Start with a few easy constellations.
1. Choose one or two that have easy deep space targets. Orion with its Nebula M42 is an easy fall and winter choice.
2. Scout the constellation out in binoculars and study the star patterns. Pay attention to what the stars around the nebula look like so when you try to find it in your telescope it will be familiar.
3. Now choose one or two easy constellations that have more difficult targets. I like Lyra as an example. M57 - the Ring Nebula is positioned in between the two outer stars of the Lyre (gamma and beta Lyrae). These stars are easy to see in the same field in your binoculars. But the nebula itself is hard to identify. You're seeing it but you can't tell it apart fom the stars. But now that you recognize the star patterns in the area you will know how to find it in a telescope. |
