One super-simple setup trick for telescopes
The easiest way to find night sky objects
Hunting down your first deep sky object
Video 3: Hunting Your First DSO!
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What is stopping you from using your telescope?
Does this exercise apply to the southern hemisphere? As far as I can tell from Stellarium this star
Does this apply to the southern hemisphere? As far as I can tell from Stellarium Albireo is always below the horizon.
Hi Ian,
This is only relevant for northern hemisphere observers. I’m afraid that living so far north I’m unable to provide observation guides for southern hemisphere observers.
Hi Adam, thank you for the wonderful instructional videos. I had a telescope as a teenager and used to just observe the closer planets when available. But now at age 78 you have rekindled my interest in astronomy and I look forward to many exciting observations.
Rob Gorton, Kerikeri, New Zealand
Thanks for leaving a comment Rob, I’m pleased you found the videos useful.
Just got it. No instructions.
Hi Cam,
What model did you get?
I am not sure how you got the Stellarium view that you show on your screen. Is this the fish-eye view?
Hi Terry,
No. The view in the video is ‘stereographic’. You can set it in the bottom half of the ‘sky and viewing options’ window [F4]. This is the standard view that Stellarium starts up with.
Best wishes,
Adam
These videos have been very informative and helpful. I am a complete neophyte. What has been keeping me from using my Meade StarNavigator is difficulty getting it set up and aligned properly. I would like to be able to find sky objects manually but also be able to use the computerized starfinder capabilities of my telescope.
Thanks for letting me know you’re finding them useful Mark and I hope you get up and running with your Meade. Did you see this video guide to it before?
I have loved observing Jupiter and Saturn over the last couple of months and showing friends and family the gas giants. Mars and Venus were my first planets in summer and they were a bit of a let down. Thank you for your information and enthusiasm. This video could not be better timed! My curiosity is growing and double Stars/multi stars are next on the list and thanks to you Albireo will be the first one I point my scope at. My first galaxy will be the obvious Andromeda but that must wait as I promised my neighbor that we would do it together. Just waiting on clear skies now. Thanks, Nick
Hey Nick, Jupiter and Saturn have been truly stunning these last few weeks! We’re gonna have to wait until this time next year for Mars to be enjoyable again.
I did a guide to seeing Andromeda Galaxy – no video but https://lovethenightsky.com/how-to-find-andromeda-galaxy-in-the-night-sky/
I just read the guide on love the night sky! I don’t know how I missed it. Adam I must say it is freaking awsome! Thank you for all the information I am now more excited than ever to “hunt” it and it’s neighbours. The entire article is fantastic! From warning would be viewers what not to expect to all the interesting facts with out overwhelming technical jargon you manage to explain mind boggling information in a fun and informative manor. I have never been so excited to view a disappointing smudge in the night sky 😂
Lol – “I’ve never been so excited to view a disappointing smudge” is one of the best compliments I’ve ever received!
I hope Andromeda lives up to your (lowered) expectations!
Let me know what problems you’re having with your astronomy and I’ll do my best to help!
Adam, you are indeed the brightest STAR. Many thanks for these videos, very informative, from a very polite and knowledgeable Astronomer.
Keep up the good work.
Many thanks Pete
What a generous thing to say Peter, thank you so much for the comment!
Hello Adam! We are getting our telescope on Thursday! A Gskyer 130EQ. We can’t wait to put your lessons into use.
Thanks so much for making things simple and easy to understand!
Cheers!
Hey Richard,
I hope you’re having fun with your GSkyer scope!