37 replies to this topic

[Akfishing4d]

I am brand new to this world of astronomy. Just bought a celestron 6se after much research and deliberation. There are so many things I probably need to start but I am a Noob! I bought the 6se and it comes with a star diagonal, star scope, sky portal wifi module and 25mm eyepiece.

Also purchased a lithium 12v celestron power supply. 

 

Now, what else would you say is a must have? I would like to basically look at everything, planets, sun, moon, everything that I can possibly see. Not sure what other optics/filters i would need to get started. I live in Alaska so getting stuff here takes a couple weeks. I just ordered the telescope and it should be here before the end of the month. 

 

Super thanks you in advance for any input to help me get started, constructive or not...lol.

Edited by Akfishing4d, 09 February 2025 - 07:49 PM.

[nitsky]

Welcome to CN Akfishing4d !

 

'MUST haves'?......I think you have everything you need to go see what's out there.

There's so much to see, and with each category there's 'special eye pieces' you'll find to improve each. 

 

A planishere and a pair of binoculars would be a 'nice addition', but not a game breaker.

 

Have FUN,

Nitsky

[vtornado]

are you in interior alaska?   I would suggest a zoom, but maybe it will not work due to cold.

 

you may need a dew heater, but I would wait on that to see if it is really needed.

 

For sun you will need a full aperture solar filter.  I suggest a baader film one.

 

chair and red beam flash light.

[Tulloch]

For the planets, I've found the Baader Contrast Booster filter a great addition. Read about it here.

https://www.cloudyni...servation-r3261

 

I've found Sky Safari Plus a great tool for finding stuff in the field on my phone, not too expensive.

https://skysafariastronomy.com/

 

A nice ultra wide angle 5-7mm eyepiece is also great for the planets, check out the used items classifieds for a Pentax XW or Meade 5000 UWA.

 

Andrew

[Akfishing4d]

Welcome to CN Akfishing4d !

 

'MUST haves'?......I think you have everything you need to go see what's out there.

There's so much to see, and with each category there's 'special eye pieces' you'll find to improve each. 

 

A planishere and a pair of binoculars would be a 'nice addition', but not a game breaker.

 

Have FUN,

Nitsky

Not sure what a planishere is....I am new to the world. I do have a decent pair of binoculars and a 15-45 X 60mm scope. But really want to see deeper into the sky.

[Akfishing4d]

are you in interior alaska?   I would suggest a zoom, but maybe it will not work due to cold.

 

you may need a dew heater, but I would wait on that to see if it is really needed.

 

For sun you will need a full aperture solar filter.  I suggest a baader film one.

 

chair and red beam flash light.

I am in the islands in SE Alaska. Fairly remote, no roads in, only accessible by ferry or airplane. I have access to mountains with zero light pollution. Other than the stars, the moon and sometime aurora, it is dark where I go.

[Akfishing4d]

For the planets, I've found the Baader Contrast Booster filter a great addition. Read about it here.

https://www.cloudyni...servation-r3261

 

I've found Sky Safari Plus a great tool for finding stuff in the field on my phone, not too expensive.

https://skysafariastronomy.com/

 

A nice ultra wide angle 5-7mm eyepiece is also great for the planets, check out the used items classifieds for a Pentax XW or Meade 5000 UWA.

 

Andrew

Right now I use skymap and Skyeye to locate things to try and see with the tools I have currently, but there is a lot of magnetic interference. As long as I can locate one object with the naked eye I can use one of the two apps to figure orientation for other objects. I will check the links you mentioned, thanks!

[Ice Cube]

a good observing chair and a wifi module to connect to the free celestron skyportal app

[ShaulaB]

Celestron bundles everything you need to get started. Play with what you have for a few months before whipping out your credit card.

Finding a local astronomy club will save you a LOT of money actually.

[nitsky]

Not sure what a planishere is....I am new to the world. I do have a decent pair of binoculars and a 15-45 X 60mm scope. But really want to see deeper into the sky.

....SORRY!

 

A PLANESHERE is a chart with a rotating disc that you hold over your head when you're outside. 

It shows what's above you on any given day as far as the constellations .

And their progression across the sky thru the night.....lets you k ow when things are in view.

 

Nitsky

[hyiger]

I am brand new to this world of astronomy. Just bought a celestron 6se after much research and deliberation. There are so many things I probably need to start but I am a Noob! I bought the 6se and it comes with a star diagonal, star scope, sky portal wifi module and 25mm eyepiece.

Also purchased a lithium 12v celestron power supply. 

 

Now, what else would you say is a must have? I would like to basically look at everything, planets, sun, moon, everything that I can possibly see. Not sure what other optics/filters i would need to get started. I live in Alaska so getting stuff here takes a couple weeks. I just ordered the telescope and it should be here before the end of the month. 

 

Super thanks you in advance for any input to help me get started, constructive or not...lol.

Welcome to CN!

 

My advice is to start saving money. Once you get bitten by this hobby the bank account will decrease. 

 

Seriously though, the best advice I can give to a beginner is to join a local astronomy club. Lots of experts on hand to help you maximize your enjoyment. 

[Jethro7]

Hello AKfishing4d,

Awesome. 

(1) - Learn how to collimate your scope

https://www.cloudyni...less concentric.

(2) - +1 on the Zoom eyepiece. 

https://www.svbony.c...QAvD_BwE#W9105A

(3) - Dew shield. Can be bought or made. Also good for stray light intrusion. 

https://www.celestro...ld-dx-for-c6-c8

(4) - possibly a Dew heater ring or strap if Dew shield is not enough.

https://www.amazon.c...2770847100&th=1

 

https://www.amazon.c...=A2G4P3Y9VXNJM5

(5) - A copy of "The Backyard Astronomers Guide" 

https://www.amazon.c...477164638&psc=1

 

 

HAPPY SKIES TO YOU AND KEEP LOOKING UP Jethro

Edited by Jethro7, 09 February 2025 - 09:31 PM.

[sevenofnine]

While you're waiting, I suggest a good astronomy guide book. "The Backyard Astronomer's Guide 4th ed." has all of the latest equipment and accessories. It also covers basic astronomy. Best of luck to you! 

 

https://www.amazon.c...aps,1131&sr=8-1.

[jupiter122]

Welcome to the hobby and good luck! I don’t think you need to make any additional purchases of hardware. Start off by getting yourself a good app or printed guide to the night sky and astronomy.

Tim

Edited by jupiter122, 09 February 2025 - 10:10 PM.

[NTR180]

Great advice given here already.

I'd 2nd the following

1. Zoom eyepiece.  Cheap ones are fine for your scope (like celestron or Svbony).  This way you can quickly dial in and see what focal length you use most and only use one eyepiece to do it.  If zoom works for you keep it that way. If you find you want something a little nicer/wider view you can buy separate focal length eyepieces later

2. Adjustable chair, makes it so much easier to stay looking at something when you aren't worried about balance and bending over at just the right angle.  Lots of options out there, including ones you can make yourself.  Google adjustable chair and cloudy nights and lots of threads come up

3.  Sky safari.  I'm not familiar with Skyeye.  It may be just fine.  If you want to go electronic, skysafari is great app.  Celestron has a basic free version as well called sky portal made by the same folks and very similar to see if you like it.  Plus you should be able to go to the accessibility settings in your smartphone and make the screen red to preserve your night vision.  Paper charts work great too for some folks if you don't want to worry about phone/tablet while viewing.  

 

All that being said, as others have mentioned, you have enough to do a lot already.  Get the hang of it, see what you are wanting to do more and come back to Cloudy Nights for info.  If you are like me, you'll find there is always something else out there to try (and always more money to spend).

[SeattleScott]

You will want to be able to use more magnification. Perhaps something around 10mm. Or a zoom, but yeah could get stiff in the cold.

You will need a dew shield or dew heater. Not sure which would be more appropriate.

Making a coat of Reflectix for the scope tube can help a lot with cool down time. You have a Home Depot down the street, right?

Edited by SeattleScott, 10 February 2025 - 12:03 AM.

[Jay_Reynolds_Freeman]

Red flashlight. Observing chair. Decent star-atlas software for whatever platform you use, and a small star atlas in book form may be easier and faster to use for figuring out which constellation is where.

 

Dew shield for the telescope, likely of the flexible-plastic-and-velcro variety.

 

If you live in Alaska, you probably have enough warm clothing and know how to dress for the cold.

 

You might find it fun to start a logbook or journal, in which to keep track of your observations.

 

Start thinking about more eyepieces, though which ones depends on your budget and what kinds of things you like to look at.

 

And patience. Lots and lots of patience.

 

Do come back and ask for more advice when you think you need it.

 

 

Clear sky to you ...

[AJK 547]

Greetings Akfishing4d,

 

As everyone has already mentioned...  Welcome to CN and the wealth of knowledge you have at your fingertips within the forums!

 

FWIW, I wanted to graduate to a more 'grownup' 'scope and also chose the Celestron 6SE to start me on my journey.  The 6SE has rewarded me with some excellent views of the heavens (lunar, planetary, globular clusters, double stars, carbon stars, etc., etc.).  As you wait for your 6SE to arrive, I tried to acquaint myself as much as possible with the 6SE operation, the handset operation, various star alignment procedures, and the 'nuances' of SCT's like 'cool-down', focusing procedures of SCT's to acquire the best possible visual views, etc. from the scope.

 

I checked your coordinates and if I'm correct, you seem to be located in the Ketchikan/Beaver Falls/Saxmon area?  If so, you are blessed with some truly Dark Skies conditions outside of the towns in your area!  That 6SE will give you some great views as you become more familiar with its operation.  The one thing I noticed (as others have already mentioned) is it seems you will be observing some nights with some high humidity conditions (50% to 70% consistent) from the seas around you.  IF so, then a dew shield and dew heater (as SeattleScott mentioned) will become important for your viewing session enjoyment.  Personally, I got tired of the humidity in the Chicagoland area on warm, humid nights and eliminated the problem with the dew shield and dew heater use.  I agree with others that you will be quickly looking for other eyepieces to augment the Celestron eyepiece that comes with the kit.  For my visual observation, I splurged a bit for the scope and got a Baader 8-24 zoom.  The zoom gives me a nice focal range for most of my observing sessions with the added advantage of quickly 'dialing-in' the best viewing power based on my target and 'seeing' conditions at that moment.  I've used this zoom eyepiece in temps in the mid-teens (and lower) and never had a issue with it.

 

Finally, patience and perseverance is something I learned is soooo important in visual observing as I eased into the hobby.  Ex., my first session with the 6SE resulted in disappointment with 'soft' visual images of Jupiter and Saturn.  I honestly was bummed out!  However, the next session resulted in significantly improved visual observation of Jupiter (@234X).  I stayed with the session for about an hour and was happy with the results.  THEN came that elusive 'AH HA" moment... of a very stable air column of my target. The view of Jupiter 'snapped' in sharp focus...  Sharp views of the various bands of Jove displayed themselves to me even to the point where I observed multiple brown 'barges' (elongated cyclonic storms) in the NEB (Northern Equitorial Belt).  I was so blown away by the sight I immediately dialed up Saturn on the 6SE handset and Saturn was in full display with a beautiful color gradation of bands on its surface and sharp ring definitions.  It was then I realized that viewing experience/knowledge/perseverance in critical in this hobby...

 

Have fun!

 

Clear, steady nights

Edited by AJK 547, 10 February 2025 - 01:32 PM.

[Akfishing4d]

Greetings Akfishing4d,

 

I checked your coordinates and if I'm correct, you seem to be located in the Ketchikan/Beaver Falls/Saxmon area?  If so, you are blessed with some truly Dark Skies conditions outside of the towns in your area!  That 6SE will give you some great views as you become more familiar with its operation.  The one thing I noticed (as others have already mentioned) is it seems you will be observing some nights with some high humidity conditions (50% to 70% consistent) from the seas around you.  IF so, then a dew shield and dew heater (as SeattleScott mentioned) will become important for your viewing session enjoyment.  Personally, I got tired of the humidity in the Chicagoland area on warm, humid nights and eliminated the problem with the dew shield and dew heater use.  I agree with others that you will be quickly looking for other eyepieces to augment the Celestron eyepiece that comes with the kit.  For my visual observation, I splurged a bit for the scope and got a Baader 8-24 zoom.  The zoom gives me a nice focal range for most of my observing sessions with the added advantage of quickly 'dialing-in' the best viewing power based on my target and 'seeing' conditions at that moment.  I've used this zoom eyepiece in temps in the mid-teens (and lower) and never had a issue

Ketchikan is a small town with little light pollution. A quick trip into the 2-3k mountains that are around the town basically take me into complete darkness, other than natural sky light pollution(moon, aurora). Humidity is an issue every day. I have a boat and have almost mastered the control of humidity(3 dehumidifiers on timers....lol). You mention a Baader 8-24 zoom and a heater. I have learned in life, if you buy cheap....you get cheap. Is there a good heater brand? On the Baader, I found one listed as hyperion and one as planetarium. Are they different or are they both the same?

[Akfishing4d]

Hello AKfishing4d,

Awesome. 

(1) - Learn how to collimate your scope

https://www.cloudyni...less concentric.

(2) - +1 on the Zoom eyepiece. 

https://www.svbony.c...QAvD_BwE#W9105A

(3) - Dew shield. Can be bought or made. Also good for stray light intrusion. 

https://www.celestro...ld-dx-for-c6-c8

(4) - possibly a Dew heater ring or strap if Dew shield is not enough.

https://www.amazon.c...2770847100&th=1

 

https://www.amazon.c...=A2G4P3Y9VXNJM5

(5) - A copy of "The Backyard Astronomers Guide" 

https://www.amazon.c...477164638&psc=1

 

 

HAPPY SKIES TO YOU AND KEEP LOOKING UP Jethro

Appreciate the links. For a noob like me, links like this are priceless. I am an absolute layman to the terminology in this new venture. Thank you for this info!

[DeeRicardo]

While you're waiting, I suggest a good astronomy guide book. "The Backyard Astronomer's Guide 4th ed." has all of the latest equipment and accessories. It also covers basic astronomy. Best of luck to you! 

"Turn Left at Orion" is another great beginner book! I've only had my scope for half a year and that book has been keeping me busy.

[SeattleScott]

Ketchikan is a small town with little light pollution. A quick trip into the 2-3k mountains that are around the town basically take me into complete darkness, other than natural sky light pollution(moon, aurora). Humidity is an issue every day. I have a boat and have almost mastered the control of humidity(3 dehumidifiers on timers....lol). You mention a Baader 8-24 zoom and a heater. I have learned in life, if you buy cheap....you get cheap. Is there a good heater brand? On the Baader, I found one listed as hyperion and one as planetarium. Are they different or are they both the same?

Baader Planetarium is the brand. Hyperion is the product name. The Mark IV is the current model. Fortunately we just had the annual Roman numerals refresher (Super Bowl).

If looking at the BHZ, one might also look at the APM Superzoom or SVBONY Super Zoom.

[Akfishing4d]

Baader Planetarium is the brand. Hyperion is the product name. The Mark IV is the current model. Fortunately we just had the annual Roman numerals refresher (Super Bowl).

If looking at the BHZ, one might also look at the APM Superzoom or SVBONY Super Zoom.

Thank you for the breakdown. Most of this is new and confusing. This site is a big help so far and I do appreciate all the info from everyone!

[Jethro7]

Appreciate the links. For a noob like me, links like this are priceless. I am an absolute layman to the terminology in this new venture. Thank you for this info!

Hello Akfishing4d,

You are welcome. Being a Newbie is why you need to get the book " The Backyard Astronomers Guide" it is the quintessential Ameteur Astronomers Bible. 

 

HAPPY SKIES AND KEEP LOOKING UP Jethro

[AJK 547]

Akfishing4d,  attached is an image of the Astrozap Flexi-Heat Dew Shield and the Thousand Oaks Optical 4-Channel Digital Dew Heater Control I use.  Together, they both work very well and the dew shield is lined with black felt to help control stray light reflections and improve contrast.  

 

There are many other alternatives to the setup for my C6’s and C8-A, so if you determine you need to control that humidity, just ask others for their setup…

 

Clear, steady nights

 

 

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Edited by AJK 547, 10 February 2025 - 07:57 PM.