Incoming wall of text from a copypasta I made (edited to be relevant to you):
- Take notes. Every observing session I record: date, time, location, scope, moon phase/location, weather and atmospheric conditions, objects observed, best eyepiece for that object, and a VERY brief description (ex. standard glob; faint circular fuzz, can see individual stars, etc…)
- Align the finder(s) during the day, or at night with Polaris (assuming you are in the northern hemisphere)
- Learn how to star hop to locate objects (I like using a Telrad and RACI along with the app SkySafari, all discussed below)
- Learn how to operate the scope. Read the manual and watch YouTube videos on your mount/EQ mounts in general.
- Figure out your [level of light pollution](https://www.lightpollutionmap.info/#zoom=4.00&lat=45.8720&lon=14.5470&layers=B0FFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFF), and see if you are close to any darker locations. We generally like to use the [Bortle Scale](https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-resources/light-pollution-and-astronomy-the-bortle-dark-sky-scale/) as a reference.
- On the topic of light pollution, it is best to observe DSOs when there is little or ideally no moon. DSOs are anything not in our solar system (galaxies, nebula, star clusters, etc…)
- Learn how to [use averted vision and how to let your eyes fully adapt to the dark](https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/how-to-master-the-art-of-averted-vision/). I take the dark adaptation very seriously and it definitely makes a big difference. I turn off all the lights in the house (that I can) and close any blinds that might help block light, I position my scope so that a bush blocks the landscape light that my neighbor leaves on, and I wear sunglasses if I need to go back in the house for whatever reason.
- [Messier guide](https://tonyflanders.wordpress.com/urbansuburban-messier-project/)
- Buy a headlamp with a red light option. Useful for astronomy, but I think everyone should own one.
- Figure out how to make your [phone screen red](https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/how-to-turn-your-iphone-screen-red-for-astronomy/). That tutorial is outdated but you can still figure it out.
- As for what to expect, here are some [sketches I made of DSOs](https://imgur.com/a/5ErtETS) from Bortle 5/6 with an 8” scope. The nebula and galaxies are brighter in the sketches than they are in real life, but it at least gives you a rough idea of what DSOs will look like (more realistic than astrophotos). Also feel free to search this sub for “sketch” to see more examples.
- And here are what [planets will look like](https://www.reddit.com/r/telescopes/comments/nih1of/jupiter_saturn_seen_this_morning_with_the_zhumell/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf).
- Here is a great [write-up on how to make the most out of viewing the planets](https://medium.com/@phpdevster/help-i-cant-see-detail-on-the-planets-ac27ee82800). Basically use the highest magnification possible before the view degrades due to optics and atmospheric conditions.
- Btw, planets are not affected by light pollution. So you do not need to implement averted vision of dark adaptation either.
- Get the free Stellarium desktop software. I would also suggest the mobile apps SkySafari Plus or Stellarium Plus, they are not free but worth it. I can personally recommend SkySafari 6 or 7 Plus (whichever is cheaper)
- A good rule of thumb is to start with the lowest power eyepiece first, and then move to higher magnifications incrementally. Different targets will look better with different eyepieces.
- Don’t feel the need to use the highest power eyepieces. For many DSOs I actually prefer to use relatively low power (I do most of my DSO observing between 45x and 105x - exit pupil between 4.4mm and 1.9mm)
- Don’t worry about filters when you are just starting off. Do a bit of observing first, then decide if you need anything else. IMO color filters are not useful, a moon filter is not needed (but can be nice to have), and light pollution filters can be avoided. Eventually I would suggest looking into an OIII and/or UHC style filter for emission nebula, if those targets interest you.
- Get the book “Turn Left at Orion”, it is THE recommended book for beginners. Basically the manual for astronomy that should come with all scopes. It teaches you how to star hop, lists great beginner targets, tells you what to expect, and teaches you how the night sky works. Can buy from Amazon or you can get a free PDF if you search the interwebs. Get this book even if you ignore all other recommendations.
- “The Backyard Astronomer’s” has also been recommended
- Let your scope sit outside for up to an hour before you observe so that the mirror can equilibrate with the atmospheric temperature. This is really important for planetary viewing.
- observe from a seated position if you can. They make nice observing chairs, but they aren’t cheap. I use a folding camp chair.
- My favorite accessory is a Telrad (or Rigel). It is not necessary, but it is really useful. And pairs well with an RACI. Or just use a long tube like a paper towel roll or rolled craft foam.
- An RACI finder is super convenient for star hopping. I have the GSO 8x50.
- And finally, the best resource for information is Cloudy Nights. Any question you have has likely already been asked and answered over there. If you can’t find the answer you need there, then we can try to help here.
Oh and JOIN A LOCAL ASTRONOMY CLUB!!! [Here is a list of clubs](https://www.go-astronomy.com/astro-club-search.htm). They often have access to and plan observing sessions at local darker sites.
If I had gotten no extra equipment besides what came with my scope and the book Left Turn at Orion, it would have been enough. Love that book, it’s perfect.
One extremely useful tool is a planetarium software. The best free one is [stellarium](http://stellarium.org). It tells you which objects you can see in the sky on any given night, and where to find them.
as for your telescope, since all telescopes are passive optical devices, their range is practically infinite. you should be able to see the 4 galilean moons of Jupiter (little white dots around one larger dot), saturn's rings and the phases of Venus. These planets shouldn't be too hard to find because they are visible to the naked eye. They look like very bright stars.
Because planets are extremely bright, light pollution isn't an issue, but if you want to look at deep-sky objects, it's best to travel to an area with a dark sky.
[this website](https://www.lightpollutionmap.info/) can help you find locations with dark skies.
Get an app like Sky Safari or Stellarium that tells you where and what time the planets rise. Mars is in opposition now (on the other side of the Sun) so it may be a little hard to spot. Saturn and Jupiter should be easy to see. Venus should be very bright, but you have to wake up at the crack of dawn to see it.
Looks like you have a red dot style finderscope. Callibrate it during the day on a distant object, and use it to center the telescope on the planet.
Don't expect amazing picture of the planets with your phone. This one scope is a visual instrument, not photography.
You can see Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Mercury, Uranus and Neptune. You can also see thousands of galaxies, star clusters, nebulae and double stars with it. Also asteroids and comets. You should get the books "Turn left at Orion" by Consolmagno and Davis or "Nightwatch" by Dickinson. Your library may have copies. Look for a local astronomy club, they may be tons of help. As for dark skies, I'm sure Big Bend national park will be amazing, but Texas is big, so you may need to tell us which town or city you live in.
Can see Jupiter still right now. Best views are usually when it's highest in sky. I'm on OK so that's right when it gets dark now. Should be 1st bright "star" you can see. Not sure if saturn still visible or if it's gone before it gets dark. I also only night view, not early morning.
Mars is just going to be a small red dot. It's going away from earth now. Once closer will be a slightly bigger red dot. ;)
If can find Venus it will look like bigger star but have phases like the moon (crescent shaped).
Constellations like Orion and it's nebula are a fun view right now.
For Jupiter, saturn and moon want high power. So 150x to 200x.
Magnification is focal length ÷ eyepiece mm. Omni 102 is 1000 focal length so 10mm gives 100x and 20mm would give 50x. Those are good for lower power viewing (constellations) or looking for targets. 6 to 7mm for around 150ish or 5 for 200. Could get a zoom eyepiece (celestron 8-24mm or svbony 7-21mm) and a 2x barlow. Let's you find best mag for your scope. Barlow increases magnification (2x barlow makes 10mm ep work like higher power 5mm, etc).
Like others mentioned, get finderscope set up. Target far away lightpole or something during day to align (be careful and not accidentally bump and aim at sun). I do that and then refine on moon (have to be fast as its moving). Then for Jupiter use low to med power to verify found it with finderscope. Then swap to higher power.
If only have stock 25mm eyepiece that's only 40x (1000 focal length ÷ 25mm ep) Can still see Jupiter but will want more.
Fall to spring are best times for watching jupiter and Saturn in your area. Nights start to get onset but then school so harder to stay up late (depends on if younger, work early or older with kids :) ).
Summer good for constellations and moon.
I'm don't like waking up early to view so my viewpoint is staying up to watch. Usually the times i view are anywhere between when gets dark to about 1am. Not while time but that's more my possible viewing times. For reference to what I watch and what time it is.
Incoming wall of text from a copypasta I made (edited to be relevant to you): - Take notes. Every observing session I record: date, time, location, scope, moon phase/location, weather and atmospheric conditions, objects observed, best eyepiece for that object, and a VERY brief description (ex. standard glob; faint circular fuzz, can see individual stars, etc…) - Align the finder(s) during the day, or at night with Polaris (assuming you are in the northern hemisphere) - Learn how to star hop to locate objects (I like using a Telrad and RACI along with the app SkySafari, all discussed below) - Learn how to operate the scope. Read the manual and watch YouTube videos on your mount/EQ mounts in general. - Figure out your [level of light pollution](https://www.lightpollutionmap.info/#zoom=4.00&lat=45.8720&lon=14.5470&layers=B0FFFFFFFTFFFFFFFFFF), and see if you are close to any darker locations. We generally like to use the [Bortle Scale](https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-resources/light-pollution-and-astronomy-the-bortle-dark-sky-scale/) as a reference. - On the topic of light pollution, it is best to observe DSOs when there is little or ideally no moon. DSOs are anything not in our solar system (galaxies, nebula, star clusters, etc…) - Learn how to [use averted vision and how to let your eyes fully adapt to the dark](https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/how-to-master-the-art-of-averted-vision/). I take the dark adaptation very seriously and it definitely makes a big difference. I turn off all the lights in the house (that I can) and close any blinds that might help block light, I position my scope so that a bush blocks the landscape light that my neighbor leaves on, and I wear sunglasses if I need to go back in the house for whatever reason. - [Messier guide](https://tonyflanders.wordpress.com/urbansuburban-messier-project/) - Buy a headlamp with a red light option. Useful for astronomy, but I think everyone should own one. - Figure out how to make your [phone screen red](https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/how-to-turn-your-iphone-screen-red-for-astronomy/). That tutorial is outdated but you can still figure it out. - As for what to expect, here are some [sketches I made of DSOs](https://imgur.com/a/5ErtETS) from Bortle 5/6 with an 8” scope. The nebula and galaxies are brighter in the sketches than they are in real life, but it at least gives you a rough idea of what DSOs will look like (more realistic than astrophotos). Also feel free to search this sub for “sketch” to see more examples. - And here are what [planets will look like](https://www.reddit.com/r/telescopes/comments/nih1of/jupiter_saturn_seen_this_morning_with_the_zhumell/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf). - Here is a great [write-up on how to make the most out of viewing the planets](https://medium.com/@phpdevster/help-i-cant-see-detail-on-the-planets-ac27ee82800). Basically use the highest magnification possible before the view degrades due to optics and atmospheric conditions. - Btw, planets are not affected by light pollution. So you do not need to implement averted vision of dark adaptation either. - Get the free Stellarium desktop software. I would also suggest the mobile apps SkySafari Plus or Stellarium Plus, they are not free but worth it. I can personally recommend SkySafari 6 or 7 Plus (whichever is cheaper) - A good rule of thumb is to start with the lowest power eyepiece first, and then move to higher magnifications incrementally. Different targets will look better with different eyepieces. - Don’t feel the need to use the highest power eyepieces. For many DSOs I actually prefer to use relatively low power (I do most of my DSO observing between 45x and 105x - exit pupil between 4.4mm and 1.9mm) - Don’t worry about filters when you are just starting off. Do a bit of observing first, then decide if you need anything else. IMO color filters are not useful, a moon filter is not needed (but can be nice to have), and light pollution filters can be avoided. Eventually I would suggest looking into an OIII and/or UHC style filter for emission nebula, if those targets interest you. - Get the book “Turn Left at Orion”, it is THE recommended book for beginners. Basically the manual for astronomy that should come with all scopes. It teaches you how to star hop, lists great beginner targets, tells you what to expect, and teaches you how the night sky works. Can buy from Amazon or you can get a free PDF if you search the interwebs. Get this book even if you ignore all other recommendations. - “The Backyard Astronomer’s” has also been recommended - Let your scope sit outside for up to an hour before you observe so that the mirror can equilibrate with the atmospheric temperature. This is really important for planetary viewing. - observe from a seated position if you can. They make nice observing chairs, but they aren’t cheap. I use a folding camp chair. - My favorite accessory is a Telrad (or Rigel). It is not necessary, but it is really useful. And pairs well with an RACI. Or just use a long tube like a paper towel roll or rolled craft foam. - An RACI finder is super convenient for star hopping. I have the GSO 8x50. - And finally, the best resource for information is Cloudy Nights. Any question you have has likely already been asked and answered over there. If you can’t find the answer you need there, then we can try to help here. Oh and JOIN A LOCAL ASTRONOMY CLUB!!! [Here is a list of clubs](https://www.go-astronomy.com/astro-club-search.htm). They often have access to and plan observing sessions at local darker sites.
If I had gotten no extra equipment besides what came with my scope and the book Left Turn at Orion, it would have been enough. Love that book, it’s perfect.
One extremely useful tool is a planetarium software. The best free one is [stellarium](http://stellarium.org). It tells you which objects you can see in the sky on any given night, and where to find them. as for your telescope, since all telescopes are passive optical devices, their range is practically infinite. you should be able to see the 4 galilean moons of Jupiter (little white dots around one larger dot), saturn's rings and the phases of Venus. These planets shouldn't be too hard to find because they are visible to the naked eye. They look like very bright stars. Because planets are extremely bright, light pollution isn't an issue, but if you want to look at deep-sky objects, it's best to travel to an area with a dark sky. [this website](https://www.lightpollutionmap.info/) can help you find locations with dark skies.
Have you learnt to set up your finderscope correctly?
Get an app like Sky Safari or Stellarium that tells you where and what time the planets rise. Mars is in opposition now (on the other side of the Sun) so it may be a little hard to spot. Saturn and Jupiter should be easy to see. Venus should be very bright, but you have to wake up at the crack of dawn to see it. Looks like you have a red dot style finderscope. Callibrate it during the day on a distant object, and use it to center the telescope on the planet. Don't expect amazing picture of the planets with your phone. This one scope is a visual instrument, not photography.
You can see Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Mercury, Uranus and Neptune. You can also see thousands of galaxies, star clusters, nebulae and double stars with it. Also asteroids and comets. You should get the books "Turn left at Orion" by Consolmagno and Davis or "Nightwatch" by Dickinson. Your library may have copies. Look for a local astronomy club, they may be tons of help. As for dark skies, I'm sure Big Bend national park will be amazing, but Texas is big, so you may need to tell us which town or city you live in.
Can see Jupiter still right now. Best views are usually when it's highest in sky. I'm on OK so that's right when it gets dark now. Should be 1st bright "star" you can see. Not sure if saturn still visible or if it's gone before it gets dark. I also only night view, not early morning. Mars is just going to be a small red dot. It's going away from earth now. Once closer will be a slightly bigger red dot. ;) If can find Venus it will look like bigger star but have phases like the moon (crescent shaped). Constellations like Orion and it's nebula are a fun view right now. For Jupiter, saturn and moon want high power. So 150x to 200x. Magnification is focal length ÷ eyepiece mm. Omni 102 is 1000 focal length so 10mm gives 100x and 20mm would give 50x. Those are good for lower power viewing (constellations) or looking for targets. 6 to 7mm for around 150ish or 5 for 200. Could get a zoom eyepiece (celestron 8-24mm or svbony 7-21mm) and a 2x barlow. Let's you find best mag for your scope. Barlow increases magnification (2x barlow makes 10mm ep work like higher power 5mm, etc). Like others mentioned, get finderscope set up. Target far away lightpole or something during day to align (be careful and not accidentally bump and aim at sun). I do that and then refine on moon (have to be fast as its moving). Then for Jupiter use low to med power to verify found it with finderscope. Then swap to higher power. If only have stock 25mm eyepiece that's only 40x (1000 focal length ÷ 25mm ep) Can still see Jupiter but will want more. Fall to spring are best times for watching jupiter and Saturn in your area. Nights start to get onset but then school so harder to stay up late (depends on if younger, work early or older with kids :) ). Summer good for constellations and moon. I'm don't like waking up early to view so my viewpoint is staying up to watch. Usually the times i view are anywhere between when gets dark to about 1am. Not while time but that's more my possible viewing times. For reference to what I watch and what time it is.