Help with telescopes

smokeyjofencing · #1 (**permalink**) 24-05-2011, 09:39 PM

Hi I am a new member to WAB.

I have a Helios 6" reflector, and know nothing about telescopes. I can just about get the moon, but I don't know how to take a photo through the scope.

Also I have star charts but I am not very good at reading them, is there an easier way of knowing where things are.

I live in Essec.

No jokes please, lol

jo

Tringa · #2 (**permalink**) 25-05-2011, 06:07 AM

Welcome to WAB.

Can’t help with photography through your telescope as it depends on what camera you have .

On identifying stars it’s a matter of learning a few constellations and working outwards from them.

It is not the easiest time to stargaze now, but at this time of year just about directly overhead as it gets dark is the constellation of Lyra and its brightest star, Vega, should show up well on a clear night. Check out what you see on your star charts.

If you have a clear view north look for the pole star (which for all practical purposes is due north) and the main part of the Ursa Minor (the little bear) – again check out the shape on the star charts. The pole star is the same number of degrees above the northern horizon as your latitude.

Look around Ursa Minor for the shape of the part of Ursa Major called the Plough. One thing that surprised me when I identified my first constellation was it was much bigger than I expected.

As the constellations appear to rotate around the sky, they are sometimes on the side, or even upside down as compared to how they may be shown in books.

Good luck

Dave

shadowx · #3 (**permalink**) 25-05-2011, 09:22 AM

Google "Steallarium" It's a free bit of software for linux, and i think there is a windows version. Give it your location and you get a live star chart simulation where you can look around, zoom in etc... Gives details on constellations, stars, planets etc... and as it is live you can see star/planet positions as they are right now.

It doesnt contain any data on your local geography, the simulation assumes you are sitting in a field so your view might be obstructed by buildings, hills etc... but give it a go, should help!