In message , OG
writes

"Dave" wrote in message
. com...
Hi all. I have just purchased a beginner telescope for my 10 y/o
daughter (and myself) for Christmas. I got a Hardin 6" dobsonian
reflector. I have always had an interest in astronomy but have never
purchased (or used by myself) a telescope. I think I have 2 primary
questions. What will the initial setup be like. Right now I have 2
boxes, which I haven't cracked (poor word choice) open yet. I was
planning on getting it ready for use on Christmas Day eve. How much
time should I plan on taking for initial setup? Hours? Days (nights)?
What are some quick and easy sights to see for the first night's
viewing. The Moon is not available then. Saturn? Others?

Thanks for any replies,

No idea for set-up times I'm afraid. But as for things to look for I'd
recommend

Seven Sisters (M45) aka the Pleiades
Orions sword (M42)
Saturn


I envy you your first views-

I heartily echo that comment, and I'll just add Jupiter to the list - it
doesn't rise until near midnight, though.
I haven't used a Dobsonian, but I gather they are quite easy to set up.
You may well find that it isn't properly collimated, but as long as it's
reasonably close that won't stop you being totally awed by the first
view of the Orion nebula or the Pleiades. I can still remember my first
look at M42 with a 10" reflector - bigger than yours, but not hugely so.
The stars were visibly distorted because it wasn't properly set up, but
it was amazing.
You do know it will probably be cloudy? ;-)
--
Rabbit arithmetic - 1 plus 1 equals 10
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