[AZ-Observing] Re: Goto Scopes for Marathons

So,

This is one of AJ's "religious discussions" and I am perfectly clear that 
nobody is going to change their mind about anything from this discussion.  
Therefore, we have an opportunity to get lots of people to vent their 
frustrations concerning "starhopping is REALLY doing the Messier Marathon and 
GOTO scopes shouldn't be in the same league with finding your way among the 
stars with a finderscope and star map."

Seeing as how I am seriously considering a C11 with the GPS system installed 
(because I am tired of starhopping), I feel qualified to participate.  And, I 
see both sides.  When you are groping among the Virgo galaxies, or trying to 
find a "hop off" star in Cetus, it is difficult to listen to the automatic 
scope next to you going from object to object every 30 seconds and having the 
owner of that scope complete the Messier Marathon while getting a 3 hour nap 
from 11 PM to 2 AM!  I can also hear the owner of the computerized scope saying 
"Hey, I purchased the scope, I set it up, I aligned it to the correct stars and 
I punched the buttons so that the correct objects are in the eyepiece.  Why 
should I be treated like a leper?"

So, I don't have an answer.  I understand that AJ is the chairman of the 
Messier Marathon and has been for years.  I have an opinion that he has done a 
wonderful job.  He has chosen not to create a set of rules that creates classes 
of awards.  I see that he is trying to keep it simple and I understand that.

At some future date, when AJ decides to lay down the task of being the MM 
organizer, then YOU might decide to take it on and create a variety of levels 
of awards, such as:  starhopping, GOTO scope, digital setting circles, 
binoculars, small aperture, large aperture, all CCD images, all objects drawn, 
all objects drawn in color and did not nap.  

I have attended many a Messier Marathon over the years, usually as a method of 
supporting A.J. Crayon and the world's most active group of Messier observers.  
It has been fun, interesting, enlightening, tiring and I treasure my award.  I 
am of the opinion that keeping it simple is the best course.  Let's not create 
artificial boundaries between observers because you think that they are 
"cheating" by using a computerized telescope.  There is room for all.

Just my opinion (but I am right!!);
Steve Coe 

stevecoe@xxxxxxxxx
Author:  Deep Sky Observing--The Astronomical Tourist
Saguaro Astronomy Club web site:
www.saguaroastro.org

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