The Official Astronomy Thread

[SYN]

Life is cruel. Just as I am getting ready to order my 8SE some unforeseen expense comes up to %#!* me around. So I have settled for the 6SE and placed the order. Should be able to collect it from the dealer on Tuesday with a Power Tank and cigarette lighter cable.

I am still very happy though. The GOTO function will save me a lot searching for more viewing time and the whole package is lot more portable than my current setup (without loosing aperture). Here is hoping for many a good night under the skies.

STOOOOOOOP!... if you havent bought yet (yes i know its been a month and a half) I have a Celestron nexstar 8SE in perfect condition that i am willing to let go for less than the cost of a new 6SE

 

[LazyLion]

Hey guys. What books can you suggest for an introduction to Astronomy. It's for a young author who wants to get a basic fluency in the science for literary accuracy. TIA.

 

[Unhappy438]

Hey guys. What books can you suggest for an introduction to Astronomy. It's for a young author who wants to get a basic fluency in the science for literary accuracy. TIA.

Check out turn left at orion for basic understanding of viewing stars etc through a small telescope , plus any neil tyson book will complement the physics side of things.

 

[B.K]

Hey guys. What books can you suggest for an introduction to Astronomy. It's for a young author who wants to get a basic fluency in the science for literary accuracy. TIA.

Here is a good book for children. http://www.kalahari.com/books/Starwise/632/33939613.aspx

 

[Dames]

So, I wonder if anyone can help!

I am wanting to purchase a telescope (first time), but I am seriously struggling to find enough convincing info online as to what exactly I'll need and what telescopes are best. From what I've read, it appears that reflector telescopes are best, but that they require quite a lot of maintenance? Also, they make images upside-down, whereas refractor and hybrid ones dont?

I had a look and have come up with the following options:

- Celestron NexStar 4se (reflector)
- Celestron NexStar 130 SLT (reflector)
- Celestron Omnia XLT 150 (reflector)

- Celestron NexStar 102 SLT (refractor)
- Celestron Omnia XLT 120 (refractor)

- Celestron NexStar 127 SLT (Maksutov-Cassegrain)
- Celestron Omnia XLT 127 (Schmidt-Cassegrain)

My main uses will be to look at planets, the moon etc. But I also want something to able to view some more deep space things like galaxies and nebula etc. So I guess my main question is, of the above scopes, what do you think the best would be as an all-rounder? If I have overlooked any other models/makes etc. please could you suggest for me?

I think I'm clouding my mind by researching too much that now I just have no idea where to start

 

[Crusader]

So, I wonder if anyone can help!

I am wanting to purchase a telescope (first time), but I am seriously struggling to find enough convincing info online as to what exactly I'll need and what telescopes are best. From what I've read, it appears that reflector telescopes are best, but that they require quite a lot of maintenance? Also, they make images upside-down, whereas refractor and hybrid ones dont?

I had a look and have come up with the following options:

- Celestron NexStar 4se (reflector)
- Celestron NexStar 130 SLT (reflector)
- Celestron Omnia XLT 150 (reflector)

- Celestron NexStar 102 SLT (refractor)
- Celestron Omnia XLT 120 (refractor)

- Celestron NexStar 127 SLT (Maksutov-Cassegrain)
- Celestron Omnia XLT 127 (Schmidt-Cassegrain)

My main uses will be to look at planets, the moon etc. But I also want something to able to view some more deep space things like galaxies and nebula etc. So I guess my main question is, of the above scopes, what do you think the best would be as an all-rounder? If I have overlooked any other models/makes etc. please could you suggest for me?

I think I'm clouding my mind by researching too much that now I just have no idea where to start

The NexStar 4SE is actually a a Maksutov-Cassegrain as well. If you want to look at deep sky objects you'll need as much aperture as possible. Generally a 6" or larger would be preferred.

Are you planning on getting into astrophotography at some stage? Where will you be observing from? Will you have access to power while observing? How much are you willing to spend? Are you sure this is a hobby for you or just wanting to try it out?

 

[Dames]

The NexStar 4SE is actually a a Maksutov-Cassegrain as well. If you want to look at deep sky objects you'll need as much aperture as possible. Generally a 6" or larger would be preferred.

Are you planning on getting into astrophotography at some stage? Where will you be observing from? Will you have access to power while observing? How much are you willing to spend? Are you sure this is a hobby for you or just wanting to try it out?

Oh, my mistake! I got a bit confused putting all of those down

Yeah, I know that a bigger aperture is better for deep sky. However, I don't think I'm willing to spend the extra required to get such size for the time-being. What would be the best size for a beginner to use? I've always had an interest in astronomy, and used to love going to the Observatory when I was much younger. Would just love to be able to spend time exploring the sky again.

Regarding photography - Not really a priority, I would be using it more for observation. If I ever did get into astrophotography, I would probably consider getting a better scope at that stage anyway. To answer your hobby question, I don't think it would necessarily be something I would spend loads of time doing, but when I do I want to be able to have something that is decent to use (ie make the time worth-while), while obviously also being realistic (nothing outrageously unnecessary or expensive).

I live in Cape Town which, due to the light pollution, I'd probably only use for looking at the moon and maybe some planets (depending on conditions etc.). But I also spend a lot of time in Robertson, which has much less light pollution, and would be a great place from which to view. I do travel a fair bit, and so would seek to have something I can transport with me to use while away.

Regarding budget, I naturally don't want to fork out a huge sum now until I've first been able to try a go at using a telescope and got some experience sky-gazing. But I also don't want to compromise and buy something for cheap which is completely pointless? I suppose I'd be happy to spend up to R8,000 or so depending on what I would be getting.

Thanks for the reply!

 

[Crusader]

Oh, my mistake! I got a bit confused putting all of those down

Yeah, I know that a bigger aperture is better for deep sky. However, I don't think I'm willing to spend the extra required to get such size for the time-being. What would be the best size for a beginner to use? I've always had an interest in astronomy, and used to love going to the Observatory when I was much younger. Would just love to be able to spend time exploring the sky again.

Regarding photography - Not really a priority, I would be using it more for observation. If I ever did get into astrophotography, I would probably consider getting a better scope at that stage anyway. To answer your hobby question, I don't think it would necessarily be something I would spend loads of time doing, but when I do I want to be able to have something that is decent to use (ie make the time worth-while), while obviously also being realistic (nothing outrageously unnecessary or expensive).

I live in Cape Town which, due to the light pollution, I'd probably only use for looking at the moon and maybe some planets (depending on conditions etc.). But I also spend a lot of time in Robertson, which has much less light pollution, and would be a great place from which to view. I do travel a fair bit, and so would seek to have something I can transport with me to use while away.

Regarding budget, I naturally don't want to fork out a huge sum now until I've first been able to try a go at using a telescope and got some experience sky-gazing. But I also don't want to compromise and buy something for cheap which is completely pointless? I suppose I'd be happy to spend up to R8,000 or so depending on what I would be getting.

Thanks for the reply!

The cheapest point of entry would be a Dobsonian telescope. Those generally give the best bang for your buck, but they tend to be basic and reasonably large for transport etc, but should fit in most cars. For around R4k you can get a 6" Dob or for R5k an 8" one. They are great for learning the sky on your own and don't require any power to operate. 6" to 8" of aperture would be sufficiently large to provide you with views for years to come if you don't require GoTo, tracking etc.

For quick easy transport a 90mm+ refractor on an Alt-Az mount would be an option. Good on the moon, planets, star clusters and bright nebulae. Great for wide-field views.

Of the scopes you listed the Nexstar 4SE should be a good all-rounder although providing a tad high magnifications due to larger focal length (good for planet observing, not so good for wide-field). It should be very portable, but setup will take longer since you need to align the scope and you'll a source of power to run it. Either an AC adapter to use when a plug is available or some kind of battery pack. The AA batteries in the scope itself won't power it for long and would cost a fortune to replace each time.

 

[Dames]

The cheapest point of entry would be a Dobsonian telescope. Those generally give the best bang for your buck, but they tend to be basic and reasonably large for transport etc, but should fit in most cars. For around R4k you can get a 6" Dob or for R5k an 8" one. They are great for learning the sky on your own and don't require any power to operate. 6" to 8" of aperture would be sufficiently large to provide you with views for years to come if you don't require GoTo, tracking etc.

For quick easy transport a 90mm+ refractor on an Alt-Az mount would be an option. Good on the moon, planets, star clusters and bright nebulae. Great for wide-field views.

Of the scopes you listed the Nexstar 4SE should be a good all-rounder although providing a tad high magnifications due to larger focal length (good for planet observing, not so good for wide-field). It should be very portable, but setup will take longer since you need to align the scope and you'll a source of power to run it. Either an AC adapter to use when a plug is available or some kind of battery pack. The AA batteries in the scope itself won't power it for long and would cost a fortune to replace each time.

I think I'm leaning more towards a refractor rather than the 4SE after reading what you've said. I think the power issue will become a bit of an annoyance for me. As much as a Dobsonian appeals to me, I am just not sure that will have the space to keep it (certainly at the moment).

I will have a think about it and see. Thanks so much for all your advice!

 

[DawieZA]

Time to revive this thread. So I recently moved back to Cape Town and sold my Celestron NexStar 6SE with all the other bits and pieces I acquired for it. Since I am now on the ground floor I can look at getting a bigger telescope. Leaning towards a 10" dobsonian but I cannot find any stock in SA. So for now I am window shopping until stock arrives.

 

[ooogz]

Any one know if we gonna be able to see the planets align in sa? If we are what time?

 

[Aquila ka Hecate]

Any one know if we gonna be able to see the planets align in sa? If we are what time?

From about Wednesday or Thursday this week, probably.

That's when Mercury will be joining Venus, Mars, Saturn and Jupiter in the pre-dawn sky.

It's not an alignment as such, just the 5 usually-naked-eye planets all being visible in the sky at once.

 

[ooogz]

Where is the best place in Gauteng to walk in and buy a telescope? My friend is looking for an above entry level one. Looking at spending about 7k but he wants to walk in and choose and see what he is going to buy. He doesn't wanna buy online.

 

[dabean]

Where is the best place in Gauteng to walk in and buy a telescope? My friend is looking for an above entry level one. Looking at spending about 7k but he wants to walk in and choose and see what he is going to buy. He doesn't wanna buy online.

http://shop.technopro.co.za/index.php?main_page=contact_us

Edit: I should say I've never seen their shop but I've bought a lot from them online. Maybe check that they have an actual storefront first.

 

[Marius Reitz]

Bump....not much happening here anymore?

 

[Marius Reitz]

Any Cape Townians here?

 

[Arthur]

Moon at apogee today, 404 911 kilometers from us.

 

[maumau]

Moon at apogee today, 404 911 kilometers from us.

Ah, but is it in the seventh house and does Jupiter align with Mars?

 

[Arthur]

Ah, but is it in the seventh house and does Jupiter align with Mars?

We have a way to go. Since 1929, the Age of Aquarius is only starting around AD 2600. At least so the IAU said.

 

[Aquila ka Hecate]

Ah, but is it in the seventh house and does Jupiter align with Mars?

Ninth house. And will you settle for Venus conjunct Mars? In Pisces?