Telescopes (Brentwood, Dyer: house, buying, university)

[jabboss1]

Anyone into star gazing! and if so is there a local store in nashville where supplies can be found

[Lamplight]

I'm interested in it, but I don't have a telescope yet, nor have I really researched buying one. I've looked a little on Craigslist and they are pretty common on there, though most of them appear to be of the "cheaper" variety. I'm actually wanting a microscope more, but they seem to be a little harder to find.

I think I recall seeing telescopes at Wolf Camera once, but don't quote me on that.

If nothing else, you can easily find them online in all price ranges.

[Lucaseve]

I don't know of any local stores that sell supplies, but if you are into star gazing check out Dyer Observatory. The first Friday of every month is open house telescope night. They have three telescopes open for viewing -- the largest being a 24-inch. Dyer Observatory is located in Brentwood and the next open house night is Friday, September 11th.

Dyer Observatory

[alleycat]

You've probably do better to mail order one. Most of the ones you find in stores are the 60mm refractors. There are suitable for a youngster, but an adult will probably be frustrated with one of them. Also, some of the ones sold in "department stores" are flimsy. As important as the optics is the mount and tripod. You can check out the ads in Astronomy or Sky and Telescope magazine.

I use to be into astronomy, but I have gotten out of the activity in recent years.

If you're not familiar with it, you might want to check out the Dyer Observatory owned by Vanderbilt University. They used to actually use it as a working observatory, but now it's used for educational purposes. Sometimes they hold "star parties" there where people bring their telescopes and people are invited to view the heaven through them.

Edited to add: I see Lucaseve posted while I was typing. I didn't mean to duplicate his reply.

[jabboss1]

i already have some scopes just lookin for acc. anyone want to come out tonight I am in mt, juliet

[alleycat]

Sorry, I thought you were probably looking for your first telescope.

If there is a store anywhere around, a astronomy club would know. The Barnard-Seyfest Astronomical Society is one; I think there's another called Cumberland Astronomical Club; and probably others. You might want to join one of those and the members can refer you to any store that carried telescope accessories.

I hope you had a good night of viewing.

[jabboss1]

it was descent some clouds but Venus this morning was a sight to behold I woke up early around 5:30 and it was beautiful, so much so I didnt even get the scope out it was a sight to see with the rising sun. I have to say I am going to enjoy this hobbie. I was wondering if anyone was available to come out tonight I have kids so no ruff necks.

[Lamplight]

So that is Venus I've been seeing lately? I noticed a very bright object in the sky last Saturday night, and I thought it might be Venus. Pretty cool.

[alleycat]

Originally Posted by Lamplight

So that is Venus I've been seeing lately? I noticed a very bright object in the sky last Saturday night, and I thought it might be Venus. Pretty cool.

What time was this? Was what you saw near the horizon?

Venus is in its "morning star" phase at this time.

Once of the best sight I've seen in recent years has been the Hale-Bopp comet. I think it's the only comet I've seen in my lifetime that really lived up to expectations (and then some).

[jabboss1]

Venus in the morning to the east, jupiter all night starting in the east then traveling across to the west.