· Get a Cloudy Nights T-Shirt · Submit a Review / Article    Click here if you are having trouble logging into the forums Cloudy Nights - Official Forums of the 2009 International Year of Astronomy Privacy Policy | Please read our Terms of Service | Signup and Troubleshooting FAQ | Problems? PM a Red or a Green Gu.... uh, User   You are not logged in. [Login] Forum Archives · Entrance · Main Index · Search · New user · Who's Online FAQ · Calendar Announcements and News >> Beginners Forum Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | (show all) lighttrap Reged: 02/06/04 Posts: 3833 Loc: cloudy, foggy, humid NC, US Best of the Beginner's Forum & How-Tos       #302416 - 01/06/05 07:40 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   This is a READ ONLY collection of links to posts in the Beginner Forum that describe either how to do something, or are otherwise of significant value to the beginning, or even the seasoned amateur astronomer. Often, the answers to many common questions are several posts down in these threads, so be sure to read through these threads to make sure you get the maximum bennefit from them. Even though this thread is read only, if you have questions or comments pertinent to any of these threads, you can add them to the original threads. Determining Magnitude How does one determine the seeing conditions and limiting naked eye magnitude for any particular night? Some basic telescope concepts explained, including advice for picking a telescope. What is the focal ratio? And how does it affect my scope? How to use the mechanical setting circles that come on many mounts. Seeing More The importance of "learning" to observe and training the eyes to see What can be expected when the telescope arrives: a member photo documents his experience assembling an Orion Dob. How do I safely observe the Sun? It's important that everyone understand that the safe way to observe the sun is either by projection, or with proper objective end filtration. Never directly observe the sun without the correct objective end filters, and never rely on eyepiece filters to observe the Sun. What's the faintest star magnitude & highest useful magnification that I can get with my scope? What do the terms "undercorrected optics" & "overcorrected optics" mean? Do's & Don'ts, Veteran Observer's tips Guillermo's tips on gear and observing The first post in this thread has some good stuff that everybody could learn from. Understanding exit pupil Understanding "Fast vs slow" scopes Observing log templates tips, tricks & accessories for Hardin & other Dobs This thread was started specifically for Hardin 6" Dobs, but owners of other Asian Dobs from Hardin, Orion, Celestron, Skywatcher, Antarres and others may find much useful information here. How much magnification? Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:25 PM) Post Extras:       lighttrap Reged: 02/06/04 Posts: 3833 Loc: cloudy, foggy, humid NC, US Re: Best of the Beginner's Forum & How-Tos [Re: lighttrap]       #389275 - 03/29/05 12:15 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here are some links to posts that describe the mechanics of how to use certain CN features, and how to use some features that are in your computer or keyboard. New to CN, How do I ...? How to make a degree symbol, and all those other cool symbols that your computer already knows, but aren't on your keyboard. Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:26 PM) Post Extras:       lighttrap Reged: 02/06/04 Posts: 3833 Loc: cloudy, foggy, humid NC, US Re: Best of the Beginner's Forum & How-Tos [Re: lighttrap]       #390309 - 03/30/05 12:20 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's a post every person trying to choose a scope for a child, could potentially bennefit from, A 9 year old chooses between a small Goto refractor and a small Dob after using both. Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:27 PM) Post Extras:       lighttrap Reged: 02/06/04 Posts: 3833 Loc: cloudy, foggy, humid NC, US Observing with Amalia [Re: lighttrap]       #527800 - 07/22/05 04:47 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Amalia's sage advice on getting started with eyepieces. Amalia's tips and tricks during a well documented night out in the Swiss Alps Amalia's list of 200 objects to observe Follow down in the thread to see how the list evolves and is made more user friendly. Enjoy. Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:27 PM) Post Extras:       miniventures Something Else Reged: 09/13/03 Posts: 11254 Loc: Powell Butte, Central Oregon Useful Manifications for Visual Observing [Re: lighttrap]       #787708 - 01/21/06 12:26 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Useful Magnifications for Visual Observing -------------------- LarryC Volunteer http://www.sunrivernaturecenter.org Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:35 PM) Post Extras:       miniventures Something Else Reged: 09/13/03 Posts: 11254 Loc: Powell Butte, Central Oregon Astro Glossaries and FAQ's [Re: miniventures]       #787718 - 01/21/06 12:30 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   ASTRONOMY GLOSSARIES and FAQ's -------------------- LarryC Volunteer http://www.sunrivernaturecenter.org Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:36 PM) Post Extras:       miniventures Something Else Reged: 09/13/03 Posts: 11254 Loc: Powell Butte, Central Oregon USEFUL External Web links [Re: miniventures]       #787724 - 01/21/06 12:34 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   USEFUL EXTERNAL WEB LINKS -------------------- LarryC Volunteer http://www.sunrivernaturecenter.org Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:36 PM) Post Extras:       miniventures Something Else Reged: 09/13/03 Posts: 11254 Loc: Powell Butte, Central Oregon BEGINNERs' GUIDE TO FILTERS [Re: miniventures]       #796688 - 01/27/06 10:36 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Lots of good information about choosing and using filters. Beginners' Guide to Filters -------------------- LarryC Volunteer http://www.sunrivernaturecenter.org Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:37 PM) Post Extras:       miniventures Something Else Reged: 09/13/03 Posts: 11254 Loc: Powell Butte, Central Oregon LASER POINTERS [Re: miniventures]       #936317 - 05/01/06 01:39 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Laser Pointers Useful discussion on green laser pointers -------------------- LarryC Volunteer http://www.sunrivernaturecenter.org Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:38 PM) Post Extras:       miniventures Something Else Reged: 09/13/03 Posts: 11254 Loc: Powell Butte, Central Oregon WHAT SCOPE DO YOU HAVE? [Re: miniventures]       #946607 - 05/08/06 12:24 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   What Scopes Do YOU have? Come join the list here and see what others have you might want to drool over or aim for. ANY scope you own may be listed. -------------------- LarryC Volunteer http://www.sunrivernaturecenter.org Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:38 PM) Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ DIY Light Block Panels [Re: miniventures]       #1140799 - 09/09/06 08:11 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   In these threads you will find instructions for building and examples of portable panels designed to preserve night vision by blocking nearby light sources. Light Block Panels In Lieu of an Observatory -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:39 PM) Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ Re: Light Pollution [Re: desertstars]       #1155115 - 09/19/06 12:22 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   So what about that light pollution business we all have troubles with? Start here! Light Pollution? Start with these CN links. -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:39 PM) Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ Re: Cardinal Rules of Cleaning Optics [Re: desertstars]       #1155120 - 09/19/06 12:24 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The basics of caring for eyepieces, etc. CARDINAL RULES OF CLEANING OPTICS -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:41 PM) Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ Re: Rear View Barlowed Laser [Re: desertstars]       #1193003 - 10/11/06 05:50 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Another way to use a laser collimater: Rear View Barlowed Laser -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ Re: Messier Marathon Dates [Re: desertstars]       #1216554 - 10/25/06 03:55 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Potential Messier Marathon Dates: Marathon Dates Spreadsheet Courtesy of CN member Randy Hargis . -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:41 PM) Post Extras:       oldsalt Astro Philosopher Reged: 02/12/05 Posts: 8661 Loc: Pa - between starparties Asterisms [Re: desertstars]       #1220997 - 10/27/06 08:04 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here is a link to well known and not so well known Asterism info: Asterism Info -------------------- There are no winners in war, only bigger losers. Jim Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:42 PM) Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ Simulated Views [Re: oldsalt]       #1304607 - 12/15/06 10:47 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   A thread containing links to sites that simulate telescope/eyepiece views. Simulations -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:42 PM) Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ Re: Simulated Views [Re: desertstars]       #1317997 - 12/22/06 03:51 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   How to put a Clear Sky Clock into your signature line: Clear Sky Chart Signatures -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:43 PM) Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ Re: Simulated Views [Re: desertstars]       #1370838 - 01/19/07 01:12 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thoughts on how to get more from an observing session: Seeing More -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ Re: Simulated Views [Re: desertstars]       #1370843 - 01/19/07 01:14 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Where to find the major regional star parties: Where to Find the Big Star Parties -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:44 PM) Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ Re: Simulated Views [Re: desertstars]       #1394816 - 01/31/07 10:12 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   One way to store telescopes without breaking the bank... Don't have money for a $300 telescope case. -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:50 PM) Post Extras:       miniventures Something Else Reged: 09/13/03 Posts: 11254 Loc: Powell Butte, Central Oregon Re: Visual Science [Re: desertstars]       #1413755 - 02/09/07 10:50 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Wondering what kind of real SCIENCE an amateur astronomer can do? Answers are here: VISUAL SCIENCE -------------------- LarryC Volunteer http://www.sunrivernaturecenter.org Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:52 PM) Post Extras:       miniventures Something Else Reged: 09/13/03 Posts: 11254 Loc: Powell Butte, Central Oregon Re: GOOD BEGINNERS BOOKS [Re: miniventures]       #1413760 - 02/09/07 10:52 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's a list of good beginner's books compiled by our users: List of Good Beginners' Books -------------------- LarryC Volunteer http://www.sunrivernaturecenter.org Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:52 PM) Post Extras:       miniventures Something Else Reged: 09/13/03 Posts: 11254 Loc: Powell Butte, Central Oregon Re: Looking for DARK SKY? [Re: miniventures]       #1413766 - 02/09/07 10:54 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's a great tool for finding dark sky in your area and BEYOND: Great Tool for Finding Dark Skies -------------------- LarryC Volunteer http://www.sunrivernaturecenter.org Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:53 PM) Post Extras:       miniventures Something Else Reged: 09/13/03 Posts: 11254 Loc: Powell Butte, Central Oregon Re: Date and Time Conversion [Re: miniventures]       #1454785 - 03/01/07 11:48 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Looking to convert GMT to your local time??? Try this Date and Time Conversion -------------------- LarryC Volunteer http://www.sunrivernaturecenter.org Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:54 PM) Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ Re: Date and Time Conversion [Re: miniventures]       #1470096 - 03/08/07 02:25 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The determination of seeing, transparency, and darkness. How to estimate seeing & transparency -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:56 PM) Post Extras:       miniventures Something Else Reged: 09/13/03 Posts: 11254 Loc: Powell Butte, Central Oregon Re: Basics about different telescope types [Re: desertstars]       #1541494 - 04/13/07 08:38 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Learn about different telescopes types and why some scopes are better for different types of viewing: A Few Basics about Telescope Types for Beginners -------------------- LarryC Volunteer http://www.sunrivernaturecenter.org Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:58 PM) Post Extras:       miniventures Something Else Reged: 09/13/03 Posts: 11254 Loc: Powell Butte, Central Oregon Re: Common CN Contractions and Acronyms [Re: miniventures]       #1541500 - 04/13/07 08:42 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   In these pages there a MANY Contractions and Acronyms that are used. Learn a bit about computer shorthand in this thread. Common CN Contractions and Acronyms -------------------- LarryC Volunteer http://www.sunrivernaturecenter.org Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:58 PM) Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ Messier Information [Re: miniventures]       #1761212 - 08/06/07 11:28 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   A link to a site providing useful informations on the Messier objects. Helpful for planning an observing session: Messier List -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:59 PM) Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ Seeing vs Transparency [Re: desertstars]       #1839247 - 09/13/07 02:36 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Do you find yourself mixing the concepts of 'seeing' and 'transparency' while trying to describe your viewing conditions? Try this handy summary by Tony Flanders: Seeing is Not Transparency -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 02:00 PM) Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ Links in Posts [Re: desertstars]       #1839627 - 09/13/07 05:57 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   How do you turn a link like this - http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/1384477/page/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all/fpart/1 into a neater link like this? Links in Posts Click on either link for the answer. -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 02:01 PM) Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ Re: Links in Posts [Re: desertstars]       #1971417 - 11/08/07 05:57 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here is a thread containing a printable version of the Damian Peach animation of Pickering's scale for measuring seeing conditions: The Pickering Scale -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 02:02 PM) Post Extras:       Olivier Biot Amused Reged: 04/25/05 Posts: 16323 Loc: 51°N (Belgium) Get rid of street lamp lights - Legally! [Re: desertstars]       #1989499 - 11/16/07 01:50 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   If you live in the USA, the following thread may be relevant for you: Get rid of street lamp light - LEGALLY! Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 02:02 PM) Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ Re: Get rid of street lamp lights - Legally! [Re: Olivier Biot]       #2065547 - 12/21/07 10:10 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Safety issues involved with the use of green laser pointers near airports: Green Laser Pointers and Airports -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:35 PM) Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ Re: Get rid of street lamp lights - Legally! [Re: desertstars]       #2065561 - 12/21/07 10:17 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Simple Home-made Equatorial Tracking Platform -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:34 PM) Post Extras:       jeepizoid member Reged: 12/29/07 Posts: 61 Loc: Mesa , Arizona Re: Simulated Views [Re: desertstars]       #2088929 - 01/01/08 11:29 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I found this telescope math calculator to be very helpful plus they have lots of useful info, http://www.stargazing.net/naa/scopemath.htm thank you! naa -------------------- Meade az 70 mm f/8.5 refractor Orion svp 120 mm f/8.3 refractor with intelliscope Orion 1 1/4 inch dielectric diagonal custom aluminum 1 1/2 inch slow-motion control knobs and 2 inch focus knobs Orion 10,25mm. sirus plossl Gso 4,6,9,12,15,32mm. super plossl Agena Astro SWA 20mm Gso 1 1/4 2x barlow Baader 1 1/4 Moon & Skyglow filter Barska 10x50 binoculars Phillips SPC900NC Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ Dobsonian Portability [Re: jeepizoid]       #2108072 - 01/09/08 04:36 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Want an inexpensive and convenient way to roll out that dob? Check these threads! 8" Dob portability 8" Dob portability/Platform remodel w/ pictures And most recently, a CN member putting the idea to use: Carol's Dolly Mod -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Edited by desertstars (10/05/09 01:33 PM) Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ Carol's Picks [Re: desertstars]       #2678752 - 10/03/08 06:48 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Free Telrad Charts and More! Carol's Picks -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ Astronomical Terminology [Re: desertstars]       #2756234 - 11/17/08 12:05 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The basics of the language of astronomy: Astronomical Terminology -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Post Extras:       square_peg Postmaster Reged: 03/26/04 Posts: 29408 Loc: Maple Valley, WA Re: Astronomical Terminology [Re: desertstars]       #2827018 - 12/27/08 03:45 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   CN Report: Cold Weather Observing Tips to stay warm and enjoy those clear but cold winter nights. -------------------- Tom (Pegster) DSH-8 (GSO Dob) 15x70 Oberwerks SVP/ED80 WO 66 Petzval Sears Discoverer EQ 60/900 8x42 Regals History is Philosophy teaching by examples. Thucydides Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ Re: Astronomical Terminology [Re: square_peg]       #3079597 - 05/01/09 06:16 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Using Setting Circles -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ Re: Astronomical Terminology [Re: desertstars]       #3089078 - 05/06/09 06:40 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   An entry from the General Observing forum: Magnitude Math -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Post Extras:       desertstars Please stand by... Reged: 11/05/03 Posts: 34547 Loc: Tucson, AZ Re: Best of the Beginner's Forum & How-Tos [Re: desertstars]       #3259325 - 08/07/09 12:00 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Tips for using the ever popular Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas.. Sky and Telescope Pocket Atlas -------------------- Tom W. Collinder's Catalog Jewels in Dark Settings Post Extras:       Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | (show all) Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Extra information 10 registered and 9 anonymous users are browsing this forum. 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