We have good discussions here about finding observing buddies and involving new people in amateur astronomy. I think many people wonder “Why should I get up out of this comfy chair and go outside and look at the stars?” Maybe they think about the cold or the mosquitoes or creepy things in the dark.
Even I have to answer that question myself occasionally. I look out the window to see how clear the sky is, then I think about what phase the moon is at and what is “up” tonight. And I think about how recent my last session outside was and if it’s getting tiresome to my wife and kids.
Of course, any night of the year there are several of “headline” objects visible – ie. Jupiter, Saturn, the moon, Orion nebula, M13, M31 and so on. But sometimes my laziness kicks in and I think, I have seen that a bunch of times already!
Then I think, I have to see M83 before it goes down in the west, (stuff in the south has an annoying habit of disappearing quickly!) and I don’t want to have to wait another year to see it! This is why we have the Messier list and the Herschel 400 list and so on. It’s also why we buy all the magazines and guide books and sky atlases and maps.
So how do you answer the question “Why should I get up out of this comfy chair and go outside and look at the stars?” for yourselves and for new people interested in the hobby?
Regards,
Rick
Even I have to answer that question myself occasionally. I look out the window to see how clear the sky is, then I think about what phase the moon is at and what is “up” tonight. And I think about how recent my last session outside was and if it’s getting tiresome to my wife and kids.
Of course, any night of the year there are several of “headline” objects visible – ie. Jupiter, Saturn, the moon, Orion nebula, M13, M31 and so on. But sometimes my laziness kicks in and I think, I have seen that a bunch of times already!
Then I think, I have to see M83 before it goes down in the west, (stuff in the south has an annoying habit of disappearing quickly!) and I don’t want to have to wait another year to see it! This is why we have the Messier list and the Herschel 400 list and so on. It’s also why we buy all the magazines and guide books and sky atlases and maps.
So how do you answer the question “Why should I get up out of this comfy chair and go outside and look at the stars?” for yourselves and for new people interested in the hobby?
Regards,
Rick
8" Zhumell Dob
90mm f11 achro refractor
4-1/2 f4 rich field newt reflector
