I just used some Marriott Rewards points to get a telescope. Always wanted one. I ended up with a Meade ETX-125AT, mainly because it was the best one I could get with points. Got some questions.

1. Any good books for an Astronomy neophyte?
- like how to understand right ascension and declination numbers
- how to find basic stuff, like where the heck is the North Star and what's its real name
2. How 'bout software?
3. Anyone work with the Meade AstroFinder software with laptop usb interface?
4. Any good websites out there? (I did find Weasner's Mighty ETX Site, that's a good one)

Anyway, my sister is totally into this stuff. She's an Astronomy/Physics major at UofWisc and works at their observatory. I suppose I should be bugging her. But I figured I could get some good pointers at s2ki.

 

http://skyandtelescope.com

scroll down to the "observing" section and click on the interactive sky chart link. it's cool!

 

Yeh I loved that magazine in junior high. I had so many hobbies I was into several years ago. I got into Astronomy really young like 7 or so, and kept reading and reading as many books as I could about space and telescopes. I had gotten to the point where I could name most of the constellations and magnitudes of stars etc. I always used 60mm refractor telescopes since I had no income at that age lol, I probably went through at least 4 of them. I remember visting my grandparents in Chicago and I would always have to stop by at the Adler? Planetarium in Chicago Starting in 9th grade I got too caught up in school, sports etc and my hobby of astronomy waned off. Plus Astronomy as a major in college wouldn't really lead to much in Grad school or careers. I still love looking at the stars at night. I plan to buy a a meade like Jvils maybe after grad school when I'm not so strapped for cash. Those are pretty good prices from what I've seen. I kind of always wanted a reflector or even a Dobson? lol but have no room for those. The meade I think is very compact. Have fun, and try taking pictures also and post them up My favorite was the Orion constellation with the galaxy in the middle. So sweet.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ironwedge
http://skyandtelescope.com
scroll down to the "observing" section and click on the interactive sky chart link.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SilverKnight
Have fun, and try taking pictures also and post them up