Where to start?

[Veracocha]

I recently viewed a thread by Connor7 entitled "wow" which I subsequently posted on other forums (mostly car related) which gained similar reactions to the original thread title. I then brought it to the attention of my work colleagues and it simply blew their minds at just how vast the universe is and our significance in it. It got us all talking and I have since developed an appetite to learn more. One of those colleagues offered me a Meade? telescope which is unused but said if you have any light pollution in my area forget it.

The bad news is I think I have a particularly bad situation. I am 200 metres from a business park that really does light up the night sky. On the main A38 next to a Morrisons superstore, Empire Cinemas, Frankie & Bennies, Fitness Club etc. Fortunately/unfortunately Rover (Longbridge) not being there anymore is not nearly as distracting as it once was. Not wanting to waste a good wad on a potential bargain just what can I expect to view taking proximity to this 'pollution' into account. Am I wasting my time? I can travel as I go birding a lot but leaving a scope of this value in the car whilst I bird in the day means I would never relax. Is light pollution going to ruin my enjoyment; any advice most welcome.

p.s Thanks Connor7 for such a magic post.

[Boddie]

It was a super post wasn't it?

I really enjoyed it too

[Veracocha]

Originally Posted by Boddie

It was a super post wasn't it?

I really enjoyed it too

Mind-blowing.

[nytecam]

Originally Posted by Veracocha

Is light pollution going to ruin my enjoyment; any advice most welcome.

Light pollution will swamp the fainter stuff like galaxies and nebulae but has little effect on the moon and planets and two of them eg Mercury and Venus are always seen in twilight anyway and of course the sun [in daylight!] with special safety filters

Other objects for polluted skies include open and globular star clusters and double stars and their contrasting colours - that may be enough to go on for starters and good luck

[artdemole]

Light pollution is a problem in psj n.e.somerset,Restricted to what is directly above.But I have a skywatcher telescope cost £160 on averidge.would not part with it now.It has a small barrel which is the sort goes in car boot ok.If you have bino's give that a try.Look up Skymaps-Northern hemisphere monthly downloads.It lists what is seen by- naked eye-binoculars-telescopic objects.Other sites do similar.Street lights are a pain here but it does not stop me from seeing.

[artdemole]

Just looking about and saw lots of info and equipment-look up--plusoptical to see what is out there...

[Veracocha]

Good stuff folks, all is not lost then. I am going to try the telescope on a trial basis before committing. Will let you know how I get on.

[Connor7]

Originally Posted by Veracocha

Mind-blowing.

Thanks for the feedback on the post ! And got to remember the universe is still expanding and heading for the big yawn as they call it !