Welcome to Astronomy at the Equator!
I’ve been in love with space since I was a kid and just last year I got my first ever telescope. Now I can finally deem myself an amateur astronomer! So, I live in a beautiful, tropical country, with lovely beaches and ancient rain-forests, known as Malaysia. Problem was, I discovered that a lot of advice and resources on observational astronomy (available online or through books and magazines) are specific to those viewing from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. So, how am I to find answers to my doubts – like do we need an equatorial mount for telescopes when we live on the equator? (which we do).Then it struck me, why not create a blog for those viewing from the equator! A place where we can ask questions and share answers, a place to learn about astronomy from the equator! But of course, I hope anyone from an hemisphere might find something interesting here as well.
A little about me,
I’m a 19 year old student from KL, Malaysia. I love planet Earth and have been always intrigued by our mysterious universe, a place where there is so much to discover! I’m just an amateur in astronomy and I’ve got a lot to learn about our universe. But I’m eager to share it all with you – through this blog! So, do drop comments – anything at all, whether you like a certain picture, disagree with something I have to say, have questions, absolutely agree with me, would like to add on your own opinion – I love comments and am looking forward to meeting you!
See you soon!
Welcome to Astronomy at the Equator! 
Astronomy at the Equator 
Hi~! I’m a retired old crock living as far south in the south Pacific as one can get (love those Southern Lights) without having territorial squabbles with penguins. No sign of sky down here right now (snow and ice incoming). I love what I’ve seen of your blog so far and look forward to visiting often—more sky photos, pleeeeease!
Hey Argus! Thanks for writing, it’s great to know that someone’s been reading my blog! Hahahha, heyy you betta watch out from those penguins, they might just swarm up north one of these days! The climate’s going nuts (down here in Malaysia at least) these days, it’s getting so HOT! Who knows where those melting ice caps would force the penguins to!…Back here, we wish we had some snow. A heat wave has pretty much assailed Malaysia. And it’s made worse by a terrible haze that has been swept by winds from Indonesia, where forest fires are rampant. So observing through my telescope is on hold now, till the haze clears away.
Yeahhh, more sky pics on the way! And I can’t wait for the day I’ll get to see auroras for real! Keep in touch 😉
What course are you going to do?I am also a deep researcher of astronomy and physics from childhood.Would like your help regarding some topics, Can you?
What course are you going to do?I am also a deep researcher of astronomy and physics from childhood.Would like your help regarding some topics, will you?
Sure! Would love to help out! Its great that you find astronomy/physics exciting! Curios to hear your questions! Well, right now, I’m just applying for a course in earth & planets…yourself?
I am seeking to buy a good telescope to study the planets around and observe the stars of 10 to power 12 magnitudes.You said you bought 1 telescope, Would surely like to know about how to select a good telescope?
Sorry for the super late reply – been so busy with apps and exam prep lately – well you’ve inspired me to write a post about picking a first telescope…But anyways, you’ve gotta first decide if you’ll rather look at planets/moon or deep-space-objects (like nebulae, galaxies). Judging from the faint stars you want to observe, you’ll need a telescope with lotsa aperture to gather max light from the furthest distances/dimmest objects. A Dobsonian telescope would be then best option then – cause you’ll pay for optics and aperture rather than an expensive stand/mount. But, if you live in a heavily light-polluted area/hazy place (like I do), you’ll only see planets most of the time. And refractors, are best for planets – though they are notoriously costly. Keep me updated with your hunt!
I stay in Mumbai, Maharashtra.It’s obviously polluted over here.My budget is around 12-15000. Please tell me the best option for gazing at the nearby planets and galaxies.Would just love it.
Tell me about your telescope,Are you able to see distant galaxies or is it only for nearby planets.How much did it cost you to purchase one?
That’s a good beginner budget! Assuming its in rupees. I’ll suggest you get a reflector telescope. The price increases with Aperture – and for your price range, you’d be able to get a 5inch (127mm) reflector or a 90mm achromatic refractor. The wider the aperture, the more light gathering power (the further and fainter you’ll see). But a refractor beats the reflector when it comes to the viewing quality and collimation.
I have a 10″ Dobsonian (a reflector with a swivelling base). But in the moderate-high light pollution of my area, I’d have to be lucky to catch galaxies/nebulae (though the scope is capable of seeing hundreds of these). But, you’ll be able to see planets clearly with even 80mm of aperture.
Check out OptCorp – you’ll find a range of scopes with different prices.
Looking forward to hearing your pick! Keep me updated!
Wonderful site. I am eager to learn more about the skies of the equator. I’m happy to follow you along on your adventure!
cpb
Thanks so much Chris! I’m keen to follow your adventure with teaching astronomy as well!!