know
far more about newtonian collimination here than I)
--
AM
http://sctuser.home.comcast.net
CentOS 4.3 KDE 3.3
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Date: 21 Sep 2006 17:56:38
From: John Nichols
Subject: Re: Got a Telescope, Now What?
|
"Lauren the Ravishing" <lauren_the_ravishing@yahoo.com > wrote in message
news:1158858182.797008.112480@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Hi again,
>
> I picked up "Turn Left at Orion," and "Sky & Telescopes Pocket Sky
> Atlas," recommended by Dave and others. I'm going to pick up a
> planisphere since the Sky Atlas doesn't provide the wide view.
>
> It appears that I'm going to need a different finderscope. It's very
> difficult to simply center in on a specific point in my living room so
> I can imagine the frustration of aligning it for real use. I also
> noticed that the cross-hair target shifts as my eye moves off center
> from the eye piece, adding more frustration. What finderscopes do you
> recommend? What are features I look for?
>
> I'd also like to find out more about the 1x LED finders, such as The
> Rigel Quickfinder, as Dennis suggested. Will this complement or replace
> a finderscope? It seems obvious that the first priority in sky watching
> is being able to find the object, and where I should first put my
> money, but these two items alone could equal the cost of the scope.
> Does it make sense to spend as much money on the tires as the car?
>
Hi,
A 1x finder will tell you _exactly_ where you have your scope aimed. The
Quickfinder just shows a dot, the Telrad (which is what I use) uses three
concentric circles that are projected against the sky. The center circle is
a half degree wide, the next is two degrees, and the outermost four degrees.
This is useful if you know that a given object is a certain number of
degrees from an object that you can see. Star Faint is 3 degrees from
Polaris. You can't see it, but you can use the Telrad to center on Polaris,
and then use the circles to navigate to where you want to be.
You can usually buy one of these finders for 30 bucks or so.
> Regarding the telescopes counterweight. It seems ok as far as I can
> tell. I can pivot to any position without much of a problem, except for
> the front/back elevation.
>
> I'm not sure I fully understand the EQ mount. There are two fine
> adjustments for Right-Ascension and Declination. One of them (the RA?)
> only adjusts to a range of 15 to 20 degrees. And there's a big screw
> that raises the front to back tilt from 0 to 90 degrees. It seems odd
> that the front to back tilt has such a clumsy control. Is this
> something that gets set only once for the evening depending on latitude
> and then only the RA and Dec positioning are required? I'm gathering
> that I need to align the mount with Polaris - for example, setting the
> big screw to a height of 40 degrees latitude in NY, and positioning the
> 12:00 RA to also align with Polaris. Some clarity here would be greatly
> appreciated.
>
Yes, that first adjustment only needs to be set once, for your location.
The RA and DEC are for moving around and fine adjustment.
> I downloaded RTGUI last night (suggested by Robert). That combined with
> SkyGazer software makes mapping out a plan easy.
>
> Walking home last night I noticed a distinct pattern of bright stars.
> When I got home I downloaded RTGUI and got a suggestion for M31 -
> Andromeda. I located M31 in the SkyGazer software and noticed that it
> was close to the zenith, and that I could visually navigate to it by
> lining it up with that distinct pattern of stars I saw earlier - which
> I learned is Cassiopeia. So Andromeda will be my first target tonight
> if sky conditions are right.
>
> I also downloaded the free Stellarium, which is visually very nice but
> has a crucial flaw; the celestial sphere doesn't pivot around Polaris
> but some other arbitrary point. Another annoyance is that the time zone
> setting isn't clear, I think it showed me a sky that was a few hours
> ahead.
>
> Many thanks,
> ~ L
>
|
| | | |
Date: 21 Sep 2006 15:48:04
From: Dennis Woos
Subject: Re: Got a Telescope, Now What?
|
>>
>> It appears that I'm going to need a different finderscope. It's very
>> difficult to simply center in on a specific point in my living room so
>> I can imagine the frustration of aligning it for real use. I also
>> noticed that the cross-hair target shifts as my eye moves off center
>> from the eye piece, adding more frustration. What finderscopes do you
>> recommend? What are features I look for?
>>
>
>
>> I'd also like to find out more about the 1x LED finders, such as The
>> Rigel Quickfinder, as Dennis suggested. Will this complement or replace
>> a finderscope? It seems obvious that the first priority in sky watching
>> is being able to find the object, and where I should first put my
>> money, but these two items alone could equal the cost of the scope.
>> Does it make sense to spend as much money on the tires as the car?
>>
>
> A 1x finder will tell you _exactly_ where you have your scope aimed. The
> Quickfinder just shows a dot, the Telrad (which is what I use) uses three
> concentric circles that are projected against the sky. The center circle
> is a half degree wide, the next is two degrees, and the outermost four
> degrees. This is useful if you know that a given object is a certain
> number of degrees from an object that you can see. Star Faint is 3
> degrees from Polaris. You can't see it, but you can use the Telrad to
> center on Polaris, and then use the circles to navigate to where you want
> to be.
>
> You can usually buy one of these finders for 30 bucks or so.
The Rigel Quickfinder does not just show a dot - it projects 2 circles of
1/2 and 2 degrees. I like it better than the Telrad on a small scope, as it
is lighter and sticks up higher. Some folks only have a 1x finder, some
folks only have an optical finder, and some have both. I would get the 1x
finder and bag the optical finder, at least for now.
Finding M31 is easy, as are most of the Messier objects. If your skies are
relatively dark, you can see it naked-eye as a smudgy spot. I teach folks
to find it by using the more closed "V" of Cassiopeia to point to Beta
Andromeda, hop "up" (west) two bright stars, and look just up and to the
right. You can easily see M31 in any old binos, as is the case with a lot
of great stuff to observe. Your binos become your optical finder, and are
better/more convenient than anything you can mount on your scope.
Dennis
|
| | | | |
Date: 21 Sep 2006 23:02:17
From: John Nichols
Subject: Re: Got a Telescope, Now What?
|
"Dennis Woos" <dpwoos@gmavt.net > wrote in message
news:12h5r3no98to66e@corp.supernews.com...
>>>
>>> It appears that I'm going to need a different finderscope. It's very
>>> difficult to simply center in on a specific point in my living room so
>>> I can imagine the frustration of aligning it for real use. I also
>>> noticed that the cross-hair target shifts as my eye moves off center
>>> from the eye piece, adding more frustration. What finderscopes do you
>>> recommend? What are features I look for?
>>>
>>
>>
>>> I'd also like to find out more about the 1x LED finders, such as The
>>> Rigel Quickfinder, as Dennis suggested. Will this complement or replace
>>> a finderscope? It seems obvious that the first priority in sky watching
>>> is being able to find the object, and where I should first put my
>>> money, but these two items alone could equal the cost of the scope.
>>> Does it make sense to spend as much money on the tires as the car?
>>>
>
>>
>> A 1x finder will tell you _exactly_ where you have your scope aimed. The
>> Quickfinder just shows a dot, the Telrad (which is what I use) uses three
>> concentric circles that are projected against the sky. The center circle
>> is a half degree wide, the next is two degrees, and the outermost four
>> degrees. This is useful if you know that a given object is a certain
>> number of degrees from an object that you can see. Star Faint is 3
>> degrees from Polaris. You can't see it, but you can use the Telrad to
>> center on Polaris, and then use the circles to navigate to where you want
>> to be.
>>
>> You can usually buy one of these finders for 30 bucks or so.
>
> The Rigel Quickfinder does not just show a dot - it projects 2 circles of
> 1/2 and 2 degrees. I like it better than the Telrad on a small scope, as
> it is lighter and sticks up higher. Some folks only have a 1x finder,
> some folks only have an optical finder, and some have both. I would get
> the 1x finder and bag the optical finder, at least for now.
>
I stand corrected.
> Finding M31 is easy, as are most of the Messier objects. If your skies
> are relatively dark, you can see it naked-eye as a smudgy spot. I teach
> folks to find it by using the more closed "V" of Cassiopeia to point to
> Beta Andromeda, hop "up" (west) two bright stars, and look just up and to
> the right. You can easily see M31 in any old binos, as is the case with a
> lot of great stuff to observe. Your binos become your optical finder, and
> are better/more convenient than anything you can mount on your scope.
>
> Dennis
>
|
| | | | |
Date: 21 Sep 2006 13:51:15
From: Jan Owen
Subject: Re: Got a Telescope, Now What?
|
"Dennis Woos" <dpwoos@gmavt.net > wrote in message
news:12h5r3no98to66e@corp.supernews.com...
>>>
>>> It appears that I'm going to need a different finderscope. It's very
>>> difficult to simply center in on a specific point in my living room so
>>> I can imagine the frustration of aligning it for real use. I also
>>> noticed that the cross-hair target shifts as my eye moves off center
>>> from the eye piece, adding more frustration. What finderscopes do you
>>> recommend? What are features I look for?
>>>
>>
>>
>>> I'd also like to find out more about the 1x LED finders, such as The
>>> Rigel Quickfinder, as Dennis suggested. Will this complement or replace
>>> a finderscope? It seems obvious that the first priority in sky watching
>>> is being able to find the object, and where I should first put my
>>> money, but these two items alone could equal the cost of the scope.
>>> Does it make sense to spend as much money on the tires as the car?
>>>
>
>>
>> A 1x finder will tell you _exactly_ where you have your scope aimed. The
>> Quickfinder just shows a dot, the Telrad (which is what I use) uses three
>> concentric circles that are projected against the sky. The center circle
>> is a half degree wide, the next is two degrees, and the outermost four
>> degrees. This is useful if you know that a given object is a certain
>> number of degrees from an object that you can see. Star Faint is 3
>> degrees from Polaris. You can't see it, but you can use the Telrad to
>> center on Polaris, and then use the circles to navigate to where you want
>> to be.
>>
>> You can usually buy one of these finders for 30 bucks or so.
>
> The Rigel Quickfinder does not just show a dot - it projects 2 circles of
> 1/2 and 2 degrees. I like it better than the Telrad on a small scope, as
> it is lighter and sticks up higher. Some folks only have a 1x finder,
> some folks only have an optical finder, and some have both. I would get
> the 1x finder and bag the optical finder, at least for now.
>
> Finding M31 is easy, as are most of the Messier objects. If your skies
> are relatively dark, you can see it naked-eye as a smudgy spot. I teach
> folks to find it by using the more closed "V" of Cassiopeia to point to
> Beta Andromeda, hop "up" (west) two bright stars, and look just up and to
> the right. You can easily see M31 in any old binos, as is the case with a
> lot of great stuff to observe. Your binos become your optical finder, and
> are better/more convenient than anything you can mount on your scope.
>
> Dennis
I agree... At first I was SURE that one of these things could never replace
my optical finders. No WAY!
But I finally got one for my 94mm APO, and SURPRISE!!! Works GREAT... Easy
to align, and if you know where the object you're looking for is, it'll put
you on target in a hurry...
Following it's success on the APO, Rigel QuickFinders have been steadily
replacing the optical finders on my other scopes... I have one now on my 8"
f/6 Newtonian, and another on my 12" LightBridge (in fact, if it tells you
anything, I replaced the LightBridge's Deluxe 1X finder, which isn't too
shabby, with a Rigel, because it's quite a bit lighter, and easier to
adjust)... Haven't put one on my 10" SCT yet, but am thinking about it (I
just put a new optical finder on it, so I'd at least like to get a LITTLE
use out of it before still another Rigel displaces it...
--
Jan Owen
To reach me directly, remove the Z, if one appears in my e-mail address...
Latitude: 33.6
Longitude: -112.3
http://community.webshots.com/user/janowen21
|
| | |
Date: 21 Sep 2006 17:51:06
From: John Nichols
Subject: Re: Got a Telescope, Now What?
|
"Lauren the Ravishing" <lauren_the_ravishing@yahoo.com > wrote in message
news:1158858182.797008.112480@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Hi again,
>
> I picked up "Turn Left at Orion," and "Sky & Telescopes Pocket Sky
> Atlas," recommended by Dave and others. I'm going to pick up a
> planisphere since the Sky Atlas doesn't provide the wide view.
>
> It appears that I'm going to need a different finderscope. It's very
> difficult to simply center in on a specific point in my living room so
> I can imagine the frustration of aligning it for real use. I also
> noticed that the cross-hair target shifts as my eye moves off center
> from the eye piece, adding more frustration. What finderscopes do you
> recommend? What are features I look for?
>
> I'd also like to find out more about the 1x LED finders, such as The
> Rigel Quickfinder, as Dennis suggested. Will this complement or replace
> a finderscope? It seems obvious that the first priority in sky watching
> is being able to find the object, and where I should first put my
> money, but these two items alone could equal the cost of the scope.
> Does it make sense to spend as much money on the tires as the car?
>
> Regarding the telescopes counterweight. It seems ok as far as I can
> tell. I can pivot to any position without much of a problem, except for
> the front/back elevation.
>
> I'm not sure I fully understand the EQ mount. There are two fine
> adjustments for Right-Ascension and Declination. One of them (the RA?)
> only adjusts to a range of 15 to 20 degrees. And there's a big screw
> that raises the front to back tilt from 0 to 90 degrees. It seems odd
> that the front to back tilt has such a clumsy control. Is this
> something that gets set only once for the evening depending on latitude
> and then only the RA and Dec positioning are required? I'm gathering
> that I need to align the mount with Polaris - for example, setting the
> big screw to a height of 40 degrees latitude in NY, and positioning the
> 12:00 RA to also align with Polaris. Some clarity here would be greatly
> appreciated.
>
> I downloaded RTGUI last night (suggested by Robert). That combined with
> SkyGazer software makes mapping out a plan easy.
>
> Walking home last night I noticed a distinct pattern of bright stars.
> When I got home I downloaded RTGUI and got a suggestion for M31 -
> Andromeda. I located M31 in the SkyGazer software and noticed that it
> was close to the zenith, and that I could visually navigate to it by
> lining it up with that distinct pattern of stars I saw earlier - which
> I learned is Cassiopeia. So Andromeda will be my first target tonight
> if sky conditions are right.
>
> I also downloaded the free Stellarium, which is visually very nice but
> has a crucial flaw; the celestial sphere doesn't pivot around Polaris
> but some other arbitrary point. Another annoyance is that the time zone
> setting isn't clear, I think it showed me a sky that was a few hours
> ahead.
>
> Many thanks,
> ~ L
>
|
| |
Date: 22 Sep 2006 01:47:39
From: elaich
Subject: Re: Got a Telescope, Now What?
|
"Lauren the Ravishing" <lauren_the_ravishing@yahoo.com > wrote in
news:1158766210.150011.154170@i3g2000cwc.googlegroups.com:
> Hi, I'm just getting started in astronomy.
I envy you. I remember many, many years ago when I could look at the night
sky and just see a jumble of stars. Then, I got interested in astronomy,
got a star chart, and began to learn the constellations. This was when I
was 13. I remember staying up all night many times during the summer of
1967 so that I could go out before dawn and try to clinch a new
constellation rising in the East, after studying it all night on my map. I
remember learning them, seeing them for the first time.
Now, any time I look at the night sky, the stars automatically group
themselves into the constellations, and I have lost a bit of wonder. I
think the only way I might ever be able to experience this again would be
to go to the Southern Hemisphere and see the stars there that I have never
seen. Where you are now is a wonderful time. Be sure to enjoy it to the
max.
|
| | |
Date: 22 Sep 2006 06:42:50
From: Paul Schlyter
Subject: Re: Got a Telescope, Now What?
|
In article <4ngtlrFab970U4@individual.net >, elaich <a@b.c> wrote:
> "Lauren the Ravishing" <lauren_the_ravishing@yahoo.com> wrote in
> news:1158766210.150011.154170@i3g2000cwc.googlegroups.com:
>
>> Hi, I'm just getting started in astronomy.
>
> I envy you. I remember many, many years ago when I could look at the night
> sky and just see a jumble of stars. Then, I got interested in astronomy,
> got a star chart, and began to learn the constellations. This was when I
> was 13. I remember staying up all night many times during the summer of
> 1967 so that I could go out before dawn and try to clinch a new
> constellation rising in the East, after studying it all night on my map. I
> remember learning them, seeing them for the first time.
>
> Now, any time I look at the night sky, the stars automatically group
> themselves into the constellations, and I have lost a bit of wonder. I
> think the only way I might ever be able to experience this again would be
> to go to the Southern Hemisphere and see the stars there that I have never
> seen. Where you are now is a wonderful time. Be sure to enjoy it to the
> max.
Isn't there a chance that you've seen enough start charts of the
southern sky so you'll recognize at least the major constellations
there if/when you get to see the southern sky? It's happened to me
several times when I've seen a piece of the southern sky for the very
first time in my life that I immedlately recognized the major
constellations there -- it's kind of a weird feeling to see something
for the very first time in your life, and recognize it!
Perhaps the "wonder of not knowing the constellations" will be
recaptured by a new generation of stargazers? I'm here referring to
all those who use goto scopes and never learn the constellations.
Perhaps we could count the professional astronomers here too - they've
used "goto" scopes for some 50+ years now, and more and more of them
never learn the constellations - they don't need to know them for their
research.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------
Paul Schlyter, Grev Turegatan 40, SE-114 38 Stockholm, SWEDEN
e-mail: pausch at stockholm dot bostream dot se
WWW: http://stjarnhimlen.se/
|
| | | |
Date: 23 Sep 2006 01:42:59
From: elaich
Subject: Re: Got a Telescope, Now What?
|
pausch@saaf.se (Paul Schlyter) wrote in news:eevvff$2not$1@merope.saaf.se:
> Isn't there a chance that you've seen enough start charts of the
> southern sky so you'll recognize at least the major constellations
> there if/when you get to see the southern sky?
Actually, no. I would recognize the Southern Cross, but that's it.
|
| | | | |
Date: 23 Sep 2006 07:13:07
From: Paul Schlyter
Subject: Re: Got a Telescope, Now What?
|
In article <4njhp2Fakbi4U11@individual.net >, elaich <a@b.c> wrote:
> pausch@saaf.se (Paul Schlyter) wrote in news:eevvff$2not$1@merope.saaf.se:
>
>> Isn't there a chance that you've seen enough start charts of the
>> southern sky so you'll recognize at least the major constellations
>> there if/when you get to see the southern sky?
>
> Actually, no. I would recognize the Southern Cross, but that's it.
Are you sure you wouldn't confuse the Southern Cross with the
False Cross nearby in the sky? To distinguish the two from one
another, you also need to be able to recognize parts of the
constellation Centaurus.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------
Paul Schlyter, Grev Turegatan 40, SE-114 38 Stockholm, SWEDEN
e-mail: pausch at stockholm dot bostream dot se
WWW: http://stjarnhimlen.se/
|
| |
Date: 21 Sep 2006 12:33:40
From: Don't Be Evil
Subject: Re: Got a Telescope, Now What?
|
John Nichols wrote:
> "Lauren the Ravishing" <lauren_the_ravishing@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:1158858182.797008.112480@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> > Hi again,
> >
> > I picked up "Turn Left at Orion," and "Sky & Telescopes Pocket Sky
> > Atlas," recommended by Dave and others. I'm going to pick up a
> > planisphere since the Sky Atlas doesn't provide the wide view.
> >
> > It appears that I'm going to need a different finderscope. It's very
> > difficult to simply center in on a specific point in my living room so
> > I can imagine the frustration of aligning it for real use. I also
> > noticed that the cross-hair target shifts as my eye moves off center
> > from the eye piece, adding more frustration. What finderscopes do you
> > recommend? What are features I look for?
> >
>
>
> > I'd also like to find out more about the 1x LED finders, such as The
> > Rigel Quickfinder, as Dennis suggested. Will this complement or replace
> > a finderscope? It seems obvious that the first priority in sky watching
> > is being able to find the object, and where I should first put my
> > money, but these two items alone could equal the cost of the scope.
> > Does it make sense to spend as much money on the tires as the car?
> >
> Hi,
>
> A 1x finder will tell you _exactly_ where you have your scope aimed. The
> Quickfinder just shows a dot, the Telrad (which is what I use) uses three
> concentric circles that are projected against the sky. The center circle is
> a half degree wide, the next is two degrees, and the outermost four degrees.
> This is useful if you know that a given object is a certain number of
> degrees from an object that you can see. Star Faint is 3 degrees from
> Polaris. You can't see it, but you can use the Telrad to center on Polaris,
> and then use the circles to navigate to where you want to be.
>
> You can usually buy one of these finders for 30 bucks or so.
>
> > Regarding the telescopes counterweight. It seems ok as far as I can
> > tell. I can pivot to any position without much of a problem, except for
> > the front/back elevation.
> >
> > I'm not sure I fully understand the EQ mount. There are two fine
> > adjustments for Right-Ascension and Declination. One of them (the RA?)
> > only adjusts to a range of 15 to 20 degrees. And there's a big screw
> > that raises the front to back tilt from 0 to 90 degrees. It seems odd
> > that the front to back tilt has such a clumsy control. Is this
> > something that gets set only once for the evening depending on latitude
> > and then only the RA and Dec positioning are required? I'm gathering
> > that I need to align the mount with Polaris - for example, setting the
> > big screw to a height of 40 degrees latitude in NY, and positioning the
> > 12:00 RA to also align with Polaris. Some clarity here would be greatly
> > appreciated.
> >
> Yes, that first adjustment only needs to be set once, for your location.
> The RA and DEC are for moving around and fine adjustment.
> > I downloaded RTGUI last night (suggested by Robert). That combined with
> > SkyGazer software makes mapping out a plan easy.
> >
> > Walking home last night I noticed a distinct pattern of bright stars.
> > When I got home I downloaded RTGUI and got a suggestion for M31 -
> > Andromeda. I located M31 in the SkyGazer software and noticed that it
> > was close to the zenith, and that I could visually navigate to it by
> > lining it up with that distinct pattern of stars I saw earlier - which
> > I learned is Cassiopeia. So Andromeda will be my first target tonight
> > if sky conditions are right.
> >
> > I also downloaded the free Stellarium, which is visually very nice but
> > has a crucial flaw; the celestial sphere doesn't pivot around Polaris
> > but some other arbitrary point. Another annoyance is that the time zone
> > setting isn't clear, I think it showed me a sky that was a few hours
> > ahead.
> >
> > Many thanks,
> > ~ L
> >
The Rigel Quikfinder shows 2 circles, vs. the Telrad's 3. However, a
Telrad is way too big and heavy for your scope. Many of the other 1x
finders do show just a dot.
A lot of people, myself included, use both a 1x and a finder scope.
8x50 is the gold standard for finderscopes, but 6x30's are usually
good, too. A finder scope is good for severely light-polluted skies
where you can't see many stars without one. I'd go for the Quikfinder
first, though.
You might try astromart.com to pick up a deal on accessories. Also,
Amazon has a Celestron kit that includes some useful items (32mm,
barlow, case, flashlight) for $68.
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-94304-Nine-Piece-Accessory-Kit/dp/B000B13Q72/sr=8-2/qid=1158866933/ref=pd_bbs_2/102-9377391-0752953?ie=UTF8&s=photo
By the way, 32mm is the longest focal length there's any point in
getting in the 1.25" barrel.
Greg
|
| |
Date: 23 Sep 2006 04:56:59
From: John Carruthers
Subject: Re: Got a Telescope, Now What?
|
Lauren the Ravishing wrote:
> Hi again,
>
> I picked up "Turn Left at Orion," and "Sky & Telescopes Pocket Sky
> Atlas," recommended by Dave and others. I'm going to pick up a
> planisphere since the Sky Atlas doesn't provide the wide view.
>
A good start.
> It appears that I'm going to need a different finderscope. It's very
> difficult to simply center in on a specific point in my living room so
> I can imagine the frustration of aligning it for real use. I also
> noticed that the cross-hair target shifts as my eye moves off center
> from the eye piece, adding more frustration. What finderscopes do you
> recommend? What are features I look for?
A "corect image" is good for beginners, they may cost a little more
though.
>
> I'd also like to find out more about the 1x LED finders, such as The
> Rigel Quickfinder, as Dennis suggested. Will this complement or replace
> a finderscope? It seems obvious that the first priority in sky watching
> is being able to find the object, and where I should first put my
> money, but these two items alone could equal the cost of the scope.
> Does it make sense to spend as much money on the tires as the car?
>
I have a couple of different finders, but I tend to use a simple tube
sight most.
> Regarding the telescopes counterweight. It seems ok as far as I can
> tell. I can pivot to any position without much of a problem, except for
> the front/back elevation.
>
> I'm not sure I fully understand the EQ mount. There are two fine
> adjustments for Right-Ascension and Declination. One of them (the RA?)
> only adjusts to a range of 15 to 20 degrees. And there's a big screw
> that raises the front to back tilt from 0 to 90 degrees. It seems odd
> that the front to back tilt has such a clumsy control. Is this
> something that gets set only once for the evening depending on latitude
> and then only the RA and Dec positioning are required? I'm gathering
> that I need to align the mount with Polaris - for example, setting the
> big screw to a height of 40 degrees latitude in NY, and positioning the
> 12:00 RA to also align with Polaris. Some clarity here would be greatly
> appreciated.
>
> I downloaded RTGUI last night (suggested by Robert). That combined with
> SkyGazer software makes mapping out a plan easy.
>
Great little prog, try it in conjunction with "Cartes du Ciel".
> Walking home last night I noticed a distinct pattern of bright stars.
> When I got home I downloaded RTGUI and got a suggestion for M31 -
> Andromeda. I located M31 in the SkyGazer software and noticed that it
> was close to the zenith, and that I could visually navigate to it by
> lining it up with that distinct pattern of stars I saw earlier - which
> I learned is Cassiopeia. So Andromeda will be my first target tonight
> if sky conditions are right.
>
See if you can see it with a binocular first, then in the 'scope.
I would also recomend "Astronomy Hacks" for a quick read, it would
complement Turn left at Orion.
jc
|
|
