Hi Gary, Judging from your story it looks like we may have an up coming coming astro-imager amongst us. On 22 Sep 2008, at 20:23, Gary Logan wrote:
So a couple questions:
1) Any recommendations on a first telescope?
It's hard to go wrong with a Dobsonian, especially for a first "real" scope. Relatively cheap (as scopes go), easy to set up and easy to operate. Something of a problem for taking pictures but great as a "look-see" scope. If you have not done so already you might want to attend a star party or two (http://slas.us/calendar.asp?list=Yes&Year=2008&StarParty=1) so you can get some firsthand experience before deciding what to buy. Another option would be to consider joining the Salt Lake Astronomical Society and borrowing various telescopes to try out on your own (http://slas.us/membership_benefits.asp ).
2) What are good things to look at in a very light polluted SLC sky?
Bright skies pretty much limit you to bright objects. You've already spotted Jupiter, you might also want to try for Venus, low in the west just after sunset (Mars and Mercury are also out there but probably too dim and too close to the Sun). And the Moon is always a favorite. Good luck, patrick