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[neilo]

Hello everyone! I've been reading posts here for a while and finally decided to get on board and join. I'm in chicago and have had an interest in space and science for as long as i can remember. I'm looking to purchase my first telescope soon and have been researching it on the net and the posts on here. My binoculars have only served to whet my appetite for more! I'm looking forward to one day being able to add to the discussions on here in a semi intelligent way.

[cathy]

Woo! Girl power!


Nice to meet you, Neilo.

[neilo]

Cathy ,

Sorry to do the bait and switch but I had a fat finger error when I was entering my profile. I am now correctly listed as male! Sorry, but for the record I agree with you , WOO Girl Power!!

[patrickm]

Hi and good morning.

Welcome to the discussion. The recent discussion with Michael is as good a jumping off place as any to help you start thinking about buying a new scope. One thing I didn't mention there and should have is that there are tons of great deals out there on used telescopes. People trade up. People need quick cash. People lose interest. Much like cars, you can get a great deal on a quality scope with a little looking around.

I know many people on here much more experienced that I am will be willing to answer any questions you might have while trying to make up your mind. Get out to a star party and look through scopes and ask copious amounts of questions!

I know we'd all be interested to hear about your binocular experiences as well. I love my 15x70's and am constantly amazed what I can track down with them and the wonderful detail that they provide in such a small package!

Glad you decided to speak up and look forward to hearing from you.

Best,
Patrick

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Nello,

Welcome to the Chicago Astronomer!

Tell us a bit about yourself and of your interest in astronomy.

Binoculars are a great way to explore and learn the sky, even from Chicago skies.And I still use my own 15x70s and 10x50's all the time.

Stop by our observation sessions, say hi and look through our telescopes.

We'd be happy to have you join us.

[cathy]

DANGIT Neilo - I was imagining us shoe shopping and eating flaky croissants and then going stargazing.
Ah, well.

Hi, anyway!

[cathy]

PS Joe, this is why I need a Goto Scope.
I can't even figure out how to make a new post introducing myself, LOL!

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Hmmmm...

Flaky warm go-to croissants! #drool#

[cathy]

Mmmmm, forbidden donut!

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Cathy,

Bart seems to do all right without a go-to scope...

And donuts are nice to munch on during sessions...

[cathy]

Joe, funny you should mention it.
Back a thousand years ago when I was in the USCG, we used to trek up to the next small boat station north of us (Port Canaveral) for shuttle launches quite frequently.
The CO at the time was the coolest guy I ever met in the CG - and he ALWAYS brought bloody mary stuff, OJ, and a box of Dunkin Donuts to the Causeway for the launch.
I still associate that pink box with shuttle launches...

And Bart is probably infinitely more patient than I.
I finally learned to text message about a month ago.

[Paulie pchris00]

Welcome, Neilo! It sounds like you're anxious for a telescope, but binoculars are a great way to learn the sky, especially in the city. My girlfriend prefers binoculars to telescopes (I think), so I bought her a pair of terrestrial 10x50s. They're not the best, but they keep Hillary occupied scanning the sky while I geek out at a telescope. Keep posting to discussions, and come out to a star party when you can.

[neilo]

Well folks, I am very anxious to get a telescope but I also realize I need to do a lot of shopping around and research on the net before I pop for one. I am enjoying the binoc's and it has been fun looking at Jupiter and all the various stars through them. Thanks for all the offers for help and I will defintely be taking you all up on it!

[patrickm]

Neil,
Like Joe said, come out, bring your binocs, and look through scopes. At the very least, you'll have a good time. Hope to see you there!
p