[AZ-Observing] Re: Goto Declaration on MM Award

Permit me to say a few, pointed, things about the GoTo digital discussion.

There is no plan to allow a special award for how objects are found for the
marathon.  The key statement, in almost all MM announcements, is to find the
object and view through the main eye piece of the telescope.  The implication is
to view with your eye directly through the telescope eye piece.

How objects are found be it with star charts and star hoping, analog (or
mechanical) setting circles, digital setting circles or GoTo systems are all
perfectly legitimate and will be recognized with the same awards.  To stretch 
the
point, if digital or GoTo are not permitted then should we not permit star 
charts
and make us do it by memory?  Not hardly.  We all need some method to assist in
finding objects.

Regardless of how we feel, and many of you have expressed yourselves quite
eloquently, the silicon revolution (revolution?) is here and we just as well
accept it - sooner or later.

Although not stated, because it doesn't fit the above requirements, are
photographing as many objects as possible or using a CCD camera to image as many
objects as possible on a laptop.  Doing the MM this way is NOT viewing directly
through the main eyepiece with your eye and hence are not eligible for awards -
at least for the All Arizona Messier Marathon.

I'm not trying to stop any of the discussion, but just want folks to know where 
I
stand on this issue.

Clear skies,
aj
All Arizona Messier Marathon Coordinator
www.saguaroastro.org

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