Thank you

[PaulSthcoast (Paul)]

Its 1.16am.

I am sitting in a shed which is designated to my astronomy interests.

Clear sky tonight.

Its a rare event.

Over the past six months or so, in my location,
I have had perhaps ten ?

Outside the shed, in the cold damp air, a telescope stares silently upwards.

I look towards my mobile phone and tablet, and watch the events unfold.

Tonight,

Eta Carina.

Cats Paw.

And there is more to follow.

I sit back and sigh....

Isn't this wonderful ?

And yes,

Indeed it is !

This is something of a puzzled post.

This isn't a post to proclaim the benefits of EAA.

Though my eyes, and body truly appreciate not
leering over an eyepiece, as I did as a youth.

No.

In fact, it is more of a realisation there is a need for
me to give thanks.

Thank you to those who have helped, and enabled me
to not only rediscover astronomy, but to breath new
life into myself.

Some are more responsible for this than others,
and, you know who you are.

To those, a special thank you.

To everyone else.

Thanks.

As an online community, you may not realise the impact you all have.

Be it via the classifieds, or replies in forums and even new friendships made across the country.

Our hobby / interest can be one of a solitary nature.

However.

Its nice to think that, even in the darkness and early hours,

We are not alone.

Time to change targets.

Thanks everyone.


Paul.

[xelasnave]

There is little that can compare to the dawning of an awareness that embraces an appreciation for where one finds that they have arrived and finding it a place of measurable contentment for their investment in a difficult pursuit and to factor in the contribution of aspects that contributed to the success of the journey particularly the individuals and the community that one finds oneself a part of and offering help just as help was offered to you.
Sitting under the stars looking outward often brings the focus inward which can be a wonderful thing.
It was very nice to read your words.
alex

[leon]

Wonderful words indeed, I too have been blessed with this community who have helped me immensely in my quest of discovering the beauty of the night sky.
I can just see you Paul looking upwards as I used to and still do now at times.

Take care and enjoy.

Leon

[Startrek (Martin)]

Paul,
A lovely post of your thoughts and feelings in appreciation of our hobby, the folk who we meet and also the help that is given to us along our journey

Thanks for posting

Martin

[spacezebra (Petra)]

[JA]

Good on you Paul. Enjoy it all

Best
JA

[floyd_2 (Dean)]

Paul - how did you go with your EAA run last night? Any good results?

[AstroViking (Steve)]

Wholeheartedly agree with everything said here. Looking up at the stars is as close to introspection as I'll ever get.