showing off!

janoskiss (Steve H) · #1 08-06-2006, 12:14 AM

I took the 8" Dobbie to my mother's place tonight.

I was going there with low expectations, because my mother is usually not interested in anything, e.g., admittedly prefers to watch nature on the TV rather than go out and experience it for herself. Anyway I thought this is the first time she looks through a scope and will probably be the last time too so I might as well take the 8" Dob instead of the little Mak.

Well, I couldn't drag her away from the eyepiece! She was absolutely ecstatic on seeing Saturn! I was just trying to show her how the focuser works but she practically shoved me out of the way as soon as she caught the first glimpse of Saturn. Then the Moon blew her away as well. And then onto Jupiter, where she could easily see the two main belts. Then we had to go back to the Moon at higher power and Saturn again. Moon + light pollution did not allow any DSOs, but the reaction I got from the gas giants and the big ball of grey cheese was a most unexpected pleasant surprise.

I can hardly believe it but I think I might have to buy my mother a scope now.

Her birthday is coming up soon..

btw. eyepiece used: 13mm Stratus and 8.5mm Pentax XF. No problem, no fuss. My 65 y.o. mother, who is usually very slow to take to anything new, could use them instantly without any coaching.

Gargoyle_Steve (Steve) · #2 08-06-2006, 12:34 AM

That's fantastic that she had such a great time, isn't it? You can proudly say that you have given her a gift there in showing her Saturn, Jupiter and the moon that is timeless and priceless, and that no-one can ever take away from her. I guess it just goes to show that you can't ever prejudge people or their reactions.

On a similar note: I have my 7 year old son staying with me for the long weekend this week, and as he hasn't been to my place since March this will be the first time he'll see my still new-ish scope. He's a very bright lad, but sometimes too bright - holding his is attention for any length of time is difficult - but I'll see if he's interested in looking at the planets, etc. I just hope he doesnt ask where Tatooine, Dagobah, etc are as he's a real Star Wars fan!

Lester · #3 08-06-2006, 07:57 AM

Great stuff Steve,

Another that has learnt to look up and appreciate.

Good on ya Mum

h0ughy (David) · #4 08-06-2006, 09:14 AM

Congrats Steve , before my mums eyesight went too far I showed her the same things and my DAD! Dad's gone now, but I think he always appreciated what he saw.

ving (David) · #5 08-06-2006, 09:36 AM

never too old to learn. good on ya steve

i keep threatening to take my scope up to my mothers, but its a tad too big if i am taking the family too

danielsun · #6 08-06-2006, 10:17 AM

Thats great Steve that she apreciates the wonders of our great hobby.
I was telling some people about my telescope and astrophtography the other day and their reaction was
"look at the stars...What for!!"
Some people just dont understand.

dhumpie · #7 08-06-2006, 04:44 PM

I remember foundly showing my late grandmother (she passed on last year) Halley's Comet back in 86-87, as well as some of the major planets, Jupiter and Saturn. She was awestruck!

Darren

xelasnave · #8 08-06-2006, 07:22 PM

I am 60 next birthday, have a 7 years old daughter and am here to say your not dead until you lay down and stay down... I only took up astronomy with a scope 3.5 years ago so it can be done at "advanced" years.
Make sure you get her something you will both be happy with.
ps.. my Son bought me my first scope after I lost all in the bush fires (as well as my best mate, Tui below) and was a little down. It was the best thing he ever did for me.
alex