Just how hard IS it to find objects?

Hello all. My name is Cindylu and I am new here. I have never used a telescope in my life but I have been wanting to get into astronomy for about 5 years now. Every year about this time (because my birthday is coming up) I begin dreaming of getting a telescope. This year it might actually happen.

My question is regarding chosing a telescope. I am trying to decide between a SkyQuest XT6 with Object Locator or a SkyQuest XT8 withOUT the Object Locator. I have 3 children who will be observing with me and my husband. I know the XT8 would give a better image but I keeping thinking that won't do much good if I can't find anything!

Just how hard is it to locate objects in space? Do I really need the Object Locator or is that just a lot of hype?

Thanks in advance for your time!

Some things are extremely easy to find, others are more difficult.

Even with the magic digital setting circles, or goto, it can be difficult to find things if you are not properly aligned either because you have not been careful or because you do not understand what is happening.

The difficulty of finding things without setting circles/goto gets easier with practice, and if you are willing to learn and be patient, then it can certainly be done. (I know a fellow who has completed 109 objects of a Messier Marathon without setting circles, charts, or any goto, using only his memory.) However, you will probably need a chart to find things, and lots of patience.

Another problem--sometimes you can be looking directly at something, and still not see it. It is either too small, or too dim, or whatever.

Either of these scopes is a good starter. The eight inch has lots more light grab. The six inch will, however, get you to "see" (although perhaps not "study") most objects. Whether the six finds them easier depends on how well you have it set up and such.

Alex

My worthless two cents,

Most of us learned the sky without the help of Goto or Push to, and while there were certainly frustrating nights under the stars, there were also the nights when you found that object that had eluded you before. I have an intelliscope now, but for a long time I just used my wits and and good chart and enjoyed the sky through discovery.
My personal opinion would be to go with the idea of getting the 8" intelliscope without the locater, and play with it for a while.

Cindy:

It is exciting to have new people join us in this hobby. I can tell you that you will definitely appreciate the object locator. It is not a gimmick. It actually works as advertised. I recommend that you start to look at the moon, planets and star clusters first since they are relatively easy to find (even without the telescope) and gives that instant gratification feeling.

Still, one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of this pasttime is to actually learn the sky. Whether you get an object locator or not, do yourself and your family a big favor and invest in a couple of more items:

1) Buy a book(s) to introduce you to astronomy, and spend the time reading it. Then go outside a learn the basic layout of the sky and the constellations, like the big dipper, or the zodiac belt for example. Make sure it is dark enough to really see stars and use lawn chairs if possible.

2)Get a pair of binoculars. You do not need to spend a lot of money here. Buy a pair of 7x35, used if possible. Anything bigger is hard for kids to hold anyway. The idea is to be able to see more stars and "fuzzies" (a term you will hear a lot).

Having the advantage of the object locator can diminish the potential for a full appreciation of how the universe is layed out for us to enjoy. So make sure you get the full experience, and good luck.

Keep us posted.

Rey

Cindy
I concur with the advice already given, i.e., go with the 8" without the locator but save up for it. A good computer program to plot accurate star charts is extremely helpful in the art of star hopping. The things to adjust to in star hopping is adapting to the star patterns in the view finder as relates to the charts. Second is that the image will be turned upside down in your scope and the function of moving the scope correctly will have to be mastered. But is is not hard; I have found most observers master that move in just a few seconds with a few trial and errors. If you have trouble finding a good computer program, let me know so I can help. The one I use is easy and excellent for your purposes.

Some of your success in locating objects will depend on your observing site. Without an object locator, the stars and constellations that you can see will serve as guideposts to help you point your telescope.

One consideration is light pollution:

If you live in or around the bright lights of a big city, you may find that you can only see a few bright stars and major constellations.

If you live in near a small town with less light pollution, you may see a lot more.

If you know of a nice place to go observe out in the country away from all the city ights, you will see much, much, more.

Another consideration is your observing site itself -

Do you have the space and security to spread out star charts or a star atlas and pour over them with a red flash light?

It's easy for me to star hop in a small cities suburbs (like Wilmington, N.C.) and much more difficult to do so from a big city (like Atlanta).

Cindy:

I think you have gotten some good advice. I am going to give you a slightly different point of view.

My thinking goes like this:

The Orion Intelliscope object locator does work. Both the 6 inch and the 8 inch DOBs are nice and will show you a good deal of the night sky, the 8 inch will do more with just about everything, planets, double stars and deep sky objects. But the 6 inch is plenty competent and has the advantage that it easier to collimate, is easier on eyepieces and is lighter.

You have done your research and made wise choices.

The real question is whether or not you enjoy just looking at the sky through a telescope? Some observers have to be looking at an "object" to be happy. If you are such an observer then the process of finding your way around the sky will likely be frustrating and you would be happier with the Intelliscope and the 6 inch DOB.

On the other hand, some observers enjoy the process of finding their way around the sky, of finding/discovering new and different objects, sometimes looking at something specific, sometimes just looking around. For those of us that take pleasure in this part of the process, Intelliscope or GOTO is just not something that would be used.

Lots of ways to go here, there are some real advantages to an 8 inch Scope but a 6 inch is very capable and has the advantage that collimation/optical alignment is easier and that it does a better job with simple eyepieces.

Buying the 8 inch XTI but without the Intelliscope seems a good way to go. Orion has a nice return policy so whatever you do, your options are still open.

On the other hand, there are a lot of nice views to be had with a 6 inch DOB so the XTI with the controller is another good choice...

Whatever you do, both these scopes are good solid choices, simple and robust with the accent on performance and not the frills. These will both last you for many years and are capable of providing much joy and much learning.

And too, in the end, which ever one you choose, it is likely that somewhere done the road a piece, there will be some more.

jon

Cindy,

I cannot remember whether anybody has given out the standard advice in this case-----

Get to a star party and try it yourself.

In your case, this means finding somebody who is star hopping and watch him or her do it to find an object. Then try it yourself with just a star chart and a telrad or finder scope.

Then watch somebody using digital setting circles---but in that case make sure you start with the initial setup, and try that yourself. As I said, it is relatively easy to find thing once the scope is set up, but getting it ready in the first place can be a challenge.

Alex

I just wanted to thank all of you who gave me advice here. I am SOOOOO excited right now I can barely stand it. You see, I talked it over with my husband and he told me to go ahead and order the SkyQuest XT8 WITH the object locator!

I just ordered it so I doubt it will make it before Christmas or my birthday (which is Christmas Eve) but at least I know it's coming! I can't wait!

Thanks again. This is such a helpful group here. I am looking forward to getting to know you all better!