deep space objects for beginner

[ryang]

Hi, I've recently purchased an Orion XT10" dobsonian telescope. Thanks to BBrock and crazyeddie for helping me out. I've had some good views of the moon, saturn and some stars with it. <br /><br />I am wondering if anyone can suggest any good, easy to find deep space objects for a beginner. I am in Northen Colorado at 1 mile in altitude. My actual position is approx 105 W, 40 N. I am right outside the city glow so, viewing a bit above the horizon is pretty clear. <br /><br />I will be using the 25mm eyepiece that came with the scope as I am saving up for a better wide field one. I do have a 10mm, 6mm and a barlow 2X. I think the focal length of that scope is 1200mm.<br /><br />Any suggestions of fun things to look at for a beginner would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Ryan

 

[tfwthom]

The number one object this time of year has to be (about 11pm)<br /><br />Saturn<br /><br />followed by<br /><br />M42 the Great Orion Nebula http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap020213.html<br /><br />M31: The Andromeda Galaxy http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap040718.html<br /><br />M33 the Pinwheel Galaxy http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap030924.html<br /><br />You can still split the double star Albireo in Cygnus<br /><br />The Perseus Double Cluster<br /><br />M1 the Crab Nebula http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap011227.html<br /><br />M35 cluster http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap031215.html<br /><br />M81 galaxy http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap020620.html<br /><br />and really it's "to each his own" on what to look at. <br />Get this months S&T or Astronomy mag and see what's up there.<br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1" color="#3366ff">www.siriuslookers.org</font> </div>

 

[ryang]

Hi, Thanks for the hints. I'm just looking for some obvious ones to get used to finding deep space objects and to see new stuff of course.<br /><br />I appreciate your response.<br />Ryan

 

[bbrock]

Hi Ryan<br /><br />There is a gold mine of stuff to look at, but knowing where is now the question. If I suggest the Orion Nebula, I don't know if you even know where the Orion Constellation is. The Nebula is the Grand Object of the winter sky. Look for the Orion Belt and the three stars below the belt that represent the sword. The Nebula is sort of splattered between the second and third star of the sword. There are many things to look at, but difficult to explain. <br /><br />I return to the suggestion of getting Starry Night and a pair of binoculars. Another suggestion is the Orion Deep Sky 600 Map. All of these will amaze you how many objects there are to look at and very easy to find. You will need to learn to recognize a few key outlines in the sky, like the Bid Dipper, the "W" of Cassiopia, the Orion constellation, the summer triangle, the norther cross, the winter triangle etc. Mostly I use the recognized patterns to point to objects. The second star in the Bid Dipper handle is Mizar. It's a double. See if you can find it and split it into two. Another is Polaris, the norther star. Once you learn a few patterns, and use a map such as the Deep Sky 600, you will find it's like learning to ride a bike. It never changes, or changes very little. <br /><br />best of luck<br />Bill

 

[ryang]

<font color="yellow">Are you using the finderscope that came with the XT10, or did you purchase a zero-power finder to compliment it? I think you'll find that a Telrad or a Rigel (plus a decent star chart) will help you zero in on faint, deep-sky objects. Neither is expensive. </font><br />I am still using the finder that came with the scope. I do plan to purchase a finder, starry night and a portable star chart in the near future.<br /><br /><font color="yellow"><br /> It might not be too late to view the Ring nebula in Lyra, although it's getting low in the west. </font><br />I'll give it a shot. I am close to the mountains which are west, so I may not have luck there. <br /><br />Thanks for you information!

 

[ryang]

Hi Bill,<br />Thanks again.<br /><br /><font color="yellow">There is a gold mine of stuff to look at, but knowing where is now the question. If I suggest the Orion Nebula, I don't know if you even know where the Orion Constellation is. The Nebula is the Grand Object of the winter sky. Look for the Orion Belt and the three stars below the belt that represent the sword. The Nebula is sort of splattered between the second and third star of the sword. There are many things to look at, but difficult to explain. <br /></font><br />I think I can find my way around Orion and the Big Dipper like you described. Thats great for me. That gives me some more reference points and practice in finding deep space objects.<br /><br /><font color="yellow">I return to the suggestion of getting Starry Night and a pair of binoculars. Another suggestion is the Orion Deep Sky 600 Map. All of these will amaze you how many objects there are to look at and very easy to find. </font><br />I will be purchasing start chart, finder, starry night, binocs over time. Thanks for the suggestions.<br /><br /><font color="yellow"><br />Once you learn a few patterns, and use a map such as the Deep Sky 600, you will find it's like learning to ride a bike. It never changes, or changes very little. <br /></font><br /><br />I am noticing that each night I take the scope out, more obects become immediately familiar without needing to question them. Things like polaris, betelgeuse, rigel, moon(kidding) so far. I am glad I've got a manual dobsonian for my first scope. This learning is half of the fun. My kids (6 and 5) are enjoying the ride too! Saturn blew them away <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> They still talk about it a few days later.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Ryan

 

[bbrock]

Hi Ryan<br /><br />I'm glad you got the chance to look at Saturn. I'm still waiting for my first look at it with the 10" reflector. We have had constant clouds or my schedule hasen't allowed it. <br /><br />When you get around to viewing galaxies and most nebula, remember you will not be viewing images like those depicted in magazines. Time exposure brings out sharp detail and color. Actually, the point is to be viewing light that has traveled for millions of years. Andromeda and other galaxies are fuzzy regardless of what you view them with. But the photons have been traveling in space since before the existance of man or any kind of Homo species. <br /><br />Good Luck and Happy Thanksgiving. <br />Bill

 

[wisefool]

The comments so far have all been excellent advice. I would like to add these ideas:<br /><br />(1) A good zero-power finder is the Orion EZ Finder II adjustable red laser dot finder. I found the entire Messier list with mine, having trashed the virtually worthless 6x30 finder that came with the scope.<br /><br />(2) Think seriously about getting a nebula filter, such as the Orion UltraBlock.<br /><br />(3) Gary Russell makes fabulous and affordable eyepieces. Also, the Orion Expanse series is a good buy.<br /><br />(4) If you have access to a Mac, the very best planetarium software on any platform for in-the-field observers like what you are is Equinox.<br /><br />Let me know if you want any of the URLs.<br /><br />Clear skies!,<br /><br />Clark