10 Things Experienced Stargazers Do Differently

What do I do when I go stargazing? Let's find out! In this video, I'll discuss 10 things that I do differently from when I was just starting out.
110 Things to See with a Telescope:
www.amazon.com/110-Things-See...
50 Things to See on the Moon:
www.amazon.com/Things-See-Moo...
50 Things to See with a Telescope - Kids:
www.amazon.com/50-Things-See-...

[@richardsauceda7074]

As a newbe, I started stargazing with a pair of decent 10×50 binoculars on a tripod, before thinking of getting a telescope. 👍😎

[@Kaienhere]

This video is absolutely fantastic, it made me realize that I still had a lot of misconceptions about the necessity of using filters, Barlow lenses (I guess magnification is not that important after all?) and some things that nobody ever mentions like weather conditions, planet phases and planning ahead. I truly feel grateful that you're sharing all this stuff for free, you're like the college teacher that I never had

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks!

[@lifesbetteronaboard]

Your book should be arriving in the mail today! A friend and I are taking a trip to Anza-Borrego soon and we're really looking forward to having it there with us.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Awesome!

[@Boxxkarr]

I absolutely love John's "110 Things" book! It has become indispensable as my astronomy journal. Taught me how to read sky maps, about atmospheric conditions,and about different things to see throughout the year! An excellent book!

[@garidmandakh6621]

im very glad that i found your channel, now i will note your words and watch the videos day by day.

[@trainman8065]

Your book seems like a good birthday present I will definitely add it to my wish list as I am trying to get into this hobby+ thanks for the tips

[@erwinhermantousman]

this is really helpful, thank you

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks!

[@ASC-Explore]

As an astronomy equipment reseller, I will be showing this video to all my clients. Good job

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks! Let me know if you ever want to sponsor any videos. Clear skies! - John

[@lindasuti1610]

This is great! Thank you so much :)

[@JoeJaguar]

good video John im sure those tips will help alot people

[@akshkhurana9226]

Hey John, I bought a telescope in December and bought your book in February. I just want to say thank you for helping me get into this hobby. Amazing book man!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Wow thanks Aksh!!!

[@akshkhurana9226]

Thank You John!!

[@JonathanFinkGroup]

guilty of all of these John! Thanks for the info. I'll stop trying to hook up cameras to my beginner telescopes.. lol

[@nathanr7620]

i just realized that i have your book! the 50 things to see with a telescope. thanks for making it!

[@Korruptor711]

nice video and I already added your book to my wish list a week ago. it's a great idea for a book, so I'll definitely get it when I get a telescope.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Awesome! We actually just released a “no telescopes required” stargazing book last Friday called “LearnToStargaze for kids” cheers!

[@uditd4716]

I have the 102 AZ. Works pretty good with the 10mm eyepiece, I was able to see Jupiter's moon very clearly. Ordered a 4mm eyepiece to see the cloud band and the rings of saturn. Inside the maximum useful magnification still.

[@BrockOBauma]

Great video. 👍

[@sozoinc]

This is an awesome video for newbies like myself. I have limited time to endure in a Starry night. I live in Revelstoke and having a clear night sometimes could take days to weeks to endure. I really enjoy your video content and knowledge. Thanks for being out there and posting these videos 👍

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@Kira28720]

from all the videos on this channel I liked this video the most 🤣🤣😎

[@Mrcloc]

Nice video. I must say I don't do much differently, I just find the targets much quicker, so I hop from object to object and see way more now. In the past I would look for two or three things where now I will see 10 in a night. As you observe more you also start appreciating what you observe a lot more. About the colour filters - either you use them or you don't. It's not got to do with being a beginner. They are a fun toy to play with when looking at solar system objects. The biggest difference that I've noticed is that the beginner tries to get as much magnification as possible while the experienced star gazer uses as little as possible and then dials it up as the object allows/requires.

[@simeonetti]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm a complete noob who knows nothing about stargazing. I'm thinking of getting a telescope, but it's really hard to work out which telescopes are just expensive toys and which are proper telescopes for beginners. So thank you for these tips!

[@brenttadams]

Just ordered the book. Keep the videos coming.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Awesome, thanks!

[@moazzamfaisal262]

great video, amazing content, loved the puns 😄

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks!

[@Astro_Ape]

Those Z series Zhumells are fantastic scopes. I've really grown quite fond of my Apertura AD, and although I've never used Orion's Skyline series I'm sure they're great too. These GSO built Dobsonians really are the bees knees of the factory dobs.

[@CammieRacing]

I've got one, it's definitely a gateway 'drug' telescope. Now I just want a bigger one!

[@petset77]

Fun video. I just ran across your channel this evening, actually looking for small telescopes as spotting scopes as potential better alternatives to monoculars available on Amazon. That said, after watching a couple of your vids, I just bought your "110 Things..." book on Amazon. As a newbie, I look forward to getting the most out of my recently purchased 8" Dobsonian. I commented on your Celestron 60mm Travel Scope vid. If you think it's a possibility as a spotting scope (or not) I'd appreciate your opinion. Thanks again, and I look forward to your book.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Enjoy the book and your new Dob!!!! The travel scope would work as an okay spotting scope (the focal length is simply not that high). Celestron’s C90 Mak Spotting Scope would do much better for that purpose. Clear skies!

[@Porthector88]

This man had fun making this video

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yup. But it was edited by Halley D. (who worked on Cosmos and Trailer Park Boys)

[@DashawnJizzle]

I just did all of this noob stuff last night. Lol Got some good views of the moon w/ Travel Scope 70. Great Video!!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks!

[@billiondollardan]

I just ordered an Orion Skyline 8" as my first telescope and I am eating up all these videos. Thanks!!!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Wonderful!

[@bowrudder899]

Other things I take: 1) A folding table. I set out my books and notes on it, and record the time and the objects that I see throughout the night. 2) A pair of 2x54 binoculars. The magnification is just enough to get me in the ballpark of what I am looking for.

[@hmuphilly9129]

Maybe you have a guitar channel LOL that was pretty damn good. Talk about the space hole syndrome, its been rainy and tropical stormy around here for like the past week crazy I want to see stars badly

[@clungebucket23]

Grabbing hold of that Newt like a pro 😂😂😂.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Ironically, I was new to telescopes when that picture was taken by my good friend Sean (may he Rest In Peace).

[@KaReEdCa]

Loved the video... Got a new subscriber.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks!

[@KaReEdCa]

@@LearnToStargaze j BTW... Just picked up the book 😊

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@KaReEdCa Awesome! Enjoy!

[@Fledstream]

Hi you went to my school like 1 year ago your so cool

[@lornaz1975]

I have that Zhumell (I assume that is what you have) eyepiece case. I find the plossls to be of very good quality for the price as well as their construction. I find the 4mm to rival my Japanese 4mm ortho. And the selection of filters in the case are good too. I also have the 10 inch Zhumell dob. I am still torn between it and the 12 inch. I think they are some of the best dobs on the market.

[@Astro_Ape]

I like the longer focal ratio in the 12", but all of the Z series are fantastic scopes. Quick question: do you have to use a coma corrector on your 10" since it's below an f/5?? I've never used a dob faster than that, and have kinda avoided some of the factory 10" dobs because of that reason. Just curious if that's really even much of an issue in 'em.

[@lornaz1975]

@@Astro_Ape No I have not had the need but I assume it might be personal preference. F4 gets too fast for me so a Paracorr or corrector might be good then.

[@sudzyplayz516]

So close to 7k

[@3dfxvoodoocards6]

Nice video. Do UHC and CLS light pollution filters work for visual observations ? Does it make sense to buy them for visual observations? Thank you!

[@LearnToStargaze]

What’s a CLS filter?

[@therealrepete]

This was corny and funny! Well done and thanks!!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks!

[@santicraftmcesp.9178]

Hellos sir, I would like to know your opinion on the Orion Spaceprobe 130Eq ST, the new version with red dot finder, thank you in advance

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hi! It‘s probably functional, but not very fun to use. A lot of maintenance too.

[@kailashkanoria2383]

Hi, first of all thanks for uploading all these videos. My question is that when you showed the image of moon, it was really big than what I see in my 102AZ refractor starsense explorer... am i doing something wrong? and also do i need to use moon filter while observing moon? Please reply

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hi! A quality 5mm eyepiece would show the Moon in fantastic detail in that telescope. I tested a few today including the Baader Hyperion 5mm, and the Tele Vue Nagler 5mm. The Celestron X-Cel 5mm is also a good option for the Moon and planets. A moon filter helps with contrast and to reduce brightness, but it’s not necessary. Hope this helps!

[@kailashkanoria2383]

@@LearnToStargaze Thank you John... I ordered your book today from Amazon...looking forward to read it :)

[@yankeeownz9980]

@John Read I'm stuck and unsure which telescope to purchase. The 2 telescopes I'm looking at are Celestron - StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ and Celestron - NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope. The reviews for both are mixed. In your opinion which one of the two would you recommend? I'm looking for a decent/good telescope where you can see the moon, planets, stars, galaxies - a mix of everything. If you don't like neither telescope, which telescope(s) 600.00(USD) and under would you recommend? Thank you in advance

[@LearnToStargaze]

Those are very different telescopes. The Starsense is push-to and the SLT is go-to. I would prefer the SLT for the go-to, but the push to is easier to use, but has a far, far, smaller inventory of targets in its database. I would go with the SLT. That said, if you can find this one in stock somewhere, it would be much higher quality for about the same price: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1552647-REG/sky_watcher_s21160_startravel_102mm_f_5_az_gte.html?ap=y&smp=y

[@yankeeownz9980]

@@LearnToStargaze Thank you for your reply, it's very much appreciated (sidenote below my question.). which type of telescope would you recommend for the Moon, Planets, Stars, Nebula's, etc. Reflectors or refractors? I purchased your book 110 things.. my wife has been hoarding it and haven't been able to look at it. Looks like I need to order a second one 😂

[@berlinhusker5164]

The first “toy” telescope you showed looked like a Celestron eq 114 short? Can that be? I am asking because that is what I have! Love your videos by the way! They are very helpful to keep “newbies” such as myself focused and interested.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yes, the Celestron 114 is barely functional. Its bird jones design provides a terrible image. They do this to display a high magnification on the box.

[@berlinhusker5164]

@@LearnToStargaze oh my…. Thank you! I will see how far it gets me!

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@berlinhusker5164 it’s when you try it on a deep sky object side by side with a 100mm refractor that you really notice the difference.

[@tedjammers]

With the eclipse coming up in 2024 what setup so you anticipate using to best view it? Thanks!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Just a pair of eclipse glasses. Viewing an eclipse is an emotional experience, during totality, when the insects start making noise, and the birds fly back to their nests, when the sky goes dark and the planets appear, you can view the event with just your eyes. No eclipse glasses required.

[@astroexo6934]

So, I've been into astronomy for a couple years now, and my first telescope was pretty small, I think it was 70mm... I sent it back to Amazon, which is where I bought it, and got a new telescope from Amazon. I got a "Hexeum 80mm/600mm aperture" telescope. There's a lot of problems with it, like the mount being hard to move, and being very wobbly, and also some of the accessories that came with the scope feel very light and cheap. The telescope itself does feel cheap if I'm being honest. I ended up buying some new equipment, like a new diagonal mirror, and some new barlow lens. Even though this telescope isn't the "best", I still get very amazing views through it everytime I look at the moon and planets. I've combined a 3x barlow lens with a 10mm eye piece, and when I look through it, it is dim, but very clear. I wanted to ask you though, I've been looking for a telescope over 100mm, that's affordable, and works better then the one I have right now, (I don't mean that as my scope is horrible, I just mean I'd like to find a different scope that can see more detail in the sky). I've been having trouble finding a good scope, for example, I found a "Celestron powerseeker 127eq" telescope on Amazon (that's also sold on the celestron site), for a relatively low price. I don't know if that scope is even good, since I've seen negative reviews about it. I don't know if you will see this, but I basically just wrote this to ask if you could possibly send me links to "above beginners" telescopes. Electric/motorized telescopes would be nice, though I know those can be expensive...

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hi! I like the 102mm refractors. Costco often has these for under $200. The best scopes for beginners are typically Dobsonians. The powerseeker 127 is known as the “worlds most hated telescope”. I’m not even sure why it exists.

[@astroexo6934]

@@LearnToStargaze Thanks for the help!

[@astroexo6934]

@@LearnToStargaze Hey, sorry to bug you again, I just got one more quick question. Would the "Celestron AstroMaster 130eq" telescope be a good choice to get? I've done some research on it and I think people like it.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@astroexo6934no, they don’t like it.

[@astroexo6934]

@@LearnToStargaze oh, really? Ok... Thanks for the help :)

[@RIPStampysLovelyWorld]

5:57 - Hey, I recently bought an Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial telescope. Would this be considered a "toy" or a real telescope? I can see detail and Jupiter and Saturn during good nights, it's not the greatest, but it is still amazing.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Not a toy per say, just massively over engineered. Mirrors need to be collimated, and it would be better on an AZ mounts as the EQ puts the eyepiece in an awkward position.

[@vietnamese.ricefarmer123]

Hello, me and my dad have bought the Bresser 6' planetary Dobson telescope, but we need to buy new eyepieces. We have now a Bresser Plössl 25mm and 10mm, but we wanna see more craters on the moon, some DSO'S and of course the planets bigger. Our budget is below the 100 euros, which eyepiece do you recommend us? I like the Omegon Cronus 4mm WA because it will give 300x times magnification, my telescope can handle that. Our diameter is not 150mm but 170mm, in total it's 190 mm. Should I return the Bresser Plössl 10mm eyepiece?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hi! Celestron 5mm X-Cel for planets. And nice 25mm plossl for deep-sky. That is all I would ever use with that telescope.

[@jamesmcleod4335]

​an off topic question here, but what is that set of brownish red books in the cabinet on the right side?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Great question! That is the complete works of Charles Dickens, found it in a cardboard box on the tucked away on a shelf at "Half Priced Books" in Concord California. I think I offered them $100 for it, and they accepted. I gave it to my wife for Christmas about 10 years ago.

[@jamesmcleod4335]

@@LearnToStargaze Oh man! That's amazing. What an incredible find.

[@zharul8716]

Hello Mr LearntoStargaze. I live in equatorial region. Specifically, I live in small rural town with low population and the night can be very dark because there's no huge source of light here. I want to ask: 1) Does my region affect stargazing effectivenes? 2) Does nearby lamp post with dim yellow light (somewhere between 13-16m) and little light from surrounding houses create enough light pollution to affect stargazing? 3) Is 400mm aperture and 70mm focal length a good enough scope for beginner?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hello. I can try to answer your questions: 1) You need to check how dark it is where you are check this website: darksitefinder.com/maps/world 2)The lamp will affect your eyes. You need to get away from the lamp. 3) Every Telescope is different. Do not trust online reviews. Examples of good beginner telescopes are: 1] 6 Inch Dobsonian (a reflector) 2] Omni 102 AZ (a refractor). Note: Avoid telescopes with "EQ" in the name, avoid apertures below 100mm, and also avoid telescopes with apertures of 114mm, or 127mm (these tend to have very poor optics). If you can't find any telescopes that suit your needs, you may wish to start with 7x50 binoculars. Good luck on your astronomy journey!

[@zharul8716]

@@LearnToStargaze Tq sir. Much appreciated.

[@Astro_Ape]

I highly advise people to start with a pair of binoculars whenever they want to move up from naked eye observing. It's one of the handiest pieces of astronomy gear I own, and they are often the most overlooked starting point for beginners. I tend to prefer larger binos on a tripod (I use a pair of Celestron 15×70s), but 7×42 or 10×50 are actually much better since they can be easier to hold freehand. They are intuitive to use and don't require any complicated setup. They don't have to be astronomy specific since you can easily use them for other tasks, and you can get a good quality pair of binos a lot cheaper than a good quality telescope. A simple low power pair of binoculars (~7-10×) with decent optics (aperture ≥ 50mm) will increase the stars you'll be able to see in a clear dark sky anywhere from 25-50 fold. That means the number of stars you'll be able to see will go from ~2,000 to 50,000-100,000 or more!! Even though I've got a nice tricked out Dobsonian telescope, whenever I observe I always have my binoculars there with me (sometimes they're the only optical gear I even take). Lots of celestial objects in the heavens look absolutely fantastic with low power & wide fields of view, you just need the added aperture that binos afford so you can catch that dim light and funnel it into your eyes.

[@ARMadillo18]

Hello @LearnToStargaze. Question, is the Orion StarBlast 102mm Altazimuth Travel Refractor Telescope (on Amazon) a toy or can I put a dslr on it?

[@LearnToStargaze]

No, I wouldn't put a camera on that. Even for the Moon it would be frustrating.

[@Inmortal719]

The focal length is just 600mm (over 1000mm would be a better investment) 102mm aperture is good but not enough, you better look for other telescope with over 125mm Aperture and 1000mm focal length at least, why, because such telescopes would have a much better base mount that can handle the weight of your DSLR camera, the one you picked is too small and you would be better taking pictures with a cellphone adapter (for fun) than a camera for astrophotography

[@ARMadillo18]

@@LearnToStargaze ok thanks

[@ARMadillo18]

@@Inmortal719 ok thanks

[@t4ke5Real]

is the celestron astromaster 130eq a toy? because that’s what i have

[@LearnToStargaze]

The optics are fine. It’s the mount that’s over engineered. If you like the EQ mount, and you’ve had no problems finding and tracking deep sky objects like galaxies, then it’s a functional and even capable system. If it’s your first telescope, I’m guessing you might find it a challenge. How have you found it’s performance so far?

[@caquoxxouqac]

I am planning to buy a 12" Skywatcher Skyliner Flextube... is it worth 1300 bucks? Or does a classical dobsonian for 900-1000 bucks has more benefits?

[@LearnToStargaze]

The two advantages to the flextube are portability and wind resistance. Personal preference as to which is better for you.

[@waynegarrett1614]

what eye piece and barlow do you have here?

[@LearnToStargaze]

The eyepiece is a 20mm Meade Series 5000 Ultra Wide Angle. I believe the Barlow is a Zhummel, the logo has long since worn off.

[@liewsc]

Hi, does the 110 things to see book works for someone from equator?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yes, you can see all the Messier objects from the equator.

[@liewsc]

thanks, i mean do I need to make adjustment for the orientation of the chart in the book, or the best time to go for the targets for observation from the equator? Thanks again!

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@liewsc most seasonal stuff will be directly overhead.

[@liewsc]

Thanks! Appreciate that

[@hmuphilly9129]

It was moderately cloudly yesterday yet I was able to align my starsense and view the coathanger now that was amazing. But tonights going to be better than yesterday though the moon will be out welp. i think a full moon should be considered brtle 9 light pollution lol

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yup, full moon is definitely a 9

[@jackg7225]

Why did you specifically point out 2 inch eyepieces? I have the Orion xt8.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Why not? They’re awesome.

[@jackg7225]

@LearnToStargaze I'm just asking. Since I'm new, would it be better to get the 2" vs 1.25.

[@Peewee125]

Amazon just delivered the order for my new Celestron Omni AZ102 with the Solomark $20.99 Color 4 Filter Set, a $6.20 Barlow Lens 3X, a Celestron $18.85 Neutral Density Moon Filter, a $25.99 Gosky 32mm and a $20.99 SVBONY 40mm eyepieces. Do I need keep any for later before returning them or missing anything else ? I also found a Group of Stargazers that will meet April 16 here in San Bernardino at 7:00 pm I’m excited John thanks again ?

[@kmichaelp4508]

After reading the comments, I just have to put in my cheesy comment. I’m very good at this. Obviously there’s a Marshal hidden back there that sets on the 40mm setting. The wife and 3 kids can’t handle a 4mm setting.

[@That-No-Moon]

wellp, a new youtube channel to subscribe too. Lets see if spending $700 of telescope gear was worth it. its a Newtonian telescope, but all the gadgets have added up.

[@matthew944]

I literally made every single one of these mistakes when I first got into astronomy. I wish I had seen this video before I bought all that useless junk 🔭

[@rodmagic]

i mad every single mistake in this video for last 10 years, I wish I watch this video first lol thanks

[@LearnToStargaze]

Me too, haha.

[@mookhok1mookhok140]

First tip to newbie John; buy bitcoin, paradoxes and all. Secondly; i love my Orion Starseeker IV; the finding is made extremely easy and the image quality is very acceptable for the investment. Thirdly; check your Bortle scale (light pollution) in your area ! I would love to see deep sky stuff, my telescope actually can just barely do it, but i need to drive 2,5h (one way) and take an expensive ferry to actually do so !

[@avatar123456789s]

6:02 When you see you own telescope you just bought :/

[@LearnToStargaze]

Ah yes, the Celestron 127 Powerseeker Bird Jones. Ed Ting has a great review of that one. Worth a look: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4nJg2qPiatol5Y

[@avatar123456789s]

@@LearnToStargaze i got the 130eq celestron telescope, looks the same, but as a beginner i have no clue what to do or expect. Also expecting Hubble pics with a beginner telescope is a big thing

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@avatar123456789s I don’t think the 130 is bird Jones, so that’s good. The Eq mount is a bit challenging, but if you can get past that you should be good to view the Messier objects from dark skies.

[@MrJimtimslim]

Turn off after 2 minutes due to the awful cheesiness. Just tell us the facts, stop doing these stupid patronising childish skits

[@LearnToStargaze]

I don’t think this channel is for you.