I'm thinking of getting a telescope for the kids (start 'em early on the science I say) and I thought I would I ask the biggest concentration of nerds, geeks, dorks and dweebs I know (Languish) Which telescope would you recommend?
Nothing over 500 clams and nothing I have to assemble out of wire, old mirrors and loose parts.
Looks like Bushnell and Celestron are the major brands.
I've always liked Bushnell because I used to have a crush on a girl whose surname was Bushnell. Therefore, go with Bushnell.
Definatly go for one of those ones with a computer in it/can be connected to a computer and automatically point themselves at objects.
Finding stuff manually is HARD.
Quote from: Caliga on September 08, 2009, 11:55:44 AM
I've always liked Bushnell because I used to have a crush on a girl whose surname was Bushnell. Therefore, go with Bushnell.
Right.
Quote from: Tyr on September 08, 2009, 11:56:41 AM
Definatly go for one of those ones with a computer in it/can be connected to a computer and automatically point themselves at objects.
Finding stuff manually is HARD.
Manual sounds like more fun.
Anyway, you can download this to help you point at the right stars: http://www.stellarium.org/
Quote from: Oexmelin on September 08, 2009, 02:38:09 PM
Anyway, you can download this to help you point at the right stars: http://www.stellarium.org/
Thanks. I can use that on my netbook.
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 08, 2009, 11:24:51 AM
I'm thinking of getting a telescope for the kids (start 'em early on the science I say)
"Science", sure. :yeahright:
Quote from: Caliga on September 08, 2009, 11:55:44 AM
I've always liked Bushnell because I used to have a crush on a girl whose surname was Bushnell. Therefore, go with Bushnell.
Did you peer through her window using one? ;)
Quote from: DGuller on September 08, 2009, 04:52:00 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 08, 2009, 11:24:51 AM
I'm thinking of getting a telescope for the kids (start 'em early on the science I say)
"Science", sure. :yeahright:
Just because you're a pervert doesn't mean all of us are.
Don't go too cheap.
Actually a good pair of binoculars will let you see Jupiter's moons. Not as good as a 9 inch reflecting telescope (what my dad has - it's great), but a lot cheaper. Go for 8x40.
Also, the "Bad Astronomer" has a bunch of links on his site on telescope buying.
He knows way more about this than I do: http://www.badastronomy.com/bitesize/scopefaq.html
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 08, 2009, 02:32:56 PM
Quote from: Tyr on September 08, 2009, 11:56:41 AM
Definatly go for one of those ones with a computer in it/can be connected to a computer and automatically point themselves at objects.
Finding stuff manually is HARD.
Manual sounds like more fun.
Make 'em work for that knowledge. :D
I used to be able to see stars with my naked eye when I was a kid. Now, it is no longer possible, with the city becoming, err, better lit. When I go on trips, I treasure the moments when I can see stars again.
One of the basic rules, is that for a good scope, you want one that draws in the most light, not so much magnification power (which will make the view very dim). Usually scopes that advertise how they have "ZOMG 500x power!" are trying to rip you off.
Also keep in mind, that stars will always be little dots of light, you might be able to barely make out Jupiter's moons and the color bands, and tha nebula will be fuzzy little gray clouds. All those splashes of color you see in magazines are massively touched up (and the color mostly fake).
There are three basic types:
- Refractors: these are the ones most people usually think of; a long, narrow tube.
- Reflectors(Dobsonian): What can be big sons-of-bitches...a giant tube resting on the ground.
- Cassegrains: The wide, short ones you usually see as "upscale" scopes attached to computers and such.
I have one of these...
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs7d5.scene7.com%2Fis%2Fimage%2FOrion%2F340x340_template%3F%24th%24%26amp%3B%24icon%3Dblank%26amp%3B%24prod%3Dis%257BOrion%2F09821%3Fscl%3D1%257D%26amp%3Bconfig%3DOrion%2FImageSetConfigDefaults&hash=74f5f399b48e6fc82833d7b9e02e7e600d861161)
..., a Muskatov-Cassegrain(though with a less-fancy tripod that lets you point it at stuff on Earth).
The Maksutov-Cassegrain scopes are good in that they're small/portable, and show a "correct" (right-side up) image, (so it can double as a spotting scope for terrestrial objects).
Also note, that with telescopes, for various views, you will need to buy eyepieces. And like a DSLR camera, these can cost just as much, or more, than the telescope itself. These can also affect the field-of-view (how much sky you see), which is often nicer than "moar power!". Telescope nerds will also tell you that lens-coatings are important, and they may be right.
Bushnell is an "ok" brand, but also sells a lot of cheap crap. Celestron is the "major" popular brand. I have an "Orion", they're pretty good, and their catalogs will provide lots of good info on what to look for in scopes(though, to sell theirs too, of course). But they also do sell Bushnell and Celestron brands.
www.telescope.com
As said, finding stuff can be hard, and the computerized ones could probably good to keep from being frustrated(though I've never had experience with one).
Thank you everybody.
For the record, I got this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-21061-AstroMaster-Refractor-Telescope/dp/B000MLHMAS/ref=sr_1_5/186-5221975-8041337?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1253227300&sr=1-5
I figure they will destroy it within 2 years.
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 17, 2009, 05:48:24 PM
For the record, I got this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-21061-AstroMaster-Refractor-Telescope/dp/B000MLHMAS/ref=sr_1_5/186-5221975-8041337?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1253227300&sr=1-5
I figure they will destroy it within 2 years.
Nah, I predict it will be collecting dust in a closet inside 6 months. :P
Quote from: Tonitrus on September 17, 2009, 11:04:32 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 17, 2009, 05:48:24 PM
For the record, I got this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-21061-AstroMaster-Refractor-Telescope/dp/B000MLHMAS/ref=sr_1_5/186-5221975-8041337?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1253227300&sr=1-5
I figure they will destroy it within 2 years.
Nah, I predict it will be collecting dust in a closet inside 6 months. :P
:blush:
Somebody has been in my closets.
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 18, 2009, 11:44:53 AM
:blush:
Somebody has been in my closets.
You don't have to be, that's the beauty of the telescope.
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 08, 2009, 11:24:51 AM
I'm thinking of getting a telescope for the kids (start 'em early on the science I say)
You go through all this effort to breed a new generation of Hamilcars? :huh:
Quote from: Syt on September 18, 2009, 12:06:44 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 08, 2009, 11:24:51 AM
I'm thinking of getting a telescope for the kids (start 'em early on the science I say)
You go through all this effort to breed a new generation of Hamilcars? :huh:
:pinch:
Quote from: Syt on September 18, 2009, 12:06:44 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 08, 2009, 11:24:51 AM
I'm thinking of getting a telescope for the kids (start 'em early on the science I say)
You go through all this effort to breed a new generation of Hamilcars? :huh:
{dry}
yeah, that is what I'm doing.
{/dry}
Ignore him. You don't need to take child rearing advice from someone whose favorite bed time story was Hansel and Gretel - he liked the part where the witch was about to cook the children. ^_^
Quote from: Jaron on September 18, 2009, 12:20:15 PM
Ignore him. You don't need to take child rearing advice from someone whose favorite bed time story was Hansel and Gretel - he liked the part where the witch was about to cook the children. ^_^
I never take child rearing advice from non-parents.
Otherwise, I couldn't beat my kids.
Will you see rocky planets?
Some telescope advice:
Don't look at the sun most times, it is very bright. Only look at the sun during night.
The universe is huge and mostly very boring. Make it interesting by smudging the lens.
If you discover a comet, make sure when you phone in you say your name is "Ass-Master" because a comet names "Ass-Master 2009" would be awesome.
Quote from: PDH on September 19, 2009, 08:33:14 AM
Some telescope advice:
Don't look at the sun most times, it is very bright. Only look at the sun during night.
The universe is huge and mostly very boring. Make it interesting by smudging the lens.
If you discover a comet, make sure when you phone in you say your name is "Ass-Master" because a comet names "Ass-Master 2009" would be awesome.
I would name a comet after George W Bush.
They sell filters (that go over the front of the telescope) that let you look directly at the Sun. I had one, it was pretty cool.
Quote from: Tonitrus on September 20, 2009, 12:24:13 AM
They sell filters (that go over the front of the telescope) that let you look directly at the Sun. I had one, it was pretty cool.
:pirate
I assembled the fucker last night, and actually found something. The cat hiding in an ambush position. And the Pagan/Wiccan/retard neighbors conducting some weird ceremony in their yard. Further investigation has been scheduled. YOUR FENCE IS DEFEATED BY MY PROPERTY HEIGHT ASSHOLES! Fucking weirdos.
Otherwise, not much in the sky. I'm no Stephen Hawking. :weep:
I thought you lived in a nice neighborhood Ed. :weep:
Wiccan weirdoes aren't focused enough on the real world to be able to do well in a career, etc. and thus usually live with the poors. ^_^
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 22, 2009, 08:20:12 AM
I assembled the fucker last night, and actually found something. The cat hiding in an ambush position. And the Pagan/Wiccan/retard neighbors conducting some weird ceremony in their yard. Further investigation has been scheduled. YOUR FENCE IS DEFEATED BY MY PROPERTY HEIGHT ASSHOLES! Fucking weirdos.
Otherwise, not much in the sky. I'm no Stephen Hawking. :weep:
I know that you're no longer gimped up, but I still have this mental picture of you as Jimmy Stewart in
Rear Window...
Quote from: Caliga on September 22, 2009, 10:35:53 AM
I thought you lived in a nice neighborhood Ed. :weep:
Wiccan weirdoes aren't focused enough on the real world to be able to do well in a career, etc. and thus usually live with the poors. ^_^
I've always found Wiccans were usually bored housewives.
All the ones I knew in Mass. were crazy weirdoes who were either unemployed or worked some menial job.
Quote from: Caliga on September 22, 2009, 10:39:42 AM
All the ones I knew in Mass. were crazy weirdoes who were either unemployed or worked some menial job.
We aren't massholes.
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 22, 2009, 08:20:12 AM
I assembled the fucker last night, and actually found something. The cat hiding in an ambush position. And the Pagan/Wiccan/retard neighbors conducting some weird ceremony in their yard. Further investigation has been scheduled. YOUR FENCE IS DEFEATED BY MY PROPERTY HEIGHT ASSHOLES! Fucking weirdos.
Otherwise, not much in the sky. I'm no Stephen Hawking. :weep:
It was overcast, doofus.
Stop watching me. And it was clear when I did it.
And with maybe 3 days of clear weather (if that) since I bought it, Mother Nature ruined my purchase by making it cloudy ALL THE FUCKING TIME.
Fucking whore bitch.
It's better in the Winter anyway. Less clouds & much less humitidy in the sky.
Quote from: Grey Fox on October 15, 2009, 09:53:31 AM
It's better in the Winter anyway. Less clouds & much less humitidy in the sky.
Gaia fucks up the weather just to piss me off. Fucking cunt.
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 15, 2009, 09:54:50 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on October 15, 2009, 09:53:31 AM
It's better in the Winter anyway. Less clouds & much less humitidy in the sky.
Gaia fucks up the weather just to piss me off. Fucking cunt.
Spank her. Shout at her until you're hoarse with rage...
Quote from: C.C.R. on October 15, 2009, 09:58:39 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 15, 2009, 09:54:50 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on October 15, 2009, 09:53:31 AM
It's better in the Winter anyway. Less clouds & much less humitidy in the sky.
Gaia fucks up the weather just to piss me off. Fucking cunt.
Spank her. Shout at her until you're hoarse with rage...
I should dig a hole and fuck her raw.
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 15, 2009, 10:03:09 AM
I should dig a hole and fuck her raw.
One of those gay hippy guys I used to hang with in Boston actually does stuff like this.
Quote from: Caliga on October 15, 2009, 11:34:59 AM
One of those gay hippy guys I used to hang with in Boston actually does stuff like this.
I know we should all love the planet and all...
Quote from: Valmy on October 15, 2009, 11:36:07 AM
I know we should all love the planet and all...
He used to post things on his myspace blog like "The stars look wondrous tonight! Gaia is so beautiful." Then the next post would be "I spread my seed upon the rock pile behind our deck." No joke.
Quote from: Caliga on October 15, 2009, 11:44:55 AM
Quote from: Valmy on October 15, 2009, 11:36:07 AM
I know we should all love the planet and all...
He used to post things on his myspace blog like "The stars look wondrous tonight! Gaia is so beautiful." Then the next post would be "I spread my seed upon the rock pile behind our deck." No joke.
Did Gaia consent? Sounds to me like he's raping the planet.
:lol: He was actually a really neat guy, just a bit... strange.
Quote from: Caliga on October 15, 2009, 11:44:55 AM
Quote from: Valmy on October 15, 2009, 11:36:07 AM
I know we should all love the planet and all...
He used to post things on his myspace blog like "The stars look wondrous tonight! Gaia is so beautiful." Then the next post would be "I spread my seed upon the rock pile behind our deck." No joke.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hennessy.id.au%2Fquentingeorge%2Farchives%2Ffacepalm4.jpg&hash=427e479f31712f0e293a1e6db4e3bcdf2216d970)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20091020/sc_space/getoutorionidmeteorshowerpeaksovernight
Quote
Get Out: Orionid Meteor Shower Peaks Overnight
SPACE.com
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Robert Roy Britt
Editorial Director
SPACE.com Robert Roy Britt
editorial Director
space.com – Tue Oct 20, 12:30 pm ET
The Orionid meteor shower is expected to put on a good show tonight into the predawn hours Wednesday, weather permitting.
This annual meteor shower is created when Earth passes through trails of comet debris left in space long ago by Halley's Comet. The "shooting stars" develop when bits typically no larger than a pea , and mostly sand-grain-sized, vaporize in Earth's upper atmosphere.
"Flakes of comet dust hitting the atmosphere should give us dozens of meteors per hour," said Bill Cooke of NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office.
People in cities and suburbs will see far fewer meteors, because all but the brightest of them will be overpowered by light pollution. The best view will be from rural areas (the moon will not be a factor, so dark skies will make for ideal viewing).
When and how to watch
The best time to watch will be between 1 a.m. and dawn local time Wednesday morning, regardless of your location. That's when the patch of Earth you are standing on is barreling headlong into space on Earth's orbital track, and meteors get scooped up like bugs on a windshield.
Peak activity, when Earth wades into the densest part of the debris, is expected around 6 a.m. ET (3 a.m. PT).
Some meteors could show up late tonight, too. Late-night viewing typically offers fewer meteors, however, because your patch of Earth is positioned akin to the back window of the speeding car.
The Orionids have been strong in recent years.
"Since 2006, the Orionids have been one of the best showers of the year, with counts of 60 or more meteors per hour," Cooke said.
Some of those counts come in flurries, so skywatchers should find a comfortable spot with as wide a view of the sky as possible. Lie back and allow 15 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness, then give the show at least a half hour to play out through spurts and lulls. Meteors could appear anywhere in the sky, though traced back they will appear to emanate from the constellation Orion.
Telescopes and binoculars are of no use, because meteors move too quickly. Extra warm clothing is a must, and a blanket and pillow or lounge chair allows comfortable positioning so you can look up for long stretches.
Reliable event
Predicting meteor showers is tricky because the debris comes from multiple streams.
Each time comet Halley passes around the sun on its elongated orbit – every 76 years – it lays down a fresh track of debris for Earth to plow through in subsequent years. Those tracks spread out and mingle over time, and we pass the tracks each October during our 365-day, nearly circular trek around the sun.
Japanese researchers Mikiya Sato and Jun-ichi Watanabe say activity in recent years is related to debris put in place from 1266 BC to 911 BC, and this could be another good year, according to NASA.
Even if that prediction does not hold, the Orionids will almost surely put on a decent show. Prior to 2006 and going back many years, the Orionids have produced a reliable 15 to 20 meteors per hour at the peak, for skywatchers with dark skies.
As a bonus, this time of year you can expect an additional five to 10 sporadic meteors per hour – those not related to the shower.
I'm gonna be out. Know my luck, a gamma ray burst will happen and I'll get vaporized*
*yess, I know a gamma ray burst doesn't vaporize. Stop being so serious, you fags.
Between 1 AM and dawn? Some of us work for a living.
Quote from: The Brain on October 20, 2009, 04:14:46 PM
Between 1 AM and dawn? Some of us work for a living.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ftrollcats.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2009%2F07%2Ftheres_a_reason_youre_poor_poverty_trollcat.jpg&hash=89a80dce74893c7140444f6ae8e0d415ddd1b778)