Help w/Viewing Saturn and other stuff

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    Saturn
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of a telescope to observe celestial bodies, specifically Saturn and other planets. Participants share experiences and seek advice on improving their observations, including equipment suggestions and identifying celestial objects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about how to get a closer look at Saturn with their Orion SpaceProbe 130 EQ Reflector Telescope, mentioning the equipment they have.
  • Another participant suggests that if the telescope is properly collimated, it should allow for a clear view of Saturn's disk, although the rings may be difficult to see due to their current orientation.
  • There is a discussion about the possibility that the participant may have been observing a bright star instead of Saturn, as the planet may not appear significantly larger than a star at times.
  • One participant mentions that the rings of Saturn are currently not very visible and that the planet may appear as a small dot, similar to a star.
  • Participants discuss the identification of bright celestial objects, with one suggesting that the bright lights seen in the morning sky may be Venus and Jupiter, while another mentions Sirius as a prominent star visible at sunset.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about whether the original observer was looking at Saturn or a star, indicating a lack of consensus on the identification of the celestial object. There are differing views on the visibility of Saturn's rings and the conditions necessary for a clear observation.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the importance of telescope collimation and atmospheric conditions for optimal viewing, which may affect the clarity of observations. There is also a reference to the current positioning of Saturn and its rings, which may limit visibility.

mikeluvs43
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Hi all I just got my girlfriend a Orion SpaceProbe 130 EQ Reflector Telescope
with 900 mm full lengh

it came with a 10mm and a 25 mm lens
I also bought a Orion Shorty 2x Barlow Lens, 1.25"
and a moon filter

Saturday was her birthday It gets great shots of the moon
We tried looking at Saturn seeing it was out last night but can't get to close

We see it shinning like a star but what would I need to get a CLOSER look at it?

Or any other planets for that matter

(besides a new telescope)

Any strong lenses that will do me better?

Any info will be greatly appreciated on this or any other tips on neat stuff you guys and gals can think of

Thanks Mike
 
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Are you sure that you were looking at Saturn? You have enough magnification at your disposal to see the planet as a disk, though you may not see the rings very well because they are almost edge-on currently. If the telescope is properly collimated (shows faint stars as nice pin-points), you should easily see the disk of Saturn. If not, it's likely that you were training the 'scope on a bright star instead.
 
Welcome to PF.
mikeluvs43 said:
Hi all I just got my girlfriend a Orion SpaceProbe 130 EQ Reflector Telescope
No one's buying that, so give it up. I just hope she likes you enough that she forgives you for buying yourself a present for her birthday! :wink:
with 900 mm full lengh

it came with a 10mm and a 25 mm lens
I also bought a Orion Shorty 2x Barlow Lens, 1.25"
and a moon filter
A very good starter scope.
We tried looking at Saturn seeing it was out last night but can't get to close

We see it shinning like a star but what would I need to get a CLOSER look at it?
I agree that if it wasn't obviously Saturn, then it was probably a star. It is tough to see the rings right now (they'd just be a sliver), but you should see a well defined disk and some stripes, including a well-defined stripe down the middle (the shadow of the rings).

If you haven't already, you can use the 10mm with the barlow if conditions are good and the image shold still be relatively sharp.
 
LOL Russ
I have taken it over but it was for her, and she loves it and thanked me all night for it that it was the best gift.
She was still using her one her parents got for her when she was 10.
She is now 45.

So the intent was for her, but I have to say I am getting more into this then her.

But not my fault.

Ok to the Planet.

I didn't see anything big enough to tell if it was a planet or a star.
I understand I probably won't see the rings right now, but It was like the size of a pencil tip so I couldn't tell anything other then a shiny light,.

you are in PA?

Im In NJ

what are those 2 bright lights out in the morning on the east horizon right ahead of the sun?

I believe I read on of them is Venus?

And what is that light that is out tonight just as it was getting dark.
First light in the sky tonight.

My scope, (hum hum Her Scope)

is just a tad smaller then your set up there.

Dang , NASA no you got there scope?
 
mikeluvs43 said:
LOL I didn't see anything big enough to tell if it was a planet or a star.
I understand I probably won't see the rings right now, but It was like the size of a pencil tip so I couldn't tell anything other then a shiny light,.
Then you probably were looking in the wrong place. Saturn is no brighter than an average star, so you may have been looking at a brighter nearby star (Regulus, maybe).
you are in PA?
Yes, 20 mi west of Philly.
what are those 2 bright lights out in the morning on the east horizon right ahead of the sun?

I believe I read on of them is Venus?
Yes, the other one (further from the sun in the sky) is Jupiter.
And what is that light that is out tonight just as it was getting dark.
First light in the sky tonight.
There are no really bright planets out in the evening sky right now. The first thing you would see is sirius, due south at sunset.
My scope, (hum hum Her Scope)

is just a tad smaller then your set up there.

Dang , NASA no you got there scope?
I love my baby!
 

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