First post

Welcome to the board mate. I started my interest in astronomy as a boy when I borrowed my great uncles 10x50's in a dark sky rural setting. Very easy to handle. OK , you will not get to see many DSO's but you will learn your way around the sky.... lay back on the sunlounger when the moon clears off while we have warm nights and the stars will blow your mind.

When you start going out at -5 degrees centigrade to watch the sky its time to buy a telescope.

I started out with 10x50 binoculars, and with a dark sky there are some wonderful sights that they'll open up for you, particularly with star fields, clusters and the like, although you'll also see Jupiter's moons, and some fuzzy galaxies like M31.
You'll find much more advice and information at www.eaas.co.uk , the website of the East Antrim Astronomical Society, which is probably the most active Astronomical Society in Northern Ireland. The IAA lectures are hard to beat for good scientific knowledge.

beginners and binocular handbooks downloaded, 10X50's ordered - bidding on some clear skies on ebay - fingers crossed.

Thanks to everyone for their hints/suggestions/advice.

Mad Hatter

good on you.

let us know how you get on and keep asking the questions

10x50 binoculars have landed - it's my birthday today so a double celebration

Just hoping for clear skies now :roll:

I'll keep you guys updated.

Mad Hatter

Happy Birthday Mad Hatter, and well done on your purchase! Was there no one you could have hinted to for a present in order to save you the money?