31 replies to this topic

[Neanderthal]

No GPS needed. I use Polaris centered in the EP, then adjust the setting circle to 0°. The app then gives me the azimuth to rotate the scope to. An inclinometer on the OTA gives me the required altitude.

[AstroPepper]

Excellent thread and thank you for sharing  My wife and I just started our sky journey a few nights ago and like you I’m getting so much help here (even the Admins are cool)

 

Question: how is your wife liking it? as much as you? 

[Neanderthal]

Excellent thread and thank you for sharing  My wife and I just started our sky journey a few nights ago and like you I’m getting so much help here (even the Admins are cool)

 

Question: how is your wife liking it? as much as you? 

She really enjoys observing and asks lots of questions, but doesn't get involved beyond that. She's less tolerant of the cold than I, which isn't saying too much, as I can't take much either. She's having a good time with it, and fully supports the time and money we've invested. 

[Ionthesky]

She really enjoys observing and asks lots of questions, but doesn't get involved beyond that. She's less tolerant of the cold than I, which isn't saying too much, as I can't take much either. She's having a good time with it, and fully supports the time and money we've invested. 

Nice thread, 'thal -- glad you started it!

 

Wow...wish my wife enjoyed this.  When the weather was nice, I could barely convince her to take a quick peek at Saturn's rings or Jupiter's moons and bands, and of course I have way too much gear...

 

Consider yourself blessed, brother!

 

Regards,

Dave

[csrlice12]

Ten years in and one thing I've learned is that there are a lot more things that keep you indoors than there are that get you outdoors....

[jokrausdu]

Realizations

• ...

• Accept that this is for the long haul - no need to be in a hurry, there's so, so much to see.  

I really like your advice; you've learned a lot in the first year. Back in 1989, I also went whole hog into the hobby, but then I slowed down when I realized that the astronomical objects would be there tomorrow. I didn't have to see everything at once.

 

But, after 33+ years in the hobby, I also had the realization that while the objects will still be there, I might not be. I got into the hobby when I was in my early 20s, but now I am in my mid-50s. Thus, I've started to document what I see, start getting those [edit] Astronomical League certificates, etc. 

 

Concerning equipment, if you want to get something, go get it (unless you have to trade off food or a heating bill.) I am a cheapskate, but when I do buy something, it is generally for good quality. It is usually better to buy one good thing than 2 mediocre things. 

Edited by jokrausdu, 28 January 2023 - 12:19 AM.

[WillR]

Would some kind soul be good enough to point me to something that explains what is meant by GPS for a dob?  

I think Mike was trying to make an analogy, which was, frankly confusing. GPS has nothing to do with it. 

 

A azimuth circle and digital angle gauge are just manual push to references. German EQ mounts have used setting circles for years.  The difference is the setting circles use the ( relatively) fixed coordinates of the stars, declination and right ascension. You just need to align the scope with the north celestial pole and then only need the celestial coordinates for the target. 

 

With an alt/az mount, you need to know the rapidly changing alt/az coordinates ( as the earth rotates), which you need an app for. You still need to align the azimuth circle with any convenient star.