FreeLists / az-observing / [AZ-Observing] Re: Any Advice?

["Wil Milan" <wmilan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Stan,

Getting your eyes and glasses checked, as others have mentioned, is a gre=
at
idea. You're at the age where eyeglass prescriptions can change fairly fr=
equently.
If you get new glasses have them checked by your eye doctor -- sometimes
the prescription dispensed is incorrect (has happened to me) and that can=

make things worse rather than better.

A couple of other suggestions:

- A large rectangular magnifier can make reading charts much easier witho=
ut
using a brighter light. I suggest a large rectangular magnifier because
they are much easier to use and easier on the eyes than a small one, and
they don't cost much (a few dollars at places like Walgreen's). 

- Take naps. When doing astrophotography I take short naps (15 - 45 minut=
es)
while exposures are running and I find that helps me stay fresh all night=

long. 

One problem to be aware of with naps: If it's cold outside and you're usi=
ng
a battery-powered timer to wake you up, the cold may weaken the battery
to the point that the alarm won't go off and you'll sleep through till mo=
rning,
which is not what you want. (Been there, done that :-). In my case it too=
k
me a few times to figure it out because the timer looked OK -- the LCD st=
ill
showed the correct time -- but there wasn't enough spare juice in the bat=
tery
to work the beeper.) Either use a timer powered by the battery in your ca=
r,
or keep the timer inside your jacket so that it will stay warm enough to
ring when the time is up.

I hope that helps,

Wil M.

>-- Original Message --
>From: StanFM@xxxxxxx
>Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2003 21:29:21 EDT
>Subject: [AZ-Observing] Any Advice?
>To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>Reply-To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
>
>I started observing with EVAC in the mid 90's per my notes and early 
>sketches.  I was in my forties and didn't have any visual challenges to
speak
>
>of.   However, somewhere along the way, my observing sessions became mor=
e
>
>laborious and I don't know what to do.  I think it may be due to the fac=
t
>
>that seeing printed materials and star charts etc. has become much more

>difficult in low red lighting conditions requiring taking glasses on and=

>off, 
>etc. and making the experience less discovery oriented and more "work."

>In 
>fact, I found myself experiencing much more fatigue as well.  Has anyone=

>
>experienced this?  Is this something unique to me or to my age?  Any ide=
as
>as 
>to how to get past this difficult phase if that's what it is?
>
>Looking for a second wind...
>
>Stan F.
>
>
>--
>See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and pleas=
e
>
>send personal replies to the author, not the list.
>

Wil Milan
"The heavens declare the glory of God and
the firmament proclaims His handiwork" -- Psalm 19:1
http://www.astrophotographer.com/


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