Telescope Reviews: My new toy

Greetings to everyone! I've wanted a telescope for years but for some reason have been putting it off. I guess money probably has a lot to do with it.

I decided it was finally time to take the plunge. I did a little research and decided on a Celestron CPC 800. After spending quite a while reading reviews, looking over documentation and determining what accessories I would need to get started, I finally ordered Wednesday and it arrived today!

Tonight it seemed clear when it started to get dark, but shortly after it started to get cloudy. About an hour later it had cleared a little again so I thought I would venture out. I'm in the city so it isn't the best place to view but thankfully I do have a place away from the city that I can head do when I have a chance.

I started out with the 40mm EP that came with the scope. I tried to find Jupiter but was having a tough time. I had it centered in the cross hairs of the finder scope but couldn't find it in the eyepiece. So I decided to wander over to the moon, an easy target! After spending some time focusing I finally had a clear view of the moon. I decided to change to an 8mm EP with a moon filter. It was a good view, but there was definitely some haze.

I switched back to the 40mm and tried to find Jupiter again, and was finally successful! It was awesome - I mean the moon is great and all but we can see it so well with the naked eye. It was amazing to see the bands of Jupiter and its moons as well. I decided to switch back to the 8mm and the view wasn't as good - lots of noticeable haze. So I found out first hand that higher power isn't always better. Rookie mistake I guess!

There is one thing that I was having a tough time with and that was just viewing through the eyepiece in general. I had a tough time getting my eye in just the right spot to see clearly. Any viewing tips as far as that goes? I guess I will have to give it time and get used to it.

Well that's about it - just wanted to stop in and say hello. Oh, I have a Canon Rebel XT and plan to put that to use with my telescope.. so expect some pictures in the future!

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