Why get a telescope

[west]

Sorry for the question but I have to ask since I cannot answer.
Wife factor. If we get a telescope, any type or size, and then we
look at Saturn, or the Moon or nebula, why have a telescope after
that? The objects will still be there. So, why invest in a
telescope?
I can't answer this question. I'm thinking a fixed 16" Meade with
some sort of environmental protection. But indeed, seeing Saturn once
and then going away is a fine solution via alternate observatory
resources. I dunno.
Stumped.
Gary Gaugler, Ph.D.
Microtechnics, Inc.
Granite Bay, CA 95746
916.791.8191

I sort of know what you mean. If you're not into photography, after a few
sessions, what do you do? It's like the Peggy Lee song .. "Is that All There
Is?" What can you truly enjoy as a new adventures in Deep Sky, live time
observations? I think the Hubble ruined it for me. You look at its pixs and
then look at yours and there goes that song again. "Bang" ... <sound of a
bullet against my temple>.

Cordially,
west

[ALAN MCCORNACK]

Post by west

Sorry for the question but I have to ask since I cannot answer.
Wife factor. If we get a telescope, any type or size, and then we
look at Saturn, or the Moon or nebula, why have a telescope after
that? The objects will still be there. So, why invest in a
telescope?
I can't answer this question. I'm thinking a fixed 16" Meade with
some sort of environmental protection. But indeed, seeing Saturn once
and then going away is a fine solution via alternate observatory
resources. I dunno.
Stumped.
Gary Gaugler, Ph.D.
Microtechnics, Inc.
Granite Bay, CA 95746
916.791.8191

I sort of know what you mean. If you're not into photography, after a few
sessions, what do you do? It's like the Peggy Lee song .. "Is that All There
Is?" What can you truly enjoy as a new adventures in Deep Sky, live time
observations? I think the Hubble ruined it for me. You look at its pixs and
then look at yours and there goes that song again. "Bang" ... <sound of a
bullet against my temple>.
Cordially,
west

Let me just answer by saying this: VISIT A STAR PARTY at a local
astronomy club. They are free, open to the public. They will chat
with you openly about equipment, vendors, etc. Go a second time,
maybe to another local club, maybe a different location. If you like
these people, if you think you would enjoy their company a couple of
Saturday nights a month, THEN decide what telescope you need.

Astronomy (WHEN DONE CORRECTLY) is as much a social life as belonging
to a church. But there are no dues, and very little expected, really.
But if you enjoy the company of smart people, this might be a very
good place to decide to spend some time. I don't belong to a church,
but I DO enjoy hanging around these people, and getting some of those
same needs met. Does this make sense?

By the way, where are you located? I'm not familiar with Granite Bay.
Is that Northern Calif? If so, you probably have better skies than
here in San Diego, and a decent telescope (and sky maps) could give
thousands and thousands of potential hours of viewing.

***@yahoo.com

[thermographer]

Hi Gary,

This may sound simplistic but sometimes it's better to get a new wife who is
interested in astronomy! :-)
It worked for me, except I have to buy two of everything now.


Good luck,

Jim

Post by west

Sorry for the question but I have to ask since I cannot answer.
Wife factor. If we get a telescope, any type or size, and then we
look at Saturn, or the Moon or nebula, why have a telescope after
that? The objects will still be there. So, why invest in a
telescope?
I can't answer this question. I'm thinking a fixed 16" Meade with
some sort of environmental protection. But indeed, seeing Saturn once
and then going away is a fine solution via alternate observatory
resources. I dunno.
Stumped.
Gary Gaugler, Ph.D.
Microtechnics, Inc.
Granite Bay, CA 95746
916.791.8191

I sort of know what you mean. If you're not into photography, after a few
sessions, what do you do? It's like the Peggy Lee song .. "Is that All There
Is?" What can you truly enjoy as a new adventures in Deep Sky, live time
observations? I think the Hubble ruined it for me. You look at its pixs and
then look at yours and there goes that song again. "Bang" ... <sound of a
bullet against my temple>.
Cordially,
west