[sac-forum] Re: Lunar Observing . . .

On Jul 21, 2008, at 9:47 AM, David Hofland wrote:
Oh yeah, I am "working on" all three of those. But my approach now is somewhat different than it was when I was doing the Messier, 110 Best of the NGC, and the H-400. When I did those lists, like most I suppose, I was really focused on list target objects, you know, find one, log it and go on to another list object. Anyway, what I do now is rather like walking the beach picking up shells. I start by picking a target constellation, and then, using Skytools database search, I use the computer to select for me a number of objects from that constellation that are bright and pretty easy in the 16", say mag 13 or brighter.
And therein lies the fun of discovery. This was my basic premise as I would sit in my old backyard with binoculars and just "see" what I uncovered. I didn't create lists, but rather I'd pick a part of the sky, find interesting objects and then grab my planosphere to track things. Very relaxing and I've seen some very unexpected sights - ISS, Iridiums, even found the Moon one night :-). Sometimes we let the minutiae of specific searching overwhelm and drive us instead of just enjoying what we're doing. Maybe if I had 16" of aperture, I might feel otherwise, though :-).
Unfortunately, Condo life means no backyard and even brighter ambient light (but also no landscaping, painting, or leaky roofs), so now I'm just biding 'til we can get back to Hovatter or Cherry Rd. 

Tim

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