Finally!

[NickW]

It been so long since I have been here (mostly because it made me to envious).

Anyways. I finally got a telescope. I bought it from my neighbor for $50.
Its a Bushnell Voyager 6" dob. The optics are perfect. I read enough to figure out how to use it by browsing around here. The first night I was able to get an pretty good view of the moon with pretty decent seeing, M22, Andromeda, and of course Jupiter. The second night was pretty much the same. Last night though, I tried something differant and attempted to locate the lagoon nebula, but that didnt work out to well consider its proximity to the moon. I guess I will have to try again in a couple of weeks.

He only had one 25mm eyepeice, but I am already in the market for a couple more. And my wife really hates the fact that I am out so late (but she does love looking through it).

Ill post more observations when they come.

[aurora]

Congrats!

Yes, generally, you will want to avoid looking for deep sky objects (like nebulae) when they are near a bright moon.

[redshifter]

Try again when the moon has set or not yet risen. No moon at all (and a dark sky location) are best for observing DSO's. Luckily, you live in a relatively sparse area population wise. The Oregon Coast is spectacular down your way.

Great purchase for $50!

[NickW]

To moon before its dark here right now. And where it sets, I have a problem with the distant treeline. I can be patient for now, there are plenty of DSO's I can see in the mean time.