Hello all. I've just signed up. Despite my fascination with the stars and the sky I have found astronomy to be a very challenging hobby. This may be because where I live, Lexington, KY, there is considerable light pollution. And I have yet to attend a star party or travel outside of the city to see what I can find in a darker sky.
I currently own an Orion 8" Classic Dobsonian along with an Orion eyepiece/filter kit. I have found Saturn to be impressive, as well as Juipter and the moon is just downright incredible. But I am having trouble locating more difficult to find objects. My dob does not have GoTo and I at the moment I only have the EZ Finder II scope that came with the dob. I am curious as to if there is anything I could purchase that would make my life easier when it comes to finding objects. I have noticed a 9x50 right-angle finder scope on Orion's website that I am considering purchasing. Would this help me out? Also, are there any charts that you guys can recommend that would help me? I mainly use this app on my iPhone called Star Walk. It's pretty neat. I just need more help.
My other question is what other eyepieces, filters or accessories are must have that I do not currently have? For eyepieces my current inventory consists of a 40mm, 25mm, 17mm, 10mm, 7.5mm, and 6.3mm. All are Sirius Plossl's from Orion.
At one point I considered selling my scope. But I've now decided to keep it as it cost me quite a bit of money and I want to learn more. Thank you to everyone in advance. I will try to be a more active member of the site so I can begin to show my friends and family more than just the moon and Jupiter or Saturn. I know there is so much more to see out there!
Portal