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!