This is just great! We need more young people in this hobby.
I wonder what incredible astronomical discoveries he will see in his lifetime that we older (if 52 is old) might miss - will he see Eta Carina become an incredible supernova? Who knows. Indeed what discoveries he himself might make in this wonderful hobby. How will equipment that amateurs use change - from 25 years ago I remember many late night discussions with Terry Lovejoy, Gregg Thompson and others about what might lay ahead for amateur astronomy. We thought of many things, a wish list, but we have clearly gone much further than we ever imagined. I was thinking the other day how fortunate have I been in my astronomical lifetime, Halley's Comet, Shoemaker Levy impacts, Comets McNaught, Hyakutake, the Leonids, a few discoveries of my own and many other incredible sights along the way. Meeting people like Sir Patrick Moore and many others, not to mention the many friends I have made through astronomy. As I have often mentioned here, the Sky at Night and Patrick Moore are where my interest started and blossomed. No doubt Ice In Space and the many, many talented people here now and into the future will add to Anthony's journey over the years.
A BIG welcome to Anthony, a superstar of the future.
Hey Sean, you have an impressive collection of telescope gear I would have never dreamed of having a 12" telescope when I got serious about astronomy at age 15 back in 1982 - on ya Back then most people started with crappy refractors, I waited and saved and read about scopes and eventually purchased a 4.5" Tasco on an EQ mount but then thought it was amazing when by a stroke of luck I fairly quickly moved up to a HUUUUGE 8" Newt on a EQ mount
Hey Sean, you have an impressive collection of telescope gear I would have never dreamed of having a 12" telescope when I got serious about astronomy at age 15 back in 1982 - on ya Back then most people started with crappy refractors, I waited and saved and read about scopes and eventually purchased a 4.5" Tasco on an EQ mount but then thought it was amazing when by a stroke of luck I fairly quickly moved up to a HUUUUGE 8" Newt on a EQ mount
Mike
The big scopes are only getting cheaper and easier to buy as time moves on I reckon in 50 years a 20" could be an ametuar scope.
wow thats fantastic Barry must be so proud Goes to show he has had a lot of influence on his family Imagine the conversations they are having at a family BBQ in the back yard on a clear night
Wives say "hey where have those boys dissapeared to" Oh there they are up in the back paddock in the dark looking up
I have a meade etx125, which my dad seems to think is his but now Pa has bought him something new to play with, I might be able to use my telescope for a change
I have a meade etx125, which my dad seems to think is his but now Pa has bought him something new to play with, I might be able to use my telescope for a change
Anthony
Awwwww nice Anthony welcome to IIS I have an 8 year old son too You would have a great time together, that Pa of your is a lovely fella your very lucky cheers buddy
I would have never dreamed of having a 12" telescope when I got serious about astronomy at age 15 back in 1982 - on ya 
hello everyone. Thankyou for your welcome.
Anthony
