What can I see with my Sky Watcher telescope?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter james bibey
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the capabilities and expectations of using a Sky Watcher telescope, specifically regarding celestial observations. Participants explore what can be seen with the telescope, including planets, stars, and potentially nebulas, while sharing tips on navigation and resources for stargazing.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • A participant inquires about what celestial bodies can be observed with a Sky Watcher telescope, mentioning previous sightings of Saturn and the Moon.
  • Some participants suggest starting with Messier objects, noting that visibility may depend on light pollution levels.
  • Recommendations include acquiring a star atlas to aid in navigation and learning constellations, with specific suggestions for beginner-friendly resources.
  • One participant shares an experience of observing a bright object, speculated to be Jupiter, and describes seeing multiple dots around it, possibly its moons.
  • Another participant confirms the identification of the bright object as Jupiter and inquires about the visibility of its bands.
  • A participant mentions difficulty in noticing Jupiter's bands but thinks they may have seen some swirling patterns.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the usefulness of star atlases and the importance of learning constellations. However, there is no consensus on the visibility of certain celestial features, such as Jupiter's bands, as experiences vary.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential light pollution affecting visibility and the varying experiences of participants regarding what can be seen through the telescope.

Who May Find This Useful

Astronomy enthusiasts, beginners looking to explore celestial observations, and individuals interested in joining local astronomy clubs may find this discussion beneficial.

james bibey
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Hello

I have purchased a Sky Watcher 650mm focal length and a 130mm diameter. It came with a *2 barlow lense and a 25mm wide angle and 10mm super plossl lense. I have also recently purchased a 4mm super plossl lense. Just right now I found out that my telescope was 650mm and not 900mm, but that's ok because I intend to upgrade when I get the money.
What I am quering is what can I expect to find with this? I have happened upon Saturn once by mistake and saw the rings, and obviously the moon, but other than that I have been picking stars at random. Is it possible to see nebulas and the such and what is the best place to look for interesting celestial bodies?
I live in Wales in the United Kingdom and I will probably be getting my telescope out again tonight at about 10pm GMT.
I will appreciate any guidance.

Thanks

p.s. this is my first post on this forum
 
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You could try starting with the Messier objects. I think you should be able to see most of those with a telescope your size (depending on how much light pollution you have to deal with). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Messier_objects
It might be a good idea for you to pick up a good star atlas to help you navigate the night sky.
 
Thanks, I'll try that
 
You should also get a star atlas of some kind which you can use outside. My personal favorite for beginners is https://www.amazon.com/dp/0521800846/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Your goal for the time being is simply to learn the constellations and get your bearings in the sky. Start with one small part of the sky, like the constallation Lyra (nearly overhead this time of the year), and use it as a starting point for identifying and exploring neighboring parts of the sky.

I also strongly suggest that you find any astronomy clubs in your area and attend some of their meetings or star parties. You'll be amazed how much you can learn in a short period of time with an experienced guide!

- Warren
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks chroot, when I get enough money I will buy that book. As for astronomy clubs, I will see to that one as there is one in Swansea where I live.

I was out last night and looking to the south there appeared to be a bright star. When I looked at it through a 10mm, then a 4mm, It was bigger than a star, with free little dots around this. Am I right in assuming this was Jupiter?

Also what you said about skymarks sounds like good advice.

Thanks
 
james bibey said:
I was out last night and looking to the south there appeared to be a bright star. When I looked at it through a 10mm, then a 4mm, It was bigger than a star, with free little dots around this. Am I right in assuming this was Jupiter?


Definitely Jupiter. Did you see any bands?
 
It was very hard to notice but I thought I may have seen something like swirling bands.
 

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