50 years in Astronomy

[The Mekon (John Briggs)]

Had to post this. Tomorrow marks my 50 year interest in astronomy. Reason I know this is that for my 11th birthday I asked for and received a small 30x40mm table top telescope. Tomorrow I am 61, still keen as mustard on the hobby. As I recall I don't think I saw much more than the craters of the moon and Jupiter with its 4 moons with this small scope, but it was a start.
My interest in the past 50 years has waxed and waned a little, selling telescopes to buy motorbikes for example, but I have never been far away from the stars. Wonder if I will make another 50 years?

Photo is of me back in 1966

[ZeroID (Brent)]

Happy Birthday for tomorrow then. And congratulations for sticking the distance !! May you see another 50 years ..

[Atmos (Colin)]

Thats awesome! They're the kind of memories that you never want to forget Congrats on the half century of astronomical interest!

[AstralTraveller (David)]

Hearty congratulations! That is a significant milestone. Here's wishing you many more clear nights.

I reckon I'm coming up to 43 years in a month or so. That was my first attendance at an astronomy club but in 1970 I won a book prize at school and the book I chose out of several options was 'Secrets of the Sky'. (Still have it) I likewise have drifted in and out of astronomy but never lost interest in the subject nor failed to enjoy a clear night sky. I think that, once your hooked, astronomy is not a hobby; it's a lifestyle.

[rrussell1962]

Happy birthday then John and happy 50th anniversary.

[bojan]

Happy birthday John
I started with very similar telescope back in 1964... given to me as birthday gift by my father.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/a...e.php?a=141612

[raymo]

A significant milestone John. Since a couple of others have mentioned their time in the hobby, I might as well add my two bob's worth.
I got my first 60mm refractor with my first tax cheque in 1954.
Not having a bank account, I couldn't cash it, so the only way I could use the cheque was to buy something with it. Never looked back.
raymo

[deanm (Dean)]

Originally Posted by The Mekon

Photo is of me back in 1966

Well, you're certainly not looking at Jupiter in that day-time photo!

Neighbours' daughter across the street.?!?!?!

Yikes!!

(Seriously - congrats!)

Dean

[Tinderboxsky (Steve)]

Congratulations John.

My interest was aroused by a first year high school subject called Astronomy that went for one term in 1964. In my second year I was given as a birthday present all the materials to grind a 6" mirror. I recall it took a bit over a year to make the telescope ready for observing. Unfortunately the scope was lost in the catastrophic '67 Tasmanian fires. I remained interested and involved with a few bought and borrowed scopes. But, had a complete break distracted by a career and family before re-discovering my interest about 8 years ago.

So an interest spanning 52 years but with a big break of 26 years in the middle. Not quite in your league John.

Steve

[The Mekon (John Briggs)]

Originally Posted by deanm

Well, you're certainly not looking at Jupiter in that day-time photo!

Neighbours' daughter across the street.?!?!?!

Yikes!!

(Seriously - congrats!)

Dean

Just like George MacFly (back to the Future) with his pair of binoculars?

Many thanks to all those who posted their best wishes. I am amazed that there are quite a few on this forum who have been involved for more time than I. Shows it can be a lifelong passion, I do feel a bit sad when scopes are posted for sale, the owner having lost interest.

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Great nostalgic photo John, almost like an advertisement or still from a movie, screams enthusiasm

Mike