Naming telescopes

[Boozlefoot]

How many of us name their telescopes? Is there a procedure or protocol for doing so to instil good viewing for years to come? Does this represent an unhealthy relationship with one's astro gear? So far my scopes are named "Jabberwock"," Jub Jub"," Isaac's Shame", and my latest GEM/SCT combo will be "Umgawa" in honour of Captain Goodvibes. (Who the hell is that, I can hear them saying):D

[spiezzy]

good old Captain Good Vibes from the classic Tracks Magazine know it well great name
cheers Pete

[FlashDrive]

Years ago I had a small Achromat .... I called it ' Violet ' for obvious reasons.

:)

[glend]

Let's not encourage the personification (ie, naming) of in-animate objects. ;)

[Atmos]

My first telescope had a name that I dare not ever repeat :lol:
After that I had "R2" and "D2" which were 10" & 8" LX200 named in homage to their resemblance to R2D2. "Golden Eye" was a SW 4" F/9 doublet, with the gold speckle finish. "Bucket" in reference to being my light bucket, a Meade 16" Lightbridge. When I sold that and got the Orion 12" dob the name transferred. My 130mm triplet was named "Rover", being a Sky Rover. When I got the 130mm sextuplet it was called "Rover", being a Sky Rover. I want to call the DL "Sharpie" being as sharp as a tack :P
Never named the Mewlon 210 but I suppose I should have named it "Transient" as that is what it was. Hadn't even considered a name for the Mewlon 250 until now do I'll have to give that some more serious consideration.

[Wavytone]

Mine is The Russian (tank, that is).

[xelasnave]

:thumbsup:

I am probably just grumpy but I fail to see the point of naming things unless you plan on talking to them which I have not felt the need to do.

Alex

[el_draco]

My largest scope ever had a three word name... "big mother...." and you can guess the rest ;)

[that_guy]

Does swearing profusely at equipment that don't want to cooperate count as talking to them? :P If so, I've called my gear a couple of names that I'm not allowed to say on this forum ;)

[Wavytone]

Funny... it seems to me a lot of people these days set themselves unrealistic expectations and hence set themselves up to fail from the outset. The result is disappointment, followed by a string of potty-mouthed expletives.

I am a true pessimist - I deliberately expect nothing or very little, and am pleasantly surprised when something works out, the result being I usually have something nice to say. If it fails completely, the worst I might mutter is "well what did you expect..."

This works magic at home, and at work.

[xelasnave]

I would interpret swearing at your equipment because you hold a perception that it is not cooperating as strange frankly.

Perhaps you lose your temper and believe that swearing at your equipment is appropriate but in truth your swearing will not cause any improvement.

Letting your emotion guide your actions in a negative manner with such minor matters probably is not a good way to condition your response to more unpleasant or difficult situations.

Getting angry is not a worthwhile response to any situation really.

It shows our foolishness and takes something away from ones personal dignity as does the use of profanity.

You asked for my opinion or comment and I could not say less and call my answer totally honest.

Alex

[that_guy]

whoa hey, i was just making a light hearted joke! If I was constantly angry at my gear you'd think I woulda given it up years (and a couple thousand dollars :P) ago.

[xelasnave]

Yes I saw the humor.
Alex

[Atmos]

After a while you learn to selectively ignore Alex :lol:

[SimmoW]

My yellow Tak is known locally as The Banana :D

[Visionary]

If you have built a scope or a boat, as the creator you enjoy naming rights and that extends also to the commissioning of a scope, boat etc: where you have specified the operational parameters of the scope, boat etc: On the other hand simply naming inanimate objects seems at best contrived at worst indulgent.

[AstralTraveller]

Swearing can be very therapeutic when used in moderation. After the release of pent up frustration one can refocus ones thought and energy on the problem. I learnt this from my father :D who, while not a swearer, would occasionally throw the toys out, say something like 'bugger it' and storm off for a few minutes. Then often have the problem beat in the next 10-15 minutes. I've tried to follow his lead but without the same success :rolleyes:.




Hmmm, now why doesn't that sound very optimistic?

My scopes just get called 'the dobs', 'the frac' and 'the schmidt', though some years it should be 'rusty' 'dusty' and 'doorstop'.

[xelasnave]

I built a boat and called it "Middy" ...because it was not a schooner.

Alex

[FlashDrive]

:rofl: ... good one Alex .. !!

[gaseous]

In my mind I call my 8” & 16” dobs “lumbago” and “sciatica” respectively.

[vinculumau]

My Scope will be sorely missed soon but the 'zooka served me well, or the photon gobbler.