Hello people, me again.

Probably starting to annoy people with my constant posts, but the only help that is at hand is here.

This time I'm having difficulty finding the orion nebula and was wondering if it was because of the telescope. If you haven't heard of if yet (quite excited about it so more or less the whole world has found out) I have a 70/700 refractor. Even though the orion nebula is spose to be easy to locate because of it's size, I have been unable to locate it on quite a few occations so far. The Orion constallation is around 20 degrees above the horizon (and maybe thats the reason), and even though I can see the constallation, and preety much know where the nebula is, I just cant seem to locate it. I've used the finder scope, 5/25 (I think) and the 20mm lens, but still cant see anything.

Is it me or is it the telescope, or maybe the horizon. Can't stay up too long to wait for it to come up higher above the horizon because by then I find it rather difficult to keep my eyes open.

Anyway, thanks for all the help and support (and patience) that you have all given me so far.

Tam

Not knowing where you live, you might want to try going to bed for a few hours. The Orion nebula isn't really visible here (Detroit, MI) until 3-4am EDT this time of the year. That's when it gets high enough over the trees and out of the general crud.

Another thing you might want to look at is if your finderscope is properly calibrated. That is, what you are looking at is what you are really pointing at. The best way to do this is during the day. Pick a distant object (NOT THE SUN!!!!) in your telescope (house, barn, etc) and correlate the object in the finderscope against the object in view. This should get you a "ballpark" view.

Now, in the evening, put your finderscope on Polaris. (It's bright, and it's also a double, and it doesn't really move...) Your telescope view should have Polaris. If you can make fine adjustments, adjust the finderscope so that Polaris is centered.

You should be able to find the Orion Nebula even at very low powers. Start with, say a 25mm eyepiece (your 20mm is fine..) and start looking for it. Once you have the nebula, you can increase power accordingly. On a clear, dark night, the view in my 8" Discovery is truely outstanding. You can see the texture of the swirls, etc. One of my favorite objects in the sky.

Personaly, I detest the standard finderscopes that come with most telescopes these days. I routinely replace them with a telrad. On my Orion 120ST, I replaced that with the Orion red-dot finder. I find, for my middle-aged eyes, that this is the way to go.

If all else fails, try to find an astronomy club in your area. Contract you local planetarium or search on the internet. They'll have regular star-parties where you can interact with people with all levels of experience (and money invested in equipment...)

Clear skies and bug-free nights...

I know you're excited about your new 'scope, but I've found that a good pair of binoculars is better for looking at The Orion Nebula than my 90x telescope.

__________________
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It sounds to me Tamer as though you might be due for a collimation check. It is possible that your finder scope is not exactly lined up with your telescope and some fine adjustments might need to be made. But look to the other suggestions. Orion is truly a winter constellation unless you are a diehard and willing to stay up til three or four am(which I have done!!!)
See if there is a local astronomy group in your area and try to touch base with them. Invite someone out to assist you in the original collimation. Once you know how to do it, it's a piece of cake! Good luck!
g.

Hi Tamer,
I didn't read but the first 4 posts in answer to your question,so tho you've had 50 good answers,I'll bet,here's the easiest way I know to find M42.In Orion you'll see 3 brite stars in a row which make Orion's belterpendicular to these are 3 more'stars' which make his sword.The nebula is the middle 'fuzzy' star.Once you see it,you'll realize it's visible to the naked eye.Don't miss studying the'stars' on either side.They make up M43 and the Iota Orionis star complex which is a favorite of mine because of the beautiful colors and sizes of the stars which make it up.

Thanks for the replies.

Most of the suggestions were already completed on my behalf; stayed up till 4am, ensured the finder scope is pointing in the right direction, and I believe that I also found the Orion Nebula aswell, but I think I was just a little disapointed with the view. The reason for this I think might be the telescope itself, but not really sure. Havent been able to locate anything that seems clear enough yet. Might be starting to get the size craze already.

Anyway, once again, thanks for all the suggestions and advice. Was very helpful, and I'll probably try again today. If the weather permits that is.

Tamer