Bright Comets

[Ptarmigan]

Comet PANSTARRS and Lemmon should be visible soon. There is also Comet ISON, which has the potential to be brighter than the Full Moon.

http://www.curtrenz.com/comets

[wxman57]

Looking forward to comet ISON next Fall/Winter. The last bright comet for our part of the world was Hale-Bopp in the spring of 1997. I drove out to a hilltop in tiny Latium, TX (NW of Bellville) to photograph it. Some of my pics are posted below. Don't know how I will be able to photograph it with modern cameras. I still do have my old Olympus OM-1, though.

http://home.comcast.net/~cgh57/home/pics.html

[weatherag]

Can anyone recommend a good not too expensive telescope for an amateur? Something I can identify star clusters, nebula, comets, etc.

[wxman57]

Can anyone recommend a good not too expensive telescope for an amateur? Something I can identify star clusters, nebula, comets, etc.

I think that the best way to go would be with an inexpensive Dobsonian reflector. Perhaps one with a 6" mirror. A Dobsonian lacks the expensive clock drive and tripod. You simply move the telescope by hand. Here's a good website with info on choosing a telescope.

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/equipment/basics

In the pictures on the website in my previous post, you can see my 6" reflector. That scope does have a clock drive, but you don't need one unless you're getting into astrophotography. Such a scope would set you back about $300, as with the Orion below:

http://www.telescope.com/catalog/produc ... PAodWiUANw

You'll also need a selection of eyepieces. The better ones can cost over $100, but you can certainly spend less:

http://www.telescope.com/Accessories/Te ... c/3/47.uts

Below is a pic of a Dobsonian telescope. The "Dobsonian" refers to the type of mount. It's an inexpensive plywood base that rotates. The telescope rests in a cradle that allows you to tilt it up/down. Very simple to operate and simple to set up/take down. That's why it's a great choice for beginners. The 6" mirror gathers A LOT more light than a 3 or 4" telescope, which makes it particularly good for looking at fainter objects like galaxies. I discovered a comet once with my 6" reflector. Unfortunately, I was about a week too late for it to get my name.

[Ptarmigan]

Can anyone recommend a good not too expensive telescope for an amateur? Something I can identify star clusters, nebula, comets, etc.

I think that the best way to go would be with an inexpensive Dobsonian reflector. Perhaps one with a 6" mirror. A Dobsonian lacks the expensive clock drive and tripod. You simply move the telescope by hand. Here's a good website with info on choosing a telescope.

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/equipment/basics

In the pictures on the website in my previous post, you can see my 6" reflector. That scope does have a clock drive, but you don't need one unless you're getting into astrophotography. Such a scope would set you back about $300, as with the Orion below:

http://www.telescope.com/catalog/produc ... PAodWiUANw

You'll also need a selection of eyepieces. The better ones can cost over $100, but you can certainly spend less:

http://www.telescope.com/Accessories/Te ... c/3/47.uts

Below is a pic of a Dobsonian telescope. The "Dobsonian" refers to the type of mount. It's an inexpensive plywood base that rotates. The telescope rests in a cradle that allows you to tilt it up/down. Very simple to operate and simple to set up/take down. That's why it's a great choice for beginners. The 6" mirror gathers A LOT more light than a 3 or 4" telescope, which makes it particularly good for looking at fainter objects like galaxies. I discovered a comet once with my 6" reflector. Unfortunately, I was about a week too late for it to get my name.

I agree that a Dobsonian telescope the way to start.

[Katdaddy]

Pan-STARRS, A great catch this evening fromLeague City.....finally.

[wxman57]

I saw it at about 8:15 this evening (Friday). Had to use 10x50 binoculars. It was around "3 fists" above the horizon (not far). Tail is pointed straight up and stretches about 1 moon diameter. Hopefully, comet ISON will put on a spectacular show later this year.