Stellar Reactions: Tales From The Eyepiece

[saberscorpx]

Starparties are more than just our chance to combine forces collecting photons, converse with friends, and show-off our new astro-toys. Veterans also have the chance to flex their expertise as Celestial Tour Guides for the visiting public.
And after offering thousands of visitors their first up-close glimpses of the heavens, I've collected some of my personal favorite laymans' reactions at the eyepiece.

http://www.astronomyblogs.com/member/saberscorpx/?xjMsgID=20096

Enjoy.


Stephen Saber

Saber Does The Stars at
http://www.astronomyblogs.com/member/saberscorpx/ (http://www.astronomyblogs.com/member/saberscorpx/)

[astro_south]

Thanks Stephen

very entertaining collection of stories - loved the 3rd grader's logic with the moon and the go-to observing club award.

[okiscopey]

Great stuff! I especially liked the "iridium" trick!

When Halley’s Comet came round in 1986 I took a spotting scope up to a local park here in Sydney and found half the neighbourhood out enjoying the night air. Most of them were looking in the wrong direction, and many of the conversations I overheard were about astrology rather than astronomy.

Once the telescope was set up, two identical-looking brothers came over for a look. The first one peered through the eyepiece: “Huh! Is that what all the fuss is about?” he commented, and stalked off completely unimpressed. His brother looked next: “Wow! That’s one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen!” He looked a few more times after that, still impressed.

Funny how even twins can have different reactions.

[saberscorpx]

Thanks, guys.

Keep em coming.


Stephen

Saber Does The Stars at
http://www.astronomyblogs.com/member/saberscorpx/ (http://www.astronomyblogs.com/member/saberscorpx/)

[OneOfOne]

The first time I set up my newtonian for my girlfriend (now wife) she looked through the finder first, after I pointed that out she went to the end of the tube and asked where to look. I think most people picture all scopes to be refractors...initially!

One of the neighbours was sure that I had put a slide of Saturn into the scope, he didn't believe you could actually see the rings!