Comet Enthusiast

case telescope

 

where can i get a carry case for my new telescope?

I was bought a Celestron Astromaster 130 for christmas, but i can't seem to find any carry cases for it can anyone help?

http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=cases_and_covers/~pcategory=accessories/~product_id=A0006

You'll need to measure the dimensions of the tube and the folded up tripod and then see if they have bags that match. They also have a bunch of hard sided cases, but I don't know if any would work for you.

case telescope

telescopes for astronomy meade

 

What Is The Best Beginner Telescope?

Are you considering getting into backyard astronomy? Even though there is much good with Hubble Space Telescope images, there is nothing like having your own telescope to view the heavens. As you read, you will discover more about: * What You Need To Get Into Backyard Astronomy? * What Is A Good Beginner Telescope? * Looking At The Different Brands And Buying Your First Telescope * What You Need To Get Into Backyard Astronomy? There was once a time when we didn't have such advanced optical scientific instruments, such as telescopes. In the basic form, all that you require to view the heavens is to step outside and look up! However, with all the good equipment available, wouldn't it be nice to actually take a peep at these great objects in space? The telescopes available today, allow this. In essence then, a telescope is one great way for a beginner to start getting the most out of our universe! The next point is to also have a good start atlas and or a practical astronomy book, which can help you go from beginner to intermediate astronomy hobbyist. * What Is A Good Beginner Telescope? The adage - you get what you pay for holds true in this case also. I have seen many cheap telescopes for sale that don't do much. Yes, they ok to look at the Moon, but start trying to use them for planets or deep space objects, and the problem becomes known - they are no good for true astronomy! The solution is to invest in a good telescope. These telescopes generally range in the price range of $150 to $500, and you also have those less than the $150, and those that reach skies the limit! Setting a budget is a great idea! If it is your first telescope, and you want to do some backyard astronomy, then sticking around the $250 mark should result in you buying a good scientific instrument that will last for years. * Looking At The Different Brands And Buying Your First Telescope There are many different brands for telescopes. Listing all of them would be pointless, because of space constraints! Some of these companies produce and sell tens of thousands of telescopes each year, while some only sell a handful. What we will focus on, is the proven telescopes that produce amazing results. Companies such as Meade, Celestron, and Orion are manufacturers who produce some great models. These companies are proven, in that they offer good optics, good telescopes, and good support. These companies also produce a wide range of models. This is a bonus because you can find low end versions, middle priced versions, and higher end versions that are great for small and medium sized observatories! Buying your first telescope can be done through specialized stores that deal with astronomy and telescopes. The alternative is to go online, as there are many stores that specialize in telescopes for astronomy.
About the Author

Here are some telescope resources that can help you find and buy a telescope. Visit these links to find the best beginner telescope, Meade telescopes for sale and Meade telescopes for sale

need help with telescope eyepieces?

Im new to astronomy I got a meade 16" lightbridge telescope really cheap it came with a 24mm eyepiece.I saw saturn tonight it looked small but clear i was expecting a bit more from such a big telescope my back is killing me.so can someone tell me what eyepieces are good for this scope someone told me televue are good but there are a few so help please?

Expectations can be discouraging. Since you are new to the hobby, you perhaps did not know what to really expect, but thought that you would see much more with such an impressive scope. The truth is that the planets don't look that much better in this scope than they do in some smaller ones. The advantage in a 16 inch aperture is with seeing deep sky objects. And the real advantage is seeing the real dim ones, which will still look real dim in your scope. It's just that with a smaller aperture, you would never see them at all.

Is your 24 mm eyepiece a 2 inch or a 1.25 inch version? If you have the money to buy new gear, I would seriously consider moving to a 2 inch format for all of your eyepieces. The best ones you can buy are Televue Naglers (82 degree apparent field of view) or Televue Ethos (100 degree apparent field of view). These eyepieces will make you grasp the sides of the scope to keep from falling in.

There are other good eyepieces out there. The Celestron Axiom series is excellent, and the Televue Panoptics are also very good.

Once you buy a premium eyepiece, you will never go back. It's like getting a different scope. They are expensive, but they are the heart of your instrument.

I assume that you already understand magnification (this may not be a good assumption). Since your scope's focal length is 1829 mm, you can divide that by the eyepiece focal length to determine the magnification. So your 24 mm eyepiece was giving you about 1829 / 24 = 75x or so. You could get a slightly better view of Saturn with a little more magnification, but I wouldn't go much beyond 100x, and frankly, the low mag eyepieces are better for most targets.

You may want to visit a couple of star parties organized by your local amateur astronomy club. Saturn is a wonderful target, but that scope will let you see a whole lot more, and you should perhaps re-adjust your expectations with a little help from folks with a bit more experience. I will guarantee that they will help you.

telescopes for astronomy meade

telescope case

 

Is It Worth Buying A Used Telescope?

Trying to find a telescope to buy is not always easy. It is not as if, every street has a store selling telescopes. Another option is buying a used telescope. However, is this such a great idea? Are there some things that you need to know, before buying used? In this article, you will discover is it worth buying a used telescope, and how to buy a telescope.

Telescopes are scientific instruments, though you can find cheap telescopes in toy stores, they may not offer you the best option. These telescopes are often flimsy, and easily breakable. And when used, they can be impractical.

These cheap telescopes are of good use, for children who want to explore. A big telescope may not be easy to use, without supervision. However, if you are an adult, then buying a telescope that is bigger, and of good quality, will last for years.

Now, here is a great idea, because, with quality telescopes, they can last for decades. If you find these used telescopes, you will find that they still look like they are in good condition. You could easily buy this type of telescope, and find it works for decades.

It is easy to find a telescope that is at a great price, and only a fraction of what it would cost new. Not to mention that the same amount of money for the used telescope may only get a smaller telescope, that is new. But, there are some things to think about, before choosing to buy a used telescope.

2 big points are necessary, when thinking about buying a telescope. That is the mount and the optics. This applies, whether you are buying used or new. And it becomes more important, with used products.

With used telescopes, a point to first look at is the optics. This is important, because anything wrong with the optics will mean that you will get a lower quality image. In such a case, you may find that a smaller telescope performs better than a used telescope that has bad optics.

The second point is the mount. If the mount when buying used, has any damage, you may find that it is of no use. In this case, you will really need to consider just how much you are saving. Consider how much the telescope would cost new, and factor in the possibility of buying a new mount and tripod.

If it works out cost effective, and you still make a saving, then it may be a point to consider, and buy the used telescope. However, this depends on the optics.

Overall it may be a wise idea to buy new. Especially considering that a good telescope, that is new, could last you decades. It is well worth considering.

About the Author

Here are some telescope resources that can help you find and buy a telescope:
Buy Telescopes *
Meade Telescope Sales *
Buying Binoculars UK

Best carrying case for Meade 4500 telescope?

I need a carrying/storage case for a Meade 4500 telescope. Suggestions?

You have few options -
The cheapest would be to find a plastic tote box that fits the scopes length, width and depth.

Next would be a soft carry bag that the scope and tripod could fit into -

http://www.jimsmobile.com/images/case_soft_closed.jpg

http://www.telescope.com/control/cases-and-telescope-covers

The most expensive (cost more than the scope is worth) would be a hard case that's custom fitted or can be adapted to fit the scope -

http://www.jimsmobile.com/buy_cases.htm#Multi

The other alternative is have one made or do it yourself.

telescope case

telescope carrying case

 

Expanding Stun Batons - Self Defense From a Safe Distance

Telescopic or extendable stun batons have quickly become some of our top selling stun guns. The extended reach help keep you at a safe distance should trouble arise. Not surprising, considering that most stun guns are less than five inches in length and that you must touch an attacker or animal to gain the desired effect. The telescopic stun batons are about 12 inches in length when closed, then simply pull the trigger and it expands to nearly 22 inches length. That's almost two feet of distance between you and them, which is a nice advantage to have.

More and more individuals are purchasing our batons for protection against aggressive dogs. Folks just want to be able to walk down their street with the kids. Often times they are confronted or even attacked by dogs. This is usually when they call or order a baton or spray from us. Just the "crackling" sound they produce as the electric current flows in normally enough to deter. Sometimes this isn't enough and the dog decides to come closer or attack. As they move within range you reach out and touch the approaching animal with 700k to 800k of electricity. Within a fraction of a second the animal tucks the tail, yelps and quickly runs the opposite direction. The amusing thing is the next time you walk by; that once very aggressive canine, will sit and watch you from a distance. They usually don't even bark at you anymore!

Stun batons are also effective non lethal self defense weapons. Simply, touch a would be attacker with the stun baton for about two seconds to get the desired effect. Typically, the assailant will loose there balance, become disoriented and loss of muscle control is normal. A person receiving two plus seconds of shock are sure to drop to the ground. Effects last 10-15 minutes, plenty of time to get to safety. Many of our customers rave about the telescopic stun guns. I've had customer claim effective use on mountain lions, cougars, snakes, and cattle; though we do not recommend this type of use.

You can find battery powered units or rechargeable units. The rechargeable units are becoming more popular because you never need to replace the batteries, so you save more money over the life of the baton. By the way most good stun batons carry a lifetime warranty. So if it ever breaks you send it back and get a new one! The technology used is very simple yet effective and reliable, therefore it is uncommon to encounter a defective unit unless it has been dropped or used to "strike" something.

You can expect to receive a holster or carrying case with a telescopic stun baton purchase. Some models are equipped with personal alarms that sound off at up to 130 decibels. It is also common to find LED flashlights built into these devices. In fact, Stun Master makes a 3 in 1 unit that includes a personal alarm, flashlight, and 800,000 volt expanding stun baton.

All units are equipped with some type of safety switch to prevent accidental discharge. The weight on a typical unit is less than two pounds. They are very easy to use. Simply pull the "trigger" and watch the baton "expand" and simultaneously begin firing. It is a good idea to test fire at least once per week to make sure they have a good charge and are functioning properly. To get the baton back into it's compact position just push on the end or tip of the baton until it is back in the original position.

Two of the best brands include Stun Master and Streetwise, both have been producing quality stun devices for over twenty years and together account for over 85% of the market share. You can expect to pay between $55 and $65 depending on model. Some companies will try to overcharge with many asking over $90 per unit. Visit us at Guardian Self Defense for all your telescopic stun baton needs.

About the Author

Bryan Buckner is a top self defense & surveillance consultant and business owner. He opened Guardian Self Defense & Security Products LLC in 2005. Since that time Guardian has successfully helped over 19,000 (and counting) people and small businesses improve their security situation. Proud members of the South Louisiana Better Business Bureau.

Was a weapon carried aboard the Apollo 11 mission in case they met anything hostile?

I guess this can be asked of every manned space mission. But I've wondered for years if any weapons were carried aboard Apollo 11.

After all; They were going where no humans have ever gone before. All we knew about the moon then was what we could see through a telescope a quarter million miles away on Earth.

It seems inconceivable that people would go that far into unknown regions and not carry some means of self defense.

Yes it was called Buzz Aldrin he has a good right hook.

telescope carrying case

meade telescopes for astronomy

 

How To Buy The Best Telescope In The World

No astronomy hobby can go for long, without a good telescope. So, how do you buy the best telescope in the world? And what is the best telescope in the world? In this article, you find how to buy the best telescope in the world.

Telescopes come in all shapes and sizes. They also come with different prices. However, getting the best telescope is not all about buying the best telescope. You see, getting the best telescope is about finding one that meets your needs.

When Galileo made his telescope, and looked at Saturn, he thought Saturn had ears! The truth is that Saturn has a ring around it. To Galileo, he had the best telescope in the world, but to today's telescopes, it is inferior.

This makes the best telescope, the one that makes you use it the most. After all, if you only look for 5 minutes, and then leave that telescope alone, you will not get the full benefit of telescopes.

A great thought should be on, what you want out of the telescope. For example, for children, a small toy store telescope will be great, however, for an adult, who wants to have a telescope that lasts for years, a more serious investment, will be needed.

This doesn't mean you have to buy a telescope for an observatory. At this point, you will likely want to factor in costs. How much are you willing to invest in a telescope?

There are several price points to telescopes, and they fall into those that are a few hundred dollars, to those that are $500 to $1,000. Those above $1,000 truly are the best telescopes in the world!

You can expect from a $1,000+ telescope amazing views of the heavens. As the price goes up, more goes into the optics. Not only you get more light gathering power, which is a very important factor with telescopes, you also get a more quality telescope. Orion, Meade, and Celestron are just some telescope manufacturers who make these top quality telescopes that you can buy.

Another factor to consider is space, and where you will keep your telescope. Often this can be overlooked till it's too late. Telescopes may look like they don't need a lot of space, however in practice; you will find it needs quite a bit of space.

Buying these telescopes can be done through various places. Telescope and astronomy magazines are one way. However, an easier solution is to buy online. There are many specialist telescope websites, and online stores that only deal with telescopes and astronomy. They can be the best place to find and buy your own best telescope.

About the Author

Here are some telescope resources that can help you find and buy a telescope:
* Buy Telescopes
* Meade Telescope Sales
* Buying Binoculars UK

I need telescope advice!

I am looking at a first telescope (for an adult interested in astronomy) something for some planet viewing, as well as the odd Messier object or few. I was originally looking at reflectors/refractors or the funky little Meade ETX goto scopes. Now I have seen Dobsonians, they seem to be much mroe reasonable priced..like this one

http://www.telescopeplanet.co.uk/ViewProdDetails.asp?prod_code=PON07H000018

Does anyone have any experience of using these...how big is this likely to be? (hard to tell, is it put in the back seat of a car and take out to a field size...or install in an observatory kind of size) is it just adjust and view and go? easy to use?..better for deep sky or planetary viewing...any help would be much appreciated. (ie, if you dont know, dont answer, please)

The short answer is no, i haven't used this model. It doesn't seem to be common in Michigan. But is looks alot like the Orion xt6i. It even has the same focal length and comes with the same eyepieces. Maybe it's a rebranded Orion. The Orion has a metal tube painted a dark color. It's probably a very good scope.

My reflector has a 1200 mm focal length also, and it fits across the back seat of any car. It can also go into my car's trunk (boot?) and with 1/3rd of the rear seat folded down, it fits. The base then can fit on the top of the folded down seat. The result is that i can drive and have two passengers and the scope in my car.

My own scope is an Orion xt10i. It looks something like the Skywatcher, but is 10" (254 mm) in diameter instead of 6" (150 mm). This gives it a more light for dim objects. It was the largest scope that fits in my car in my budget at the time. But a 6" scope is still first class. It will be lighter than my 10". The xt10i has a 25 lb base and a 27 lb OTA (Optical Tube Assembly). I can go from noticing that it's clear to set up and 2 star aligned in under 3 minutes even in the dark. If i don't feel like doing even that, then it's time for bed.

But it also has a computer that helps me find objects. I joined a local astronomy club. They have loaner scopes. I borrowed a 10" scope like this that did not have a computer aid. I spent half an hour looking for a galaxy - and failed. Then spent another half hour looking for another galaxy - and failed. In both cases, i found the field stars, but the galaxy itself was too dim for my sky conditions. The light pollution at my house is as bad as it gets anywhere on Earth. And this time does not include research for what galaxies would be up, and what the field stars should look like, and how to star hop to the area. I concluded that this would not sustain me in the hobby.

But with a computer, i can see ten objects an hour that i've never seen before. Every clear hour. And this is limited by how long i look at the objects. For double stars, i do less examination. And including taking notes, i can see 20 an hour.

Here are the 3 P's for picking a telescope. Price, Performance, and Portability. Price and portability can be show stoppers. Price less so, since you may be able to wait until you have more cash. But a scope that doesn't fit in your car is stuck where ever it ends up. That leaves performance. For deep space, what you need is as much light gathering as possible. In your budget, that points to a reflector.

The push-to computer also comes under the category of performance. In in very short time, i found that very few galaxies can be seen from my heavily light polluted back yard. And, an oxygen 3 filter lets me see most nebulae. But Orion suggests that you need at least an 8 inch (200 mm) scope for their Oxygen 3 filter. There's a Lumicon filter that lets in more light, and i've used one on a 4 inch (120 mm) scope.

Back to my scope. The tube length is 48". It fits across the back seat of any car. I had a $1000 budget, so the $800 scope fit. I bought an oxygen 3 filter (about $89) at the same time. I might have bought the 12" scope, but the tube is 8" longer, and doesn't fit in my car. I might have gone with a truss dob with a larger mirror, but at the time, it was over my budget, and there was no computer available.

Did i mention you should check out local astronomy clubs? The $800 i spent would buy me 26 years of membership. And they have an observatory with a 12.5" scope on a tracking mount. And, they have a 22" scope. I can use all this stuff with someone who can tell me how, and pretty much any time i want (which here in Michigan is about 2 days a month, due to clouds). The last link might get you to a local club.

Best of luck, and clear skies.

Binoculars. Most people do say that you want big aperture binoculars. I carry 8x21 binoculars. They're 100 grams (3.5 oz), and fit in my pocket. They're very sturdy - they've already withstood 10 years of abuse. So i have them with me most of the time. Since they're so light, i find i can hand hold them for much longer. And 8x is easier to hold steady than 10x. I also own 8x42 binoculars, but basically never bring them out. Well, my finder scope is 9x50 (monocular), and i have used it for wide field of view objects (like the coat hanger).

meade telescopes for astronomy

Meade Eyepiece Filter

 

I have a Meade go to telescope (4.5") reflector and when i look at jupiter it is a big ball of white...?

big white ball with a little red. I am looking at it when it is low in the sky. do i need a filter( if yes please tell me what kind ).
Again I am using a meade 4.5" reflector with my 8 mm eyepiece. i am sure that i am looking at jupiter.
I am completely sure that it is Jupiter!
And if i use higher mag. it will only get worse.

it is just so bright!
stars look fine great only jupiter

Jupiter is setting very early these days. Objects low on the horizon are going to be affected more by seeing conditions than items that are higher.

I wouldn't worry about a filter, but the best filter I've found for planets is a photographic FLD. It's sort of a magenta/violet color. But it's likely to be hard to find for 1.25" eyepieces. If your scope has a 2" to 1.25" adapter that is threaded for filters, a 48mm photographic filter would fit it.

This web site will let you check seeing conditions for your area.

< http://www.cleardarksky.com/ >

Since stars look OK, I'm guessing your collimation is OK.

Mars is starting to rise earlier, and odds are you'll be able to get a decent view of it by about 11pm.

I also suggest looking at the Orion nebula. (M42) It would be the "middle" star in Orion's scabbard.

Good luck with your scope.

Regards,

Mark

Meade Eyepiece Filter

Wide Angle Eyepiece

 

Nikon D300 - Come, See and Capture

The Nikon D300 digital camera is also known as the ND300 and was launched in August 2007. This semi-professional digital SLR camera was launched along with the Nikon D3 FX camera. The ND300 is similar to the Nikon D3 FX, but is a higher speed camera with a better image resolution and a DX censor instead of a FX one. It is more compact than the regular D3 FX. A successor to the popular D200, it has the reputation of being the ultimate in DX format performance.

In fact, the Nikon D300 got rave reviews from some of the leading magazines like Shutterbug, Outdoor Photographer and the UK based magazine What Digital Camera. Post launch, the camera was conferred the title of The Official Camera of The Year by Popular Photography, a widely read magazine.

The Nikon D300 is packed with various features. The camera is driven by Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED Image Processing System. It features a new 51-point autofocus (AF) system and two new LiveView shooting modes. With a high-resolution 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, the camera captures high quality pictures. The D300 can shoot at a rapid six frames per second or at an incredible eight frames per second powered by its optional MB-D10 multi-power battery pack.

Equipped with the new Active D-Lighting mode, the camera allows you to make highlighting and shadow corrections in real-time. Its 3-inch LCD monitor has a wide viewing angle of 170 degrees, which makes it very easy to compose pictures in LiveView mode.

Its built-in ultrasound cleansing system helps to minimize sensor dust. Other features include advanced focusing modes, including single and continuous servo focusing modes. The focusing modes have a single area, a dynamic area and group dynamic area AF. The camera comes with an HDMI port that lets you connect the D300 directly to your HDTV.

All these features are housed in a robust magnesium alloy body with excellent ergonomics. With its functional design, the camera allows the user to take pictures with greater accuracy and comfort. All these features make this camera a favourite with both amateurs and professionals.

The standard accessories with the D300 include an EN-EL3e rechargeable lithium ion battery, an EG-D100 video cable, a LCD monitor cover, a DK-5 eyepiece cap, a DK-23 rubber eyecup, a MH-18a quick charger and a UC-E4 USB cable.

About the Author

Jason Dion is an avid photographer and has authored many a paper on photography. With experience in both black and white and colour photography, She has done stints as a wildlife photographer and fashion photographer. She likes to write on the latest developments in analogue and digital cameras such as the Nikon D300 cameras.

Is this telescope Good Value and what will i see with it?

$99 dollers?

Orion SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector
Great beginner's telescope! Big enough to find and observe objects in the night sky, but small enough to easily store in a closet or display on a desk
A REAL telescope with 100mm parabolic primary mirror optics - no plastic lenses as found in some other telescopes made for beginners
See hundreds of craters on the Moon, detail on Jupiter and other planets when viewing from relatively bright city locations
Perfect for wide-angle, low-power viewing of the Milky Way and other deep sky objects when viewing from relatively dark skies
Collects over 200 times the amount of light your unaided eyes can!
Includes two 1.25" eyepieces: 20mm (20 power) and 10mm (40 power), and EZ Finder II reflex sight

I would like to suggest that you join a local astronomy club or astronomical society BEFORE you spend your money on a scope. There are many different kinds of scopes and what is perfect for one person is not perfect for another. Everyone has their own set of eyeballs and no two are the same. If you join a club, you can attend a few of their star parties and try out members scopes to see what works best for YOU, before you buy a scope. The members can also help you when you get your scope and show you how to get the most out of your new scope as well as to help teach you where the treasures in the sky are located. Most clubs have loaner scopes and extensive libraries that you can gather more information from too. Most clubs will have monthly membership meetings with informative presentations given by members and by guest speakers. You can really learn a lot from these clubs and an added plus is all the great new friends you make there too. Go to this site to find a club in your area. http://www.astroleague.org/societies/list
This only has clubs that belong to the National Astronomy League, so there are many more which do not appear on this list. Continue searching google if you don't see one in your area here.

There are several different kinds of telescopes and all of them have some excellent features. Refractors and Reflectors, plus Schmidt-Cassegrain, APO refractors, Mac-Cass, and many more. There are also several mounts to chose from and the mounts are just as important, if not even more important, than the scope is. All of the different scopes and mounts have some features that some people like and do not like. No two eyeballs are the same and the perfect scope for one person might be completely wrong for another person.

There is no one scope that is "better" than another ---except for the junk scopes out there which are all just a waste of money. Never, ever buy from Walmart, Costco, Target, or any other discount store like that. Junk scopes are flooded into the market from those stores. You will be buying nothing but bad optics and plastic.

If you are new at this, then stay away from anything used from any site. If you don't know what you are buying and who you are buying from you will most likely be getting someone else's headache---with no warranty either. Some great deals on used equipment are out there, by people who know how to use and take care of scopes, but if you don't know what you are doing, you might be spending a lot of money on worthless junk. One improper cleaning can destroy a scope. Buyer Beware.

I recommend: http://oriontelescopes.com/

Orion is the very best for value and for customer service too. I have 3 of their scopes and I will only buy from them from now on. My first scope was a manual controlled scope and I am very glad that it was because it forced me to learn where things are in the night skies. Go-To type scopes can be frustrating to use. If you do not have them aligned exactly perfect, they do not find the targets. If you are a beginner, you will be frustrated unless you spring for a GPS Go-To. An object locator is just that---it will locate objects for you (must be aligned first) but an object locator is not a tracking motor. It will not keep the scope on the target.

The Orion site has some excellent diagrams and explanations of all types of scopes and mounts.

Things to consider are size--can the user lift and transport the scope to the viewing site easily? Does it fit in your car? If not, then it will gather dust in a closet. I recommend a carrying case too so it is protected in storage and transport. Can the viewer reach all the knobs and buttons? I have a long tube large manual refractor and it is very difficult for me to reach the knobs when I am pointed to Zenith. I am not a tall person.

Take your time in making your decision.

Some people will suggest that you purchase binoculars. Not a bad idea but don't buy anything less than 10x50 and you must have a tripod too or you will not be happy with your astronomical views because they will be too shaky from your movements. Even your pulse will make them shake. Personally, I prefer a scope to binos because if binoculars are not aligned properly at the factory, then you get double images and distortions that can't be fixed. Most of the cheaper binoculars are not properly aligned. That is not as important for terrestial viewing, but it is a killer for astronomical viewing. Binos can also be bumped out of alignment and become useless for astronomy.

When you buy, go Orion and you wont be disappointed. Don't try to learn everything all at once or you will be overwhelmed and discouraged. Patience is the key to Astronomy.

You will need a good star chart program too.

http://www.stellarium.org/

This is great freeware that you can download. Tell it where you are and it will tell you what you see. Ask it where something is and it will show you.

I wish you all the best! Enjoy!

Wide Angle Eyepiece