The Aging Amateur Astronomer

In a few weeks, I will have another birthday past my fiftieth.
The effects of aging are beginning to affect my habits and
choices in this hobby. And with the not-so-new news that the
baby-boomers will soon start to retire (if they can afford to
do so), a number of questions arise for both the experienced
amateur, and those who suddenly find time and interest in this
activity.

Anyone interested is invited to join in this thread. As an
example, I shall start with a few major points.

TWO TELESCOPES
1. A portable 80-100mm short tube refractor
- for wide field, high image brightness, low magnification
views. Great for sky sweeping, large patches of the milky way,
open clusters, large nebulae, and maybe casual terrestrial/
nature viewing. It should be on a light, but stable alt-
azimuth mount.

2. A fixed location large scope.
- My preference would be for a 10" to 12" dobsonian, f/6
or greater. I never tire of the moon, planets, and small,
bright nebula. An 8" to 14" SCT or 7" Mak might also work,
if one can afford them. The unit should be on a fixed pier
mount or roll-out casters. Lugging a heavy scope is not
practical or desirable as one gets older.

EYEPIECES

Most people's eyesight and visual acuity deteriorate with
age. Eyeglasses and contacts help, but contacts are a
lot of bother for some people. Also, maximum pupil
openning decreases, raising the minimum magnification for
full illumination. Ways of dealing with these problems
include:
- long eye relief eyepieces - Lanthanums and similar
- barlow plus long focal length eyepieces
- long focal lengths for both telescope and eyepiece

The good news is that with the loss of some visual
acuity, there is a corresponding loss of need for
premium quality eyepieces. More magnification may be
needed for the same detail to be apparent to an older
person, and dimmer image will also result. General
purpose Plossls will satisfy a greater variety of
situations.

FINDERS and STAR DIAGONALS
Right angle, correct orientation (no reversal of just
one axis.) As one gets older, agility wanes. The
contortionist peering through a straight or reflex
finder to something nearly overhead is just not possible
any more. Right angle viewing is required.


To minimize the confusion brought about by a single
(or odd number of) reflection(s), star diagonals and
right angle finders should provide a correct orientation
view. If one axis is flipped, then the other should be
as well.

VIEWING SUPPORT

A chair or ladder is often instrumental in allowing
one to obtain and hold a stable eye position while
viewing. Such a thing should be considered an essential
part of the observer's equipment.

COMMENTS

Feel free to add your own views, or challenge those
already presented.

Cheers,
larry g.




--
Calling Austin HOME since 1982!

Well, I'm within about 3 years of reaching the 60 mark, but because of
diabiltys I've been out of the work force since 93. I now have 3 major
scopes, all of them Dobs, a Stargazer Steve, My home made Babylon 8, and now
the 10in Galactica. As I do gardening and other things, I've been able to at
lest stay active, that and the help from the asprin I take keeps me going.

Being 6ft tall I've still got a good amount of power in my legs and arms so
for right now at lest, I'm able to move the scopes just fine.

As I'm near sighted, most of my viewing is done without the glasses I have
to ware for driving.

While it's not easy and I do sidewalk astronomy for as long as I can.


--

The Lone Sidewalk Astronomer of Rosamond
Telescope Buyers FAQ
http://home.inreach.com/starlord
Sidewalk Astronomy
www.sidewalkastronomy.info
Astronomy Net Online Gift Shop
http://www.cafepress.com/astronomy_net
In Garden Online Gift Shop
http://www.cafepress.com/ingarden
Blast Off Online Gift Shop
http://www.cafepress.com/starlords




"LarryG" wrote in message
news
In a few weeks, I will have another birthday past my fiftieth.
The effects of aging are beginning to affect my habits and
choices in this hobby. And with the not-so-new news that the
baby-boomers will soon start to retire (if they can afford to
do so), a number of questions arise for both the experienced
amateur, and those who suddenly find time and interest in this
activity.

I'm inexorably tending toward your position here Larry :-) I too need a chair, I only use 3 good
EPs regularly, and I'm looking more and more at buying a light, compact 4" refractor. The 10" Dob
seems heavier each time now. Do you also find yourself looking for a suitable apprentice to take on
the "big 'scope" one day ?

"I remember the great nail shortage of '82 you know......"
:-))

John Carruthers
http://mysite.freeserve.com/jc_atm/


"LarryG" wrote in message news
In a few weeks, I will have another birthday past my fiftieth.
The effects of aging are beginning to affect my habits and
choices in this hobby. And with the not-so-new news that the
baby-boomers will soon start to retire (if they can afford to
do so), a number of questions arise for both the experienced
amateur, and those who suddenly find time and interest in this
activity.

Anyone interested is invited to join in this thread. As an
example, I shall start with a few major points.

TWO TELESCOPES
1. A portable 80-100mm short tube refractor
- for wide field, high image brightness, low magnification
views. Great for sky sweeping, large patches of the milky way,
open clusters, large nebulae, and maybe casual terrestrial/
nature viewing. It should be on a light, but stable alt-
azimuth mount.

2. A fixed location large scope.
- My preference would be for a 10" to 12" dobsonian, f/6
or greater. I never tire of the moon, planets, and small,
bright nebula. An 8" to 14" SCT or 7" Mak might also work,
if one can afford them. The unit should be on a fixed pier
mount or roll-out casters. Lugging a heavy scope is not
practical or desirable as one gets older.

EYEPIECES

Most people's eyesight and visual acuity deteriorate with
age. Eyeglasses and contacts help, but contacts are a
lot of bother for some people. Also, maximum pupil
openning decreases, raising the minimum magnification for
full illumination. Ways of dealing with these problems
include:
- long eye relief eyepieces - Lanthanums and similar
- barlow plus long focal length eyepieces
- long focal lengths for both telescope and eyepiece

The good news is that with the loss of some visual
acuity, there is a corresponding loss of need for
premium quality eyepieces. More magnification may be
needed for the same detail to be apparent to an older
person, and dimmer image will also result. General
purpose Plossls will satisfy a greater variety of
situations.

FINDERS and STAR DIAGONALS
Right angle, correct orientation (no reversal of just
one axis.) As one gets older, agility wanes. The
contortionist peering through a straight or reflex
finder to something nearly overhead is just not possible
any more. Right angle viewing is required.


To minimize the confusion brought about by a single
(or odd number of) reflection(s), star diagonals and
right angle finders should provide a correct orientation
view. If one axis is flipped, then the other should be
as well.

VIEWING SUPPORT

A chair or ladder is often instrumental in allowing
one to obtain and hold a stable eye position while
viewing. Such a thing should be considered an essential
part of the observer's equipment.

COMMENTS

Feel free to add your own views, or challenge those
already presented.

Cheers,
larry g.




--
Calling Austin HOME since 1982!

"LarryG" wrote in message
news
In a few weeks, I will have another birthday past my fiftieth.
The effects of aging are beginning to affect my habits and
choices in this hobby. And with the not-so-new news that the
baby-boomers will soon start to retire (if they can afford to
do so), a number of questions arise for both the experienced
amateur, and those who suddenly find time and interest in this
activity.

Anyone interested is invited to join in this thread. As an
example, I shall start with a few major points.

TWO TELESCOPES
1. A portable 80-100mm short tube refractor
- for wide field, high image brightness, low magnification
views. Great for sky sweeping, large patches of the milky way,
open clusters, large nebulae, and maybe casual terrestrial/
nature viewing. It should be on a light, but stable alt-
azimuth mount.

2. A fixed location large scope.
- My preference would be for a 10" to 12" dobsonian, f/6
or greater. I never tire of the moon, planets, and small,
bright nebula. An 8" to 14" SCT or 7" Mak might also work,
if one can afford them. The unit should be on a fixed pier
mount or roll-out casters. Lugging a heavy scope is not
practical or desirable as one gets older.

EYEPIECES

Most people's eyesight and visual acuity deteriorate with
age. Eyeglasses and contacts help, but contacts are a
lot of bother for some people. Also, maximum pupil
openning decreases, raising the minimum magnification for
full illumination. Ways of dealing with these problems
include:
- long eye relief eyepieces - Lanthanums and similar
- barlow plus long focal length eyepieces
- long focal lengths for both telescope and eyepiece

The good news is that with the loss of some visual
acuity, there is a corresponding loss of need for
premium quality eyepieces. More magnification may be
needed for the same detail to be apparent to an older
person, and dimmer image will also result. General
purpose Plossls will satisfy a greater variety of
situations.

FINDERS and STAR DIAGONALS
Right angle, correct orientation (no reversal of just
one axis.) As one gets older, agility wanes. The
contortionist peering through a straight or reflex
finder to something nearly overhead is just not possible
any more. Right angle viewing is required.


To minimize the confusion brought about by a single
(or odd number of) reflection(s), star diagonals and
right angle finders should provide a correct orientation
view. If one axis is flipped, then the other should be
as well.

VIEWING SUPPORT

A chair or ladder is often instrumental in allowing
one to obtain and hold a stable eye position while
viewing. Such a thing should be considered an essential
part of the observer's equipment.

COMMENTS

Feel free to add your own views, or challenge those
already presented.

Cheers,
larry g.




--
It occurs to me, Larry, that the above, expanded a bit, might be a suitable
article for a publication like Night Sky.

LarryG said the following on 2/25/2006 1:03 AM:

TWO TELESCOPES

I'm there - Although I have a short tube 80, I find that lately I use it
little (compared to others). I also have an 8" f6 Dob that is my grab
and go scope. Whenever possible, it's my 14.5" Dob, though.

Of course, due to weather, schedule and whatnot, but primarily to being
surrounded by neighbors who for the most part are (apparently) genuinely
possessed with an irrational fear of the dark, I don't get to observe
much anymore. At home, I'm surrounded by porch lights and the like that
stay on all night. Since last October, I've had my 8" out on my patio
maybe 3 times, only to bring it back in when a light turns on. My large
Dob has been out once, but the site I was using turned out to be WAAAAYY
too bright. I'm looking forward to another star party so I can observe
again.

All this from a "small" town, no less...


2. A fixed location large scope.

Fixed as in New Mexico might be nice, but that's a long way to drive to
work (to/from Louisiana). Since I've become increasingly disinterested
in planetary observing, the virtues of a more or less permanently
mounted larger scope are becoming more and more attractive. I feel the
call of Terzan, Djorgovski, Markarian and buddies... :-)


EYEPIECES

Most people's eyesight and visual acuity deteriorate with
age. Eyeglasses and contacts help, but contacts are a
lot of bother for some people. Also, maximum pupil

Well, astigmatism is my primary visual defect, so I just have to deal
with it.


FINDERS and STAR DIAGONALS
Right angle, correct orientation (no reversal of just
one axis.) As one gets older, agility wanes. The
contortionist peering through a straight or reflex
finder to something nearly overhead is just not possible
any more. Right angle viewing is required.

Absolutely, but coupled with a 1x sight of some kind.


VIEWING SUPPORT

A chair or ladder is often instrumental in allowing
one to obtain and hold a stable eye position while
viewing. Such a thing should be considered an essential
part of the observer's equipment.

I'm looking at a Catsperch Pro chair I finished a month back and have
yet to have a chance to use at the eyepiece.


--

---- Len Philpot --------
------- ------------- http://members.cox.net/lenphilpot/

"LarryG" wrote in message
news
In a few weeks, I will have another birthday past my fiftieth.
The effects of aging are beginning to affect my habits and
choices in this hobby.

You don't have to be over 50. :-)

Your list pretty matches my criteria after my first year as an amateur at
age 41.

My "two scopes" has often been more than two, but only as I sorted out which
one I would keep longer. One has always been 8" or larger in aperture, the
other 6" or smaller. There is a permanent third scope used for widefield
imaging and guiding the longer focal length/larger aperture SCT, but I'll
count that entire setup as "one", since the guidescope rarely gets used
alone for visual.

Seated viewing has always been a great idea, and I insist on sitting at the
eyepiece of the big scope, always (which is why I prefer SCTs). However,
I've just re-discovered with the 6" F5 Newt on Unistar, standing isn't so
bad when you're just poking around and not spending a lot of time on a
particular object. But to make that work, the eyepiece absolutely _has_ to
be at a height that requires neither excessive bending at the waist, or
extending one's height with the ankles and calve muscles.

The 6" F5 on Unistar with the surveyor's tripod in the lowest position puts
the eyepiece at 62" at zenith 55" at horizon. That works out perfectly for
me at 5' 7". Anyone taller can simply extend the tripod legs as necessary.
Interestingly enough, this works out better than a refractor, IME, where the
required star diagonal wants the eyepiece to be perpendicular the ground at
zenith, and therefore out of reach at the horizon until you twist the
diagonal to make the eyepiece parallel with the ground. Especially if the
refractor is longer than 600mm focal length.

One of the things that can be done to overcome acuity and aging eye
syndrome, is imaging. Even a modest DSLR (Rebels are now going for $500 or
less used) with an up to date, and surprisingly inexpensive PC with a GHz
processor and GB's of memory can do wonders ($500 or so). And you don't
really have to spend a lot of money on a scope and mount. A GP class mount
($400-$1000), a modest 750-800mm scope such as the GSO 150mm F5 reflector or
200mm F4 ($200-$400 w/acc) can do the trick. So we're talking between $1600
and $2400 USD, in today's dollars.

Anyway, good topic.
-Stephen

Hi:

LarryG wrote:
In a few weeks, I will have another birthday past my fiftieth.
The effects of aging are beginning to affect my habits and
choices in this hobby. And with the not-so-new news that the
baby-boomers will soon start to retire (if they can afford to
do so), a number of questions arise for both the experienced
amateur, and those who suddenly find time and interest in this
activity.

I passed the "50" milestone a few years ago. Thus far, the only MAJOR
change has been in my closeup vision (reading...eyepiece viewing is not
affected).

I do need reading glasses to view charts now. Actually, this started
coming on when I hit 40. Hell, in my 30s I thought nothng of using
those tiny _Peterson's_ charts (Wil Tirion) at the scope. Now I find
that I need reading glasses and a brighter red light than I'd like are
required; even for _Sky Atlas 2000 Deluxe_.

On the other hand, since I'm using goto scopes almost exclusively now,
I find I don't need charts often. I will have to whip out my spectacles
to see the HC or laptop screen clearly sometimes, but that's about it.
..

TWO TELESCOPES
1. A portable 80-100mm short tube refractor
- for wide field, high image brightness, low magnification
views. Great for sky sweeping, large patches of the milky way,
open clusters, large nebulae, and maybe casual terrestrial/
nature viewing. It should be on a light, but stable alt-
azimuth mount.

I don't like alt-az mounts, never have. Well, they are OK for dobs, but
for a small refractor? No way. Even an EQ-1 is more stable than the
average photo/video tripod. Commercial alt-az mounts? There are some
good ones and quite a few bad ones. I'm not of a mind to give up easy
tracking, though.

And just TWO telescopes? :-)

I do have a grab 'n go scope (currently an ETX125), but not because I'm
decrepit (overly). I am no more reluctant to setup a C8 in the backyard
to spend a few minutes on the Moon than I was when I was in my 20s. But
it is very nice to have a smaller scope when the sky can be best
described as: "a few sucker holes."

OK, I will admit that maybe I'm a little less likely to haul an 11 or
12 inch (or larger) scope to a star party than I used to be. And the
Ultima 8 _was_ beginning to whisper about my poor achin' back, so I did
remove her OTA and place it on a Celestron CG5 (really, mainly because
the mount offers goto...nothing to do with my broken down physical
condition...you believe me, doncha? ;-)).

At any rate, I am reluctant to take any scope smaller than 8 inches to
a star party or dark observing site, and still do haul the Nexstar 11
to the occasional event. I think if there's a change coming in my
habits, it will be toward more manageable GEM mounted instruments. An
Orange Tube C14 really is "too much" for me now as a portable scope
sigh. Most folks can handle a surprisingly large GEM-mount scope
since it can be broken down into bite-size pieces.


2. A fixed location large scope.
- My preference would be for a 10" to 12" dobsonian, f/6
or greater. I never tire of the moon, planets, and small,
bright nebula. An 8" to 14" SCT or 7" Mak might also work,
if one can afford them. The unit should be on a fixed pier
mount or roll-out casters. Lugging a heavy scope is not
practical or desirable as one gets older.

If the scope is "fixed" (in an observatory, I presume you mean), why
would you want a dob? a 12 - 14 - 16 inch SCT provides far more
capability--far more--and if you don't have to move it around, who
cares how much it weighs. They are also amazingly affordable,
especially as a retirement scope--when you get to cash in on that 401K
;-).



EYEPIECES

Most people's eyesight and visual acuity deteriorate with
age. Eyeglasses and contacts help, but contacts are a
lot of bother for some people. Also, maximum pupil
openning decreases, raising the minimum magnification for
full illumination. Ways of dealing with these problems
include:
- long eye relief eyepieces - Lanthanums and similar
- barlow plus long focal length eyepieces
- long focal lengths for both telescope and eyepiece

I don't have any need nor much love for eyepieces with over generous
eye relief. What I mainly find as I get older is not problems with
eye-relief. What I notice is that floaters in my eyes are somewhat more
prominent, leading me to avoid setups with too-small exit pupils.
Acuity wise, at this point I can still appreciate a good Nagler (or
the new Uwans).



The good news is that with the loss of some visual
acuity, there is a corresponding loss of need for
premium quality eyepieces. More magnification may be
needed for the same detail to be apparent to an older
person, and dimmer image will also result. General
purpose Plossls will satisfy a greater variety of
situations.

I've thought about this factor, but it has not, as above, asserted
itself yet. My eyes can easily tell the difference between a TV and a
Chinese plossl.



FINDERS and STAR DIAGONALS
Right angle, correct orientation (no reversal of just
one axis.) As one gets older, agility wanes. The
contortionist peering through a straight or reflex
finder to something nearly overhead is just not possible
any more. Right angle viewing is required.


This is true, in spades. The EQ fork-mounted Ultima 8, even with a good
finder, was killin' me, especially when I wanted to look at objects at
far northern declinations. But now since I use goto almost
exclusively, I only need to contort myself long enough to center a few
alignment stars. IMHO, the answer is not finders, but goto or DSCs for
us "seniors" ulp... I doubt I will ever use an EQ mounted fork scope
for visual use ever again.



VIEWING SUPPORT

A chair or ladder is often instrumental in allowing
one to obtain and hold a stable eye position while
viewing. Such a thing should be considered an essential
part of the observer's equipment.

Forget ladders. If I have to perch on a ladder, I ain't gonna look
long. That's the beauty of SCTs and MCTs. Do all your observing while
seated.

Oh, I'm sure the day will come when I just can't handle even a C8
anymore. When it does, a few decades down the road I hope, I'll get
that Questar 3.5 I've dreamed of and vacillated about for so long.

For now, though, I ain't goin' smaller than 8 inches for most tasks.
And you'd be surprised what I've seen with a C8 at dark sites (and
especially with a Stellacam II hooked to it ;-)).

I think this post is an important one, as many of us who've been in
this game for many, many years, us babyboomers, and are noticing a few
changes in the old bods. I will say I can still go til dawn, maybe just
not quite as OFTEN as I used to. ;-)

Peace,
Rod Mollise
Author of: _Choosing and Using an SCT_, and _The Urban Astronomers's
Guide_.
_http://members.aol.com/rmollise/index.html_
(http://members.aol.com/rmollise/index.html)

Len Philpot wrote:


Of course, due to weather, schedule and whatnot, but primarily to being
surrounded by neighbors who for the most part are (apparently) genuinely
possessed with an irrational fear of the dark, I don't get to observe
much anymore. At home, I'm surrounded by porch lights and the like that
stay on all night. Since last October, I've had my 8" out on my patio
maybe 3 times, only to bring it back in when a light turns on. My large
Dob has been out once, but the site I was using turned out to be WAAAAYY
too bright. I'm looking forward to another star party so I can observe
again.

All this from a "small" town, no less...




Len, Len, Len...

Why let this stop you? I've probably seen a lot more from the center of
Mobile than you have from your much better location. The secret? Shield
the scope and yourself from _ambient_ light...all those nearby
porchlights and lighted windows. An observatory or just some portable
light shields and you'll be back in deep sky heaven.

Peace,
Rod Mollise
Author of: _Choosing and Using an SCT_, and _The Urban Astronomers's
Guide_.
_http://members.aol.com/rmollise/index.html_
(http://members.aol.com/rmollise/index.html)

Televue has probably recognized the change in the market and introduced
astigmatism correction.

Also, binoviewers will be more popular as they minimize the effects of
floaters.

Works for me.

Clear skies,

Edd Weninger
(at 63 ahead of you boomers)

RMOLLISE wrote:

Len, Len, Len...

Why let this stop you? I've probably seen a lot more from the center of
Mobile than you have from your much better location. The secret? Shield
the scope and yourself from _ambient_ light...all those nearby
porchlights and lighted windows. An observatory or just some portable
light shields and you'll be back in deep sky heaven.

Peace,
Rod Mollise

Hi

Took me forever to figure this one out.
If/when I shield myself from ambient lighting,
I can see DSO's down to mag 9.5 or so as long
as they are high surface brightness objects.
And this is from mag 3.5 skies !!

Strange, recently we have been getting mag 4.5 to
mag 5 skies, which is not normal for being right next
to Wash DC.......



--
AM

http://sctuser.home.comcast.net

CentOS 4.2 KDE 3.3