Let’s just say you had access to a large telescope? The VLT UT2 Kueyen telescope at Cerro Paranal, Chile with a clear aperture of 8 meters built in 1999 with an M1 F# of 1.75 made of Zerodur would really be exciting to use. But, don’t think you can’t get some good views or get good views of stars or even asteroids with a good home telescope. Ashley Mason of Shreveport, Louisiana got a AstroQuest 6″ Reflector for graduation. She found that it came with a good eyepiece. With the motor drive it could follow a star. However, she found out that she had problems tracking the planets.
Probably the quickest way to get up to speed using your AstroQuest 6″ Reflector is to join an astronomy club. There are many astronomy clubs in most countries of the world and in most states of the USA. Here are a few in the US: Shoals Astronomical Society, Inc. in Florence, AL; Astronomy Club of Cumberland County in Fayetteville, NC; High Desert Astronomical Society in Apply Valley, Ca; Blue Grass Amateur Astronomy Club in Lexington, KY; Gaston County Skywatchers at Schiele Museum in Gastonia, NC; Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society in Chagrin Falls, OH; Stockton Astronomical Society in Stockton, CA; Mount Diablo Observatory Assoc. in Clayton, CA.
In fact, it would be a better idea to start attending an astronomy club before you go out and buy a telescope. They will not only recommend some good scopes to you but can show you some of the best things to look at. To get a feel for what is involved in planet watching attend a few star gazing parties. A good way to start would be to buy a pair of 7×50 binoculars. Take them with you to the star gazing party. They will let you see anything from the craters on the moon to the closer planets.
When you go to your first planet viewing party, you will be surprised at how eager people are to let you share their equipment with you. However, there are a few things to consider. Their equipment is expensive, so be careful. If you have children with you, make sure that they are careful as well. A small child running around will make people nervous very quickly. You may need a flashlight to make sure you don’t trip over things. But, you will want to put a red filter over the end. Red light lets you see around you while protecting your night vision. Be sure to dress warmly. Sitting still at night can be chilly – even in the summer.
