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I read Patrick Moore's "Guide to the Moon" and "Guide to the Planets" when I was 8 to 10 years old. Got really keen on space. Bought my first telescope when I was fourteen (a 4" Newtonian, Focal brand, from Kmart back in 1974) and looked at Saturn, Jupiter, and the moon. It just blew my mind.
I recall the first time I saw Saturn. The ring system just beat me. I realised just how far away it all was. I recall Jupiter being crisp (small but crisp), and the moon was just awesome.
I went away and did other things. Now I'm back with an f/4 8" Newtonian, a fairly supportive spouse (well she thinks it beats visiting the pub) and an 8yo daughter who lacks perseverance but maybe will grow into it.
From watching Hubble pix, I get the idea that it really is endless out there. Kind of scary, kind of freeing, makes me value the home we have, makes me want to find out more about what's out there.
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