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/

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)

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

RMOLLISE said the following on 2/25/2006 9:24 AM:
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.

I know, I know... :-)

True - I've put up tarps to block the light and moved into a tiny nook
of my patio between the house and storage building, but then I only have
about a 40 deg patch of sky directly overhead, and it's over the (heat
emitting) roof. Even then, I can't block all the light. Pineville, LA
(where I live) is only about 15,000, but it's next to a city of 50,000
and a metropolitan area in general of about 160,000. Not exactly NYC but
still light-emitting nonetheless, to say the least.

As much as anything, I guess I've developed a habit of looking at return
vs. effort, and it's pretty easy to decide it's not worth it when I'm
already tired from work, have other things to do, etc., etc. At star
parties, I'll go hours and hours looking for faint fuzzies, but here at
home they're just not really visible. Sure, there are Messiers and NGCs,
etc., but anything past about 12.5m gets pretty doggone dim from my
backyard. Over the past few TSPs, I've gotten very intrigued with Larry
Mitchell's lists and the kinds of things they feature. Many are not even
visible in my scopes, but it's fun to try nonetheless.

I guess it's kind of like being a race car driver and realizing your car
is governored down to only reach X speed, no matter how hard you push
the gas pedal... You start "pinin' for the fjords" (can you tell I
watched MP last Wednesday on PBS?)

As everyone knows, it's very disheartening to spend time setting up the
scope, drift aligning the platform, etc., etc., only to have some yahoo
turn on his porch light and leave it on past midnight, night after
night. The way my yard is situated, I'm affected by any of 8 to 10 sets
of lights depending on where I setup and where I look. At least I'm in
the good company of thousands of other observers who face the same thing.

This year/season seems to have been one of the cloudiest/rainiest I can
recall in a while. Not always rain, but LOTS of clouds where I live. I
was looking at some stats on the web and since the end of Oct, /well/
over half of the days have been cloudy and/or raining. Add to that moon
phase, oncall schedules and the all the rest of those things that go to
make up a life and, well ... :-)

At any rate, that's why I'm looking forward to TSP so much, and even to
the Kisatchie Star Party next weekend (although the weather isn't
encouraging at all so far for KSP). Of course, there's one upside (I
guess) to all this cloudy weather - When it /does/ clear, I'm less
likely to be dissuaded from observing by local lights!
--

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

"Len Philpot" wrote in message
news:ml%Lf.172802$WH.134009@dukeread01...

encouraging at all so far for KSP). Of course, there's one upside (I
guess) to all this cloudy weather - When it /does/ clear, I'm less likely
to be dissuaded from observing by local lights!

Ain't that the truth.

My local LM conditions aren't dismal, but the cloudy nights have been
brutal, the seeing has been terrible, and the clear nights are accompanied
by the moon more often than not. High power and dim fuzzies are sort of out
of the question visually from my yard.

I finally have taken my chances though (thanks AM) and permanenty set the
G-11 outside and got it polar aligned so that I can get out there on a
moments notice and do some imaging. I've also now got the grab and go
working nicely for low power "surveys" of the faithfully bright M objects.

For the first time, I feel a (successsful) Messier Marathon coming on, if I
can get a clear, moonless night next month. I was able to draw in NGC3189
and 3193 with the 6" F5, and M79 low on the horizon, so I'm hopeful I can
manage the entire M list.

(Btw, I would have no qualms about taking "only" a 6" scope to a star party.
Heck, I've taken just binoculars in the past.)

Stephen Paul wrote:


I finally have taken my chances though (thanks AM) and permanenty set the
G-11 outside and got it polar aligned so that I can get out there on a
moments notice


Hi

Mine has had to endure two heavy rains, and
two snowfalls within the past month outside.

I put a towel over the EQ head, a piece of at
least 1 mil plastic over that, and the a military
poncho, which interestingly enough, the hood part
for your head fit's perfectly over the saddle.
Also, on my C 8 I got a waterproof bag to go over
the wedge, at some point I'm getting another to put
over the G 11 top, for added protection.

I do always take everything off as soon as
the sun is out in daytime, I never leave it
completely covered for long periods of time.

And something else I found out by accident.
Those emergency space blankets really
do work for reflecting light off a covered
telescope in the daytime, even in the hot
summer ! I havnt done a measurement, but
the telescope under one of these was noticeably
cooler than the surrounding air on a 100F day.
They will deteriorate (ie; fall apart) under
continued exposure to the sun. Which BTW
almost all thin plastic that I use to cover
the mount. I replace it on a monthly basis.


--
AM

http://sctuser.home.comcast.net

CentOS 4.2 KDE 3.3