FreeLists / az-observing / [AZ-Observing] Re: Veteran Observers - Where did you find the time?

["Jack Jones" <Telescoper@xxxxxxx>]

With mag 5.6 stars available and a conducive family situation, you have most
of the problem solved. You don't say what eqpt you have, but if it's deep sky,
it sounds like it may be too much to haul out on the spur of the moment. A lot
of amateurs have several telescopes, each for a particular use. Something more
portable may help in your situation, like a 6" Dob or small Quality refractor
on a GOOD mount. The you have the Moon, planets, double star lists, Urban
lists, red stars, clusters and all the brighter deep sky objects to enjoy,
whether with your family, the neighbors, or on your own.

I've accepted the fact that it's not possible for me to go to ALL events that
come along, but since there are so many, with luck and planning, I can go to
the major yearly or semianual events and catch those others that fit my
schedule throughout the year as an excuse to use my scopes, like Club, public,
and school star parties, Science events and Astro events such as meteor
showers, eclipses, occultations, etc.

Along with Kimball, I do find it a heck of a lot easier than scheduling bike
time, but I would never consider selling my bike.

Jack Jones
Public Events Coordinator
Saguaro Astronomy Club
Phoenix AZ
Telescoper@xxxxxxx
www.saguaroastro.org


> So I have a dilemma.  Like all on this mailing list, I have an intense
passion and love for the night sky and find great pleasure in visual
observing.  Yet, because of the demands of daily life, I have a very difficult
time getting out to dark sites with the rest of you for an observing session.
I know that many on this list are a few years more advanced than I am (no
disrespect intended), and seem to have more time to get out to a dark site
than I do (presumably).
>


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