Telescope Reviews: The Experience

I guess it could be called ritualistic in some ways, or maybe just tradition. Every observing night to me is connected to the very roots of me. I began at the age of nine (you'd think I'd know more than I do by now). That first glimpse of the moon on a cold Christmas night still shimmers in my mind, along with the feeling of that icy night air. Winter viewing still gives me that feeling, not just shivering from being cold only, but also from excitement and wonder. And later in my teens the smell of a bakelite Newtonian tube added a new dimension to the experience. Different seasons also added other sensual effects, like dew on freshly cut grass and crickets in the bushes. All my viewing now at age 58 is underlined with these past impressions. Astronomy encompasses all my senses, not just sight. How could it not be so for each of us when we are out in the world we live on, being the creatures that we are? It is transcendental--here we are being what we are in our own little world while connecting and identifying with ALL that is in the universe through our tiny instruments. We are ourselves, yet a part of the whole.

Beyond all that I enjoy set-up, so I never hurry. It is relaxing in itself to handle the equipment I love so dearly. Upon observing, I am fond of the clinking of metal as I slide an eyepiece in the diagonal. The sparkle of stray light on parts and lenses adds a magical aspect to the whole affair. The sweat running down my brow on summer nights gives the impression of valuable work in progress. The success or failure of a session equally fill a space within me needs to be filled with the feeling of having attempted something profound.

The images I see appear as old friends. Whether I have ever seen that particular object or not, the effect is the same. It is like a conversation between me and the object, especially with open clusters, each having their own pattern and message. I often stare for long periods, and listen for any reply. It is surprising how fulfilling this can be aside from studying scientific data concerning the object viewed. It is a recognition, an acknowledgement, an identification with the Creator who greets me personally and calls me by my name.

This may sound too subjective or romantic for some people, but it's who I am as an astronomer, by whatever measure I may be so named one.

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--Russell

"Akita mani yo." Observe everything as you walk. (--Lakota)

Celestron Celestar 8 Standard SCT, f10
Celestron 80mm Wide View ref., f5
Criterion RV-6 Dynascope, Newt., f8, (c. 1962)
Sears Discoverer 60mm ref., f7, (c. 1973)
Celestron Ultima DX 10x50, 6.5 TFOV
Tasco 7x35 wide
Several mediocre eyepieces