The Night Sky - Tips For The First-Time Telescope Owner

[@robertlegato8686]

At the tender age of eighty, my kids gave me a NexStar5SE scope for Father's Day! I guess they thought I needed something to take my mind off my diminishing capabilities. Well, it's working. I just stumbled across this video and -WOW - it really set me off on many new paths. Thanks to my kids and thanks for this KZbin video.

[@timmylee41]

Good luck Bob , great story 🙂

[@suzannegad]

Not as young as yourself but my daughters surprised me with a Telescope for my 57th Birthday a week ago

[@raymarvelez]

Good to hear 😁✅

[@Bruhmoment42O]

80 is not a tender age

[@georgemorley1029]

@@Bruhmoment42OIt is for him, so stick that in your pipe and smoke it.

[@GrandmasterBBC]

That is the best getting started with astronomy video I have ever seen. It reminds me to travel to dark skies and get outside.

[@timmylee41]

Ditto

[@iggwhy5380]

This is my 4th video I watch about telescope for dummies. Finally a video that actually gives me good tips.

[@martynh5410]

This was very well presented. I learned about astronomy many years ago when I was maybe 12. I went to a local library and started reading astronomy books. I also went outside and started to learn the constellations. This helped a lot when I got my first scope, a 4” reflector. Now about 50+ years later, I have the time to get back to this hobby. I bought an 8” go-to SCT and it’s been a great scope for me.

[@lordprotector3367]

Me too. I recently bought a Nexstar 8SE (8" goto SCT), after first getting into Astronomy in 1979 at age 14. I got some Zeiss 8x30 binoculars for my birthday, and, after that, knew every star name or Bayer designation in the sky at one point. Time got in the way, and recently got back into it. I didn't forget much, apart from some Bayer designations!

[@TonyFisherPuzzles]

1. Look through the small end.

[@joebond5012]

Thank you for a very interesting video, I found it most useful. I have just taken up the hobby after my children bought me a telescope for my 70th birthday, so I’m a bit of a late starter!

[@frederickacerra7766]

I am 68 and wanted one for 50 years and got one this past Christmas . It is a lot to take in but i am retired now so i am going to hit it hard . Good luck

[@adamben-shimon7513]

I also received my first telescope for Christmas as well. I assembled it but I didn’t know how to use it. Thanks for this video. It really helped!

[@toecutter8002]

The night sky has changed where I live. I remember as a child in the 80s looking up at the night sky & seeing billions of stars & now I can count about 10 to 15 stars in the night sky. This troubles me a lot because both of my kids will never see the night sky in its true form the way it was meant to be seen. I believe we should start having natural blackouts from city lights so we can observe our night skies again. If your ever up in the early hours between 3 & 4am you can see some anomalies. You can download night vision on your phone & you'll start to see things you weren't meant to see.

[@username6135]

Like what? Could you please explain?

[@username6135]

Saw a 1 mm black dot transit moon today around 02:35 et.

[@gracefrancis950]

This is due to light pollution. If you go out in the middle of no where with no light you will see many more

[@username6135]

Who cares... it was a bird I think.

[@tenzinsmith]

You can also just travel to somewhere that’s dark

[@phillcotterill6264]

Great presentaion - got to the point straight away - no waffling - well done Darrel

[@southtxgal9077]

Thank you for this video. I got my telescope 2 yrs ago for Christmas and was overwhelmed at its complexity and it sat in my closet and was even tempted to sell it. For a moment i thought you were talking about me! I feel like I am somewhat well versed with the night sky and was mostly happy stargazing unaided. After seeing this video I am readyto step it up.

[@antonytheolddog8626]

Fantastic video... Like the gentleman who is 80. I'm 54 and want to introduce myself and my young 7 year old boy to the stars.. I was intrigued as boy but never followed it up.. Now I have more time and patience, I'm all in..🙏👽

[@Feteh4all]

You really are an amazing guy to give us guidance when it comes to the wonders of the night sky! thank you!

[@erichowry7197]

I received this telescope for Christmas and anxious to use it. Thanks for the video!!

[@memoirsjade2692]

Applause! Excellent! This is very nice introduction for me, I just purchased my very first telescope and I have zero knowledge on how to use it. Thanks!

[@blinkybill2997]

Excellent, clearly-explained. Good job Darrell!

[@phileagle8432]

This is a really great video for us first timers! Thanks so much for making such a clear, informative and interesting video that is a great guide for getting into astronomy 😊

[@chrissalsy4331]

Thanks for a good clear explanation for starters like myself. A lot of people trying to explain things about anything talk too fast. thumbs up for your presentation.

[@anthonyw5261]

This video is stellar!!! Thank you 😊 💓

[@thatgoose2639]

Great presentation! There is an entire book worth of information in this video. I'd suggest ditching the star charts and purchasing the book Astronomica. Also Goto electronic mounts are very affordable and you should get one. Not only do they get you to your target but they track the target so you don't have to keep adjusting the scope to keep it in the eyepiece.

[@zainbaig5381]

Who is the author of Astronomica?

[@VirgilTStone]

​@@zainbaig5381 George Jetson

[@vojkotravner6413]

Hi, this was very clearly explained and without ballast. Thank you very much, master!

[@tmosbornmd]

This was great! Thank you. We are just getting started - so this was helpful.

[@davidgrajeda2986]

Thank you sir! This has got to be one THE best videos I have ever seen on KZbin and I learned lots! Thanks again! : )

[@Mungu-Akubariki]

Thanks. That was useful. Have always wanted one, this video prevented a possible impulsive buy.

[@pheobs]

Thank you so much for all the information. I am heading to the library tomorrow.

[@erichowry7197]

Thanks for the video! I received a celestron telescope for Christmas and watching videos on how to use it. Thanks a lot!

[@jamesadcock5235]

I'm happy just viewing the Sirius star with the naked eye. Have seen a nice telescope in lidl that tempts me as I get more interested in the night time sky

[@MarkMphonoman]

Ha, watching your video and noticed you had a photograph of my living room and refractor in your presentation. Cool. Mark

[@TheCerealHobbyist]

Thank you so much for this! Sincerely, helping me so much in my new hobby!!

[@dansharayko7198]

Excellent video! Very informative.

[@rich-ard-style6996]

I am not interested in Astronomy but plainly wanted to see what the sky shows us to see it.But this gentleman does a good job in explaining👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😊⭐️

[@yormpbirdhouse4407]

I actually own Nightwatch, but I’ve never actually looked into it. I was a few years younger when I first got my telescope and stargazing stuff so I did what any kid would do and I looked at a few stars and got bored after a few hours. I think it’s time for me to dig that book back up.

[@andreakennedy8084]

Brilliant beginners info. Thank you so much! 👍👍👍

[@alkoenig85]

Nicely done, excellent advise. I would also suggest limited using of goto drives. Learn the night sky and when your drive quits working you will still know your way around.

[@chriscockrell3023]

Great information!

[@mikefisher5665]

Very good enjoyed it very much .Thank you for your time.

[@bryanblanc2240]

Great information. Thank you for taking the time for us beginners Hopefully there will be no overcast tonight!

[@briancormier8189]

I been doing research for getting into star gazing and this was one of the most helpful with the best answers of a video I've come across. Thank you!!!

[@MrYogabala]

Great effort to entire team for this project.

[@memerzzz1735]

Idk why these informational channels r so underrated . why would i watch " *M Y N A M E I S C H I K I* " if i can watch this masterpiece

[@shimondzakovchich]

Informative video, please keep making sir.

[@charlesayache6801]

שלום לך!

[@jodyk4949]

Thank you for a great presentation.

[@_bee_1088]

Help! I have 8" 1200mm dobsonian, and when looking at mars trough 20mm 70degree eyepiece, all i see is small orange dot, but author of this video talks about icecaps and clouds. My question is what equipment do i need to have a good view of planets and what to use to have the better chance to see nebulas

[@dunringill1747]

Great presentation.

[@thomashaug9629]

Excellent presentation!

[@r.mercado9737]

Outstanding presentation and commentary! Many thanks.

[@grantheminger7479]

Super helpful, thanks so much!

[@romeoramos6650]

I'm very new to telescope, what is the best way to track a single star, that only shows by itself alone in the sky.

[@tanmaymahant6932]

I have manual telescope .....I can't find Orion nebula ...plz help

[@patt8724]

Well worth watching. Great advice.

[@4CardsMan]

Excellent presentation. I really liked the visual comparison of high versus low magnification. I learned the sky back in the 60's from the book What Star is That

[@tuanvuquoc2194]

Hi, thanks for very nice presentation. I have one skywatcher 150p, could you please tell me which eyepiece will be best suit for watching planets?

[@rosemarykowalski4300]

Thank you for great video.I would like to know how to see the planets clearer especially Saturn's rings and Jupiter's moon.

[@RobertSmith-hb8ow]

Great video, I just purchased my 1st scope

[@SchecterNZKayakFishing]

Excellent advice

[@danielforsyth1109]

Thank you for this video .it really answered alot of my questions.

[@michaelbishop9127]

Thank you Sir. You have answered a lot of my questions. Thank you for taking the time show us so many things to help us. I have just bought my first telia.. Hope it want take long to get it. So many Beautiful things in space.

[@darrellheath9776]

Welcome to the Universe, Michael, I hope you have as much fun and as many great adventures as I've had!

[@prafullpandit531]

Simple, Elegant and top notch ! Great Video 👍

[@cathrynm]

I had a cheap Sears telescope as a kid, and Saturn was interesting to find, though it wasn't easy with the cheap base.. Considering maybe getting something for the moon only, as I'm surrounded by a gagillion lightbulbs. I have line of site to San Francisco, other large buildings.

[@PafMedic]

I Got My 1st Scope When I Was 10,53 Now,lol A 70/300 Nat Geo(Still Have It)And For Some Weird Reason My Dad,Who Was In The Air Force Knew A Lot About Stars,Constellations,Planets,And Other Astronomy Things😂He Told Us He Wasnt Sure Where He Had Learned All Of It,and Not All At The Same Time😂I Age With Apollo 11 Every Year..Yes..Thats a Real Thing,lol.and Am My Fathers Only Space Nut,My Collection Has Grown Over The Years,and Ive Gotten Into Astro Some Over The Last 3-4 Years,and Love My 8-24 Zoom,The CelestronXL’s,This Was A Great Video Even For An Intermediate,I Really Enjoyed It,Have The Book Turn Left At Orion,And Until About 5 Years Ago When I Got My 1st Goto,Star Hopping Was All I Knew.And Still Do It,Have A Great Day And Clear Skies❤️🙏🏻🌏✨🔭

[@homolgus1]

Super video I really did learn so much from it

[@britlaredo821]

Is a 6 inch dobsonian still good enough to see the Orion nebula I want to see more than just the planets I would like to also see nebulas but my family could only afford the 6

[@Basil891]

Yes it is, even a small refractor can see a few deep sky objects.

[@Astrofrank]

Orion nebula can be seen in even smaller instruments, but don't expect it to look like the images.

[@Hexxoran]

is the Levenhuk Skyline BASE 60T Telescope a good starting telescope

[@TheGzillaman]

Thank you bro' just got my Gskyer 70400 my first ever Lol. The video you did was great simple and to the point👍👽

[@asgio27]

Stellar ! Thank you

[@knightclan4]

Excellent video Thanks

[@charlesayache6801]

Excellent in its clarity and this is the basic value here, is n't it?

[@aliceichechi9679]

Very good video💯💙💫👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽

[@darrellheath9776]

Thank you, Alice, much appreciated. Clear skies!

[@fredkaningok6460]

Thank you very much!

[@lngillespie]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@crish.2819]

Thank you! Very good info.

[@ApurvJyotirmay]

Man, that was a great video!

[@crusadr571]

Certainly helped me. Thank you...

[@vireshchauhan29]

Best Video with kot of knowledge..

[@mikeinsalaco]

Great video for first time users.

[@kamalchetry1972]

Nicely presented.

[@warrenmcmurry8199]

Whew, hope the newcomers find your info, so accurate. I'm a casual observor now retired and still get excited with observations. Favored is detail on the bright planets. Mars now close, tho tuff Target starting to release it's hidden Detail! Your info is choice, more than well done, Clear Sky to All! Xt8, xt10 dobs, etx90, recent celestron 6 inch achro w/beefy mount. Planets, 8mm Clave, 7mm Pentax, 4.8mm Televue, Takahashi ortho 6mm, 5mm pinhole but planet killers. Steady Sky Please!!

[@poppyd9758]

I have a Meade 60 telescope and I have no problem focusing on the moon and my granddaughters love looking at the moon. My problem is I’ve gotten (Jupiter?) (Mars?)lined up and focused in my viewer with my 26mm lens. When I insert my Barlow I cannot get it focused. My scope is at the same ambient temperature. Am I using the wrong lens with the Barlow?

[@Astrofrank]

If your focuser does not extend enough, use an extension tube. If the image is just bad, use a better Barlow lens or eyepieces with shorter focal length. A 12.5 mm Plössl gives roughly the same magnification as the 26 mm eyepiece with a 2x Barlow, but will have a similar focuser position as the 26 mm alone - and it will not compromise the image quality by itself.

[@tinksc]

Awesome it work thank you love it 😍

[@gwilbur1]

you might want to consider correcting the spelling of length...on several slides.

[@toadamine]

Get the Stellarium app, problem solved... has all the stuff those books have in a highly intuitive and easy yo use form. it'll tell you where everything is with both Alt/Azimuth and equatorial grid lines to help find stuff... first time I used my new telescope I found all the visible planets, all the visible constellations, and a ton of messier and deep space objects. I dont even have a functional finder scope...

[@alicewright8816]

Hello I'm weighing up buying the Celestron 100AZ vs a Meade ETX80 - can anyone advise which is better? I can get for roughly the same price. The Meade is older I know but has the automatic robotic object finder. Is the Meade the better option? Thanks for any help! Alice

[@Astrofrank]

All money that goes into the electronics cannot be used for optics or mechanics.

[@GD1_3]

I just purchased my first telescope its a Cassini 640mm x 102mm Telescope with 1.3MP Eyepiece Camera. Anyone have any thoughts or experience with this particular one

[@Astrofrank]

As I doubt that it has a parabolic mirror, my suggestion would be to use it with eyepieces of rather long focal length for wide field observation. Large open star clusters and diffuse emission nebulae are good objects.

[@SpaceFactsWax]

Thank you for uploading. I had the opportunity to see a rocket launch in 2018. Unbelievable experience. I posted a pretty fun video of the trip to my page.

[@FoolHardyQueso]

This really helped, thx

[@freddyfrankymicky8159]

Great info 💯

[@thomasfredericks3230]

Are the size of the eye piece itself universal with all telescopes? Meaning would fit in telescope you have at moment

[@darrellheath9776]

Hello, Thomas. No, not all eyepieces are universal with all telescopes. The most important consideration is the diameter of your focuser. There are several different sizes but the two most commonly used are 1.25 inches and 2 inch focusers. The zoom lens I mention in the video is sold in either the 1.25 inch form or the 2 inch. The different focal lengths the zoom eyepiece affords is however suitable for most backyard telescopes.

[@Astrofrank]

@@darrellheath9776 The Baader Hyperion Zoom is sold with both barrel sizes included, so there is no decision necessary. But most telescopes with 2" focuser include an adapter to 1.25" as well.

[@Bio3rd3]

hello sir , Im a beginner I just bought a telescope and I dont know if its good or not its (KSON KTE80090TR ) with two normal eyepiece 20mm and 6mm , first it give me a good pic of the moon also the surface of the moon ,but I can reach the stars or any plant , is there any way to let me get much close to these location? some told me to use more professional eyepiece like pro 4mm or pro 6mm it cost 40$ is this going to help ?

[@darrellheath9776]

Hello! I'm not familiar with that scope but, judging by the reviews I've seen online, it appears to be a fine telescope. However, you will be limited by the aperture as to what all you can see with it. At 3.54" of aperture, the moon and planets will be accessible as well as a few of the brighter deep sky objects. It is a reflector scope so be sure that you allow at least 20-30 minutes for the mirror to acclimate to the surrounding air temperature before you begin observing. Quality eye pieces will greatly improve your images but $40 seems awfully inexpensive for a quality eyepiece. My own budget is rather limited but I can find lower priced, quality eyepieces from places such as Explore Scientific . If your budget is limited, I would suggest getting a zoom eyepiece like the one I mention in the video. You might also consider getting a Barlow lens (say, one that magnifies 2x) to help increase the magnification of your existing eyepieces. Finally, always and be sure that you start your observing with the lowest power eyepiece first, you have (in your case, that would be the 20mm). I hope this helps.

[@barryclarckson5030]

Ive recently gotten the skywatcher 130-650 flextube dob. Its magnificent on the moon but I dont seem to be able to use descent magnifications. With a 9mm eyepiece i'm getting 72x. But when i put the barlow on to check out mars its extreme outof focus. Any tips?

[@richardl1743]

A 9mm eyepiece is rather powerful, and when doubling with Barlow you might be pushing the magnification limits of telescope. Just a thought

[@Astrofrank]

If necessary, use an extension tube to get into focus again, but that will not help if you need to move the focuser more inward. If the image is just bad, use a better Barlow lens or another eyepiece, like the Planetary HR shown in the video. If necessary, collimate the telescope, perhaps with a laser collimator.

[@pattygiselle]

Hi what telescope do u guys recomend , one no expensive and which brand ? No more than 150$ 😕😊

[@vega5744]

My eye pieces cost more than that. Try and save more .

[@ApurvJyotirmay]

hey man, you can look at r/telescopes pinned post to help you out with that. They've got a pretty good list there

[@Astrofrank]

Currently telescopes are quite expensive. I would suggest a 114/900 Newtonian on a better mount than an EQ2, but there is only one supplier and I am too (positively) biased to name that store, as my advices should be neutral.

[@Danel_And_Santi]

Great video

[@sidharthsingh7346]

Thanks a lot! With your presentation, I can able to watch the N I G H T S K Y clearly!!!

[@ModulatorUK]

Thank you!

[@anastasijasun2489]

Thank u!

[@emanueladavis1885]

Read the instructions, I wish as it is in Chinese. I was lucky to have put it together with out instruction. Will try it out for the first time since I bought it months ago and got put off by Chinese Instructions and just put the bag in a corner somewhere. I would like to know about filters, Barlow x 5 etc, sun filters and moon filters etc.

[@giannaconover756]

I've used Celestron's Barlow lens along with the 25mm eyepiece and can see Saturn and Jupiter with them

[@Astrofrank]

There are websites for amateur astronomers, read the most often read threads for beginners and then ask your own questions.

[@dontgiveashit1]

Can you suggest me a good telescope in price about $150

[@dontgiveashit1]

I have Amazon..but do the low cost works?

[@wolflahti412]

Zoom eyepieces will almost always have a poorer-quality image and a smaller field of view for a given magnification.

[@darrellheath9776]

Wolf, I guess it's a matter of personal opinion. But if you are on a budget, and want a set of different eyepieces, a zoom eyepiece is a good way to go. I have one made by Celestron and I use it frequently with very little complaints

[@Astrofrank]

@@darrellheath9776 A problem with being on a budget is that the zoom eyepiece would be a budget one, too. A set of inexpensive, but decent Plössl eyepieces might not cost much more but will give you a better view. Of course the latter does not apply to the Baader Hyperion Zoom 8-24 mm or the TeleVue Nagler Zoom 3-6 mm, but their prices are far higher, ruling them out as "budget".

[@parivaddoriya3414]

I have a question I have telescope now for 5 months a gift on my birthday i can find objects in night sky, I can set up telescope, but I can't see the planet clear EX: if you see Saturn you can see the ovel but not the rings CAN YOU HELP ME PLEASE IT WILL BE REALLY HELPFUL

[@seancmmins7952]

I can't even find jupiter or saturn

[@parivaddoriya3414]

@@seancmmins7952 today is the last day so when it is little dark and little light go out and look in southern western and see carefully. If you still dont see it then let it be little dark and then use the app in the video and try to find it. REMEMBER JUPITER AND SATURN WILL BE THE BRIGHTEST STAR IN NIGHT SKY.

[@seancmmins7952]

@@parivaddoriya3414 thanks I managed to see it today. It looked amazing

[@parivaddoriya3414]

@@seancmmins7952 your wellcom

[@parivaddoriya3414]

@@seancmmins7952 but I didn't get my Answer

[@captainmoretokin2172]

that would be nice to have one. but im poor so all i got is a old pair of binoculars. i aint never seen one at a yard sale. so i guess i gotta go . by

[@AmazingFacts-ok3wv]

Which telescope is best for beginners under 4500 INR??

[@darrellheath9776]

While it says they are sold out, I'm sure they will have more in stock before too long. Their products, along with many others are frequently reviewed in the BBC's Sky at Night Magazine. Astronomy magazines such as that one are good resources for reviews and for getting an idea as to what telescopes are available to fit your budget

[@ryanrushing7741]

How come mars and Jupiter look kinda like a small moon in my telescope....I swear I feel like I even see crators

[@ryanrushing7741]

Definitely a beginner as well