Hi Phil,
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dog Star
Since the beginning of this year, I've managed to introduce 18 different people to the glories of the night sky.
When I first got my scope about 8 months ago, my viewing sessions were all fairly solitary affairs. Seems that these days, I seem to be the chief eye piece changer and scope pointer, with not a lot of chance to do much viewing myself, apart from during the week when I get the scope to myself, and quite frankly, I couldn't be happier ...
I guess what I'm trying to say is that we should take every opportunity that we can to share this exquisite beauty with as many people as possible.
Nearly everyone has a vague interest in the stars. It's up to those of us with scopes to try and expand, as much as possible, that vague intrest. The slight effort is truly worthwhile and can only benefit astronomy in the long run ...
It is, after all, the International Year of Astronomy!
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Good on ya Phil and well done. This is the essence of grass-roots astronomy popularisation -- IYA or not. Great fun isn't it?
Over the years I've enjoyed so many memorable views through various telescopes that I will treasure forever. But equally, over the years I must have given several thousand people their first view of Saturn, of M42 or 47 Tuc etc etc either at the many many public nights I've done or working at Sydney Obs.
Their reactions, their superlatives and sometimes their disbelief at what they're witnessing in the eyepiece for the first time are for me up there among some of the finest moments I've enjoyed in this great hobby we all have the privilege of sharing.
Best,
Les D