[Chaos-l] New to Chaos

[Mark South]

Correction:  "Even better is the XT6, but starting out you should  
consider how much you have lug out there.  "
I meant to say:  "Even better is the XT8 (a scope of 8" aperture), but  
starting out you should consider how much you have to lug out into the  
field."   My concern is if you get a too big scope starting out or one  
of poor quality, it may end up in a basement unused later on down the  
road.

Mark

On Mar 11, 2009, at 6:44 AM, Mark South wrote:

> Here's the email I sent recently:
>
> I highly recommend reading "Starting Right" by Jon Stewart-Taylor (a  
> CHAOS member).  It's a well written good start to observing.
> CLICK HERE FOR "STARTING RIGHT"
>
> A more expensive book but really great in getting started with bino  
> and scope recommendations is The Backyard Astronomer's Guide (3rd  
> Ed.)    You may find this at our local Barnes and Noble.   It has  
> tons of pictures of scopes and information.   However, the best way  
> to learn stuff is from members in an astro club like CHAOS.
>
> Another great book once you get out there is Turn Left @ Orion.     
> This book will teach you how to find stuff with your scope.
>
> My personal preferences for starting out:
> 1.  Get a cheap planisphere star map.
> 2.  Consider binoculars or a telescope (but only after looking a  
> other scopes from folks in CHAOS to help you decide)
>
> 	a.  Binoculars are the preferred way to start.  I recommend and own  
> the Orion Scenix (10x50s).   A book called "Astronomy Hacks" also  
> recommends these binos for the best combo of price and quality.     
> "Astro Hacks" is a great intermediate level book.
>
> Copy & Paste this link for the binos:
>
> http://www.telescope.com/control/product/ 
> ~category_id=binocular_standard/~pcategory=binoculars/ 
> ~product_id=09333/~sSearchSession=dc026377-3474-49e0-b11a-d236dbfaa75f
>
> However, some folks want to go straight to a scope...
>
> 	b.  Telescope.  I own and recommend for beginners the Orion  
> Skyquest XT6.  (Glen Chapel from Astronomy Magazine also makes this  
> recommendation).  This scope is a quality instrument in regard to  
> aperture and price.   Even better is the XT6, but starting out you  
> should consider how much you have lug out there.
>
> Copy and paste this link:
> http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=dobsonians/ 
> ~pcategory=telescopes/~product_id=08942
>
> 3.  Go to a  CHAOS at observing session to learn about which scope  
> you prefer and learn to starhop (find objects without a computer).
>
>
> Hope this helps!
> Mark South
>
> On Mar 10, 2009, at 11:51 AM, Matt Lochansky wrote:
>
>>
>> Hi - I heard about Chaos from a colleague and excited to get more  
>> into astronomy.  Sent in my membership dues last week, so I should  
>> be a member soon.  I've been interested in Astronomy for many, many  
>> yerars, but only observing fairly regularly for the past 6 months  
>> since borrowing a scope from my brother - looking to buy my own  
>> soon.  I live under halfway dark skies in near Creedmoor, NC.
>>
>> I understand there is a star party at Pettigrew later this month...  
>> I was interested in attending, (and possibly camping out) so if I  
>> can get some more information, that would be appreciated!
>>
>> Looking forward to meeting some of you -
>>
>> -Matt
>> _______________________________________________
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>> Chaos-l at rtpnet.org
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>
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