GRW" wrote in message
om...
I am new to astronomy and have been enjoying myself a great deal.

I started by just trying to learn the constellations, and then
identifying some of the more prominent objects (i.e., planets).

Recently purchased a Celestron 114GT telescope, and have set it up and
aligned it per instructions. This has yielded my son and I some
excellent views of the moon, mars, saturn, etc. and I like the way it
will track objects.

Here's my problem - I see in the astronomy magazines numerous and
incredible photos of deep sky objects, generally taken by folks with
telescopes much larger and more powerful than mine.

Many things I read indicate that aperture may be more important than
magnification. However, I don't know what to expect when looking for
certain objects because nobody has given me any help with the scope
and I have no point of reference except the magazines.

For instance, I have been trying to locate M31 in Andromeda. I
certainly know where to look, but don't know what to look for. How
big should it look? Is it just star-sized, or should it be larger?
Am I just not in a dark enough location (we actually don't have much
light pollution where I live, but there are neighboring houses with
external lights)?

I know this sounds like a stupid question. However, expectation
levels were set pretty high by the scope mfr's literature, and I'm
afraid that I may be reaching the practical limitations of this scope.
If so, this may be very disappointing.

Hi there

Like you, i have fun with my scope but didn't know what to see. I was
recommended the following book which is now invaluable to me. "The Practical
Astronomers Deep - Sky Companion" by Jess K Gilmour. This is part of the Sir
Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series.

It is available in the USA from Springer (NY). The following link should
take you to the page. I believe it retails at $44.95, but you may find it
cheaper at Amazon.com.

http://www.springer-ny.com/listpage....atrick%20Moore
%27s%20Practical%20Astronomy%20Series&discipline=A stronomy&startat=1&sortBy=
deVolume&cart=10664281194939277

If this link doesn't work try www.springer-ny.com and click on Astronomy
browse by series Patrick Moore's Astronomy series.Then scroll down for
this choice.

If you can afford it you will be very happy. Since i bought it a few weeks
ago i have seen many Messier and NGC objects and i use a 114mm and 200mm
newtonian scopes.

HTH

Clear skies

Martin A
UK