Beginner Tips

[ChrisP90]

Hi All,

Looking for some of your favourite observations that would be suitable for a Beginner.

I have the Sky-Watcher 130P Heritage, 6” inch dobs, with 10mm and 25mm eyepieces among with a 2x Barlow.

I’ve mainly been observing the moon to begin with although have for the first time this week, observed M42.

I’ve been reading through TLAO which has been a great help but I thought I’d ask some fellow observers for some personal favourites.

Thanks,
CP

[Bigzmey]

This site provides free monthly maps with easy and interesting targets

http://www.skymaps.com/downloads.html

Venus is high in the evening sky now.

Messier list is a good way to start

https://www.astroleague.org/al/obsclubs ... sslist.pdf

[russmax]

Bigzmey,
I teach Astronomy merit badge to Boy Scouts, and always print them fresh maps from skymaps.com. Fresh! I teach them how to orient the edge of the map to the horizon they are facing. It's a model of the sky, so if you're looking down at it, you're going to be confused.
--Russmax

[helicon]

There are some excellent star clusters visible now, such as M36, M37, and M38 in Auriga, M45 (The Pleiades) in Taurus. For a real challenge, I also would recommend M1 (The Crab Nebula) in Taurus. It is found close to the star zeta Tauri (about 1.5 degrees to the northeast)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messier_36
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messier_37
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messier_38
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crab_Nebula
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleiades

[russmax]

Chris,

A few tips:
When looking at Venus, use a moon filter. It should go from a very bright dot to a dimmer half-dot. It has phases, and should be a half-Venus right now.
M45 (Pleiades) knocks my socks off in wide-field views. Use your 25 mm or binoculars.
See if you can find M31 (Andromeda galaxy), on the north side of the Andromeda constellation. It's bigger than a full moon, but quite dim. Definitely use your 25 mm
I spied M34 between Andromeda and Perseus a couple of weeks ago. It was definitely a richer view than I expected. Use your 10 mm. Expect a better view in your 6" Dob.

Do you have a moon filter? Definitely get a neutral density moon filter. Get the book "Turn Left at Orion." That will be a great guide for the night sky all year. I also have "50 Things to See with a Small Telescope," and I really found it helpful, too. Get SkySafari on your smart phone, and have fun.

Regards,
Russmax

[ChrisP90]

Thanks for all the replies!
Definitely going to print a copy from SkyMaps!

Russmax, great help! Really appreciate the tips with the correct eyepieces to use. I generally start with the wide view to get to the correct “ballpark” before then deciding whether the 10mm will give me a better view. Seemed to work for M42, even if it is a very easy target to find!

I have Turn Left at Orion which I’ve found a really interesting read and have certainly provided foundations. I just wanted some personal experiences of what people like.

I’ve also downloaded the Sky Safari app as suggested, so will certainly have a play!

Thanks for all the tips!

CP

[Baurice]

I think M1 is a bit optimistic, unless you have a very clear sky and the Auriga clusters are hard, too. M35 (in Gemini) looks great in a small telescope and don't forget the Beehive (M44) in Cancer.

Depending where you live, M41, south of Sirius, is an interesting target. Here's a couple of snaps: