Hey there !

Thanx to both for your information. The Fulton book is on order from our library.

We (wife and I) aren't entirely new to the skies. For many years we have been avid bird watchers and for many years have done our area of the national breeding bird census. So we do have binoculars. And as farmers and retired botany instructor, we do watch the skies ... even at night! We do know where a number of the constellations reside and their celestial make up. We need more work on this :-)

It was because of the Tasco gift that we have taken a more avid interest in the world of astronomy. We did go to the internet and have made a few copies of "Uncle Al's Star Wheel" and have since obtained a very nice plastic one from Ken Graun (2011).

I was wondering about buying a better mount for the Tasco if that would help keep it in one spot and then later buying a better telescope to put on that mount. Could that work?

I have been going to sigh up to the "Cloudy Nights" discussion group. Maybe I should get that done.

There is not an astronomy club in our local area ... there is one is Peoria, IL that we could drive to on occasion.

Thanx for you help.

Rich (haywool)