There is a peace about observing

[AstralTraveller (David)]

+1 for visual serenity. I used to love the pleasure of the hunt - eventually finding that faint fuzzy, and convincing yourself that it is actually there - but now that I don't get out so much I've 'given in' and got an Argo Navis.

Originally Posted by Gem

Great night out tonight (Friday). Logan (Loggieberran), myself and my three sons headed 45 minutes out of Canberra to Honeysuckle Creek. Beautiful dark skies!! ....

That would be a top spot. Not so far out of Canberra but up nice and high. Did you set up on the old concrete slabs at the top of the hill? That would be cool - the sky above and history literally under your feet. Otherwise I suppose you could use the camping spot down the hill (if no one is using it) and then you have toilets and the shelter shed. Of course you'd have to fight the roos and wallabies for it!

Originally Posted by lloydt

Photons traveling for thousands, even millions of years fall upon the retina. There is a relaxing contemplation in that physical interaction, a connection to the universe, a remote and distant past.

Yes, I've always liked that thought. The photon hitting my eye has traveled
light years - hundreds, millions or even billions of light years - for my sole enjoyment. How privileged I am!

[rally]

I think we all do 'it' for different reasons and get different things out of it and that can change as we go.

The good thing is that we do it and that we enjoy it. Whatever that 'it' may be.

Re "Photons traveling for thousands, even millions of years . . ." - but not for the photon - it got here in an instant !!

Rally

[graham.hobart (Graham stevens)]

I often liken it to meditation to people who ask, I set the imaging stuff up, then either kick back in an old chair with a pair of binos, or set up another scope just for visual. Most of the time I just scan the heavens and talk to myself!
graz

[lloydt (Lloyd)]

Originally Posted by rally

Re "Photons traveling for thousands, even millions of years . . ." - but not for the photon - it got here in an instant !!

Its all relative isn't it!

[Ric]

Have to agree with this thread

I have been mainly visual for about 12 months now and I do enjoy that stress free worry that comes from just standing under the stars with the scope.

Occasionly I get the urge to stick the the CCD on and bag something but I have resisted for the moment. That time may come soon though.

Cheers

[Gem (Grant)]

Yes, we were on the concrete slabs of the old tracking station. The site was perfect: dark, semi-protected and only 45 mins from home (Southern Canberra).