Quote:
Originally Posted by Tropo-Bob
I cannot imagine never having a telescope. Yet, when my late Father was in the Nursing Home, I saw his whole world shrink into one little room. Nevertheless, from his window (non-opening), I could see the Moon and brighter stellar objects. It gave rise to a rather unpalatable thought; how will I cope if/when that happens to me?
Owning a telescope has been part of my identity since the age of 10. To preserve my identity, I would need at least one small telescope to go in that small Nursing-Home Room! My Dad would still have been capable of using a small telescope when he went in the Home, but a few health problems later, he would have only be capable of looking at it, rather than through it.
My mind must have been ticking in this direction for some time, because when the Tele Vue Rangers were released a few decades ago, I thought this would be the perfect telescope for my old age. They were big enough to be useful, as well as being light. (I never did buy one though: I was too young + did not have the money!).
Hopefully, any move to a Nursing Home is still the better part of two decades away. However, I was wondering if anybody else had thoughts like these, and what telescope would they see as being the most feasible in these circumstances?
Personally, I was thinking that a small, quality, light refractor on a camera tripod, which could be adjusted for height would suit best. Nice to look at and still give a satisfactory image of the Moon and still see the phase of Venus, Jupiter's Moons and Saturn's rings. Seeing an open cluster or splitting a few bright, wide doubles may still be possible.
And yes, when I can observe no more, I will find the shape of a refractor more inspiring to gaze upon than other types of telescopes.
Furthermore, when I pass, they can place the telescope on top of my coffin as a symbol of my identity as a person who loved looking at Stars.
(Apologies in advance if anybody finds this to be either confronting or just too morbid.)
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Positive thoughts there Bob, I am dreading the day when I have to give up the 16" dob
I have a 81mm binoscope which quite heavy left on a tripod are ok.
But I still miss aperture when I am using them,wanting to see more.
I would be weary of going smaller.
Cheers
