|
SimonS
journeyman
Reged: 12/30/07
Posts: 6
|
|
Hello
I have been interested in astronomy for a while now but do not have a telescope, yet - just binoculars. I have been told I could join a club to learn more, but I am wondering - what actually happens at clubs?
Like, do people take their own telescopes that I could maybe 'look through' to help me decide on one - and learn how to set one up, eg. with the 'polar drift method', or are clubs mainly just talks and lectures that don't go outside?
Thanks for any advice
Simon
P.S. If this has already been asked I am sorry, I did search - please just post the links. And I am in UK near Manchester
|
Tom L
Reged: 01/07/04
Posts: 31037
Loc: Sunny Oregon
|
|
Hey Simon, welcome to the best online astronomy club around...Cloudy Nights!
Each club is different but you will find that most clubs will try to schedule times when people can get together and view and designated times and locations. This is a good way to try out different scopes and learn new and different things from the people in your club. If you have a club that is local, join it and see if you like it or not...
--------------------
Tom 
Tele Vue 102mm f/8.6 on an EzTouch
Vixen 80mm f/5 A80SSWT on a grab-n-go mount
|
NeoDinian
Experienced Postmaster
Reged: 10/05/05
Posts: 14043
Loc: Rockford Illinois
|
|
Most clubs will allow a visit or 2 without joining to see if it's something you want to join. You can always go that option.
our local club you can go to as often as you'd like without "Joining"... Although when you join, you contribute to the clubs future. Without the joined membership, clubs like this couldn't exist.
--------------------
Neo... (Jeff)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
10" LX200-GPS/SMT UHTC "Draco"
 Rockford, Il.
NeoDinian's Eye on the Sky!
Coming soon:
|
Richard B. Drumm
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 07/14/05
Posts: 1486
Loc: Albemarle Co. Virginia
|
|
The short answer is "Heck yes!"
The long answer is "Heck yes, do it now!"
You'll have opportunities to look through the other guys' scopes and see what you can see, while learning the advantages & disadvantages of each design. This will save you a TON of euros and increase your enjoyment of the hobby immensely.
Enjoy yourself and do keep us posted!
Rich
--------------------
AKA Richard Drumm The Astronomy Bum
Orion Atlas 10 (10" Newt on an equatorial mount)
Celestron 15x70 SkyMaster Binocs
Coronado Ha PST
President, Charlottesville Astronomical Society
IOTA member
38° 10' 57"N, 78° 23' 09"W
|
basel10
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 07/15/05
Posts: 805
Loc: TN
|
|
yes do go to a local club. If it is a good club they will focus heavily on star parties getting out and seeing the stars as a group and less on talks and lectures. You can see many different scopes and that will make it easier for you to find a scope. Cloudy nights is great for advice and will help you greatly but it is not hands on help like an astro club.
--------------------
www.knoxvilleobservers.org
|
NeoDinian
Experienced Postmaster
Reged: 10/05/05
Posts: 14043
Loc: Rockford Illinois
|
|
I first joined my club 3 years ago... Mostly just to attend and see new things as well as spend a lot more time at public nights...
Today, I am the Chairman of the board for our club, as well as a KEY holder for the observatory for public nights as well as my OWN time. 
Well worth joining a club!
--------------------
Neo... (Jeff)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
10" LX200-GPS/SMT UHTC "Draco"
Rockford, Il.
NeoDinian's Eye on the Sky!
Coming soon:
|
RS67Man
Tinker King
Reged: 11/10/07
Posts: 824
Loc: Spanaway, WA USA!
|
|
Quote:
as well as a KEY holder for the observatory for public nights as well as my OWN time
Man, How do you rate! Must be nice! I should join the TAS, (Tacoma Astronomical Society) but it is hard to find time to attend the meetings. I would be up way past my bedtime on the weekdays. So far, I have only met one other person that is "into" astronomy. I hope to change that as the weather warms up later in the comming year!
--------------------
AEACC The Automatic Electric Aluminum Can Crusher thread
|
NeoDinian
Experienced Postmaster
Reged: 10/05/05
Posts: 14043
Loc: Rockford Illinois
|
|
Quote:
Quote:
as well as a KEY holder for the observatory for public nights as well as my OWN time
Man, How do you rate! Must be nice! I should join the TAS, (Tacoma Astronomical Society) but it is hard to find time to attend the meetings. I would be up way past my bedtime on the weekdays. So far, I have only met one other person that is "into" astronomy. I hope to change that as the weather warms up later in the comming year!
I love it personally!
Being a board member (Besides the chairman) means I (as well as 3 others) come up with the program ideas for the club though the next year. Nice to be a part of that.
As for being a Key-holder.. When I am scheduled for public nights, and get there early, I can open up and get ready.. If I wish to stay late after all others have left, I can.. Our public nights are the 2nd and 4th Saturdays... But if it's a Clear, Moonless night on any other day (Not just weekends), I can go on my own! (Even have a pass from the Park district to be there after hours!)..
Can't beat it...
So yeah, JOIN YOUR LOCAL CLUB! Many perks!
--------------------
Neo... (Jeff)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
10" LX200-GPS/SMT UHTC "Draco"
Rockford, Il.
NeoDinian's Eye on the Sky!
Coming soon:
|
bbriggs
sage
Reged: 01/09/06
Posts: 217
Loc: Graham, Wa.
|
|
RS67Man, yes you should join the TAS. We would love to have you. Same for Simon. A club may also have equipment like ours does that you can check out like a library book. You will also find a bunch of real nice people who will be glad to help you figure out what you need.
--------------------
18 f4.5 home made newt
14.5 f4.5 homemade newt w/Zambuto
16x70 Fujinon Binoculars 20x110 Garrett Binoculars
Denk II power x switch 21's and 14's
31, 17, 9 Naglers
Televue Ranger
Astrogizmos Portable Observatory
|
astropup
sage
Reged: 12/12/05
Posts: 423
Loc: Ann Arbor, MI
|
|
Yes absolutely, or at least check out the local club. It is usually well worth it.
--------------------
DBA Deep Space Observer 10" f/5 (GSO Dob)
Meade 114/500 4.5" f/8 Reflector
PST
Celestron Skymaster 15x70mm
Oberwerk 8x56mm
|
|
0 registered and 2 anonymous users are browsing this forum.
Moderator: Jason B, ~Steph~
Print Thread
|
Forum Permissions
You cannot start new topics
You cannot reply to topics
HTML is disabled
UBBCode is enabled
|
Thread views: 1807
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit
Reply
Quote
[Re: 