[AZ-Observing] Re: Goto Scopes for Marathons
- From: "Frank Martin" <fmartin@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2002 15:07:04 -0700
I have not been very vocal as of late, but I have to side with Steve. If
you are going to start making classes, why not make them for those under
forty and those over forty, fifty, etc. as well. I know that young eyes
seem to do better than old ones. I too have done both ways and the
fun/challenge is getting to view all of the objects, never mind how you got
there. Let each decide how they do it. The only downside of using a GOTO
is not learning the night sky if someone new starts with a GOTO. As Pierre
Schwaar would say, "That would be a shame", but it would be their loss.
Enough said,
Frank Martin
-----Original Message-----
From: az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Steve Coe
Sent: Friday, November 22, 2002 2:43 PM
To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [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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