Anyone into Stargazing / Astrophotography etc?

Sarge said:
We spent a couple of nights at the Kielder Observatory in what is the UK's Dark Sky Zone. Got to see some amazing sights and very distant galaxies and nebulae through their telescopes until the moon came up.
So we studied the moon instead. the moon instead.

If you ever get the chance, take a trip there, it's so dark you'll not see anything unless you look up.
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Haven't been to Kielder Observatory yet, but the first time I got to look through a telescope was when I was a young kid. It was at the Griffith Park Observatory ( the one shown in the beginning of the first Terminator movie ) and through the ten inch Zeiss scope. I remember climbing up the several stairs, and my Dad holding me up to look through the eyepiece. 😊
 
I have been using an augmented Mk1 eyeball for decades, I tried a bit of astrophotography initially but it was in 35mm format and was a chore and a failure.

If you are unsure, and like me, not IT savvy, just get out there with a pair of bins and learn the sky. I started out at the cheaper end and now use my "astro" bins (8×42, 70° afov) to nature watch too.

I have a little 72mm Williams ED scope, but the bins get more sky time.

Makes a very nice spotting scope too with an erecting prism.

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You need a comfy laid back chair, and simply keep warm. Set up time is minimal too!
 
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Used to do it alot!! Still go up to Kelling Heath, here in North Norfolk. Kelling Heath is a well known place for stargazing, they have ''Star Parties'' up there!! No light pollution, when its busy, all you see are people walking around with the old Red lights! Its good though!!
 
IanA said:
I bought my son a SeeStar S50 for his birthday in February, so I have been trying to learn enough to try and keep one step ahead of him.
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I had a Meade 4" a few years ago, sold it, moved home and thought about trying to get back into it, but family, guns and life take up time!
That SeeStar S50 looks great! So compact, I didn't even know they were making scopes like this, the search starts! Probably missed a black Friday deal now tho
 
I haven't had a Telescope out in awhile, but I'm desperately hoping the conditions will be clear enough to observe 3I/ATLAS in real time this December 19'th. 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞
 
Gap-Shot said:
I haven't had a Telescope out in awhile, but I'm desperately hoping the conditions will be clear enough to observe 3I/ATLAS in real time this December 19'th. 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞
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You've gone n said it.... Have you learned nothing about stargazing?! Never Ever Hope! And absolutely NEVER EVER put dates in the calendar!!! Ruined it for everyone! 😉🤣
 
Saw this being reviewed on YouTube the other day. Might be of interest to some of you.

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Actually got people to see what I mean last weekend. Had some friends over and beautiful sky so I setup the rig. In the time it took to pickup the eyepiece, the clouds raced across the sky like a team of galloping horses!
 
UncouthJ said:
You've gone n said it.... Have you learned nothing about stargazing?! Never Ever Hope! And absolutely NEVER EVER put dates in the calendar!!! Ruined it for everyone! 😉🤣
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And never open your wallet to this hobby 😂
 
UncouthJ said:
You've gone n said it.... Have you learned nothing about stargazing?! Never Ever Hope! And absolutely NEVER EVER put dates in the calendar!!! Ruined it for everyone! 😉🤣
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Never been superstitious, and never had to hope before bringing my equipment to the UK after retiring. What was I thinking ? Should have relocated to Arizona or Chile for the hobby, but then there's more to life than hobbies. ;)
 
I’ve got a Stellalyra 10” that I use from time to time. Was about £500 for the OTA and superb quality for what I need.

The only downside is you need a fairly hefty tripod for it as it weighs a tonne. Motorised can cost upwards of about £1.5k. I’ve got a wooden berlebach for mine though as I’m happy manual tracking currently. Don’t have the time for AP these days.

All in all well worth it. Showed my family loads this year (I’ve been an avid astronomer for probably 15 years now). Also showed my mrs Mars and Jupiter earlier this year and she loved it. Plan to introduce my daughter to it when she’s old enough.

I’ll only drag it out a dozen times a year but as with shooting. Very relaxing hobby and really shows you what’s out there.
 
Gap-Shot said:
Well, I see at least one member of the "Dob Mob" is still alive. Been awhile since I've been to a " South Wales Group "Star Party.
Have you put the EW Carpenter's hammer to good use ? ;)
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Blow me down mate...hope all is well with you!....yes it's still grafting away!...
 
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