Telescope Reviews: Haitian Memories and Uganda Practice

In our recent trip to Haiti, I still remember the scene on the concrete church roof where Linda and I were surrounded by excited Haitian men and woman looking through their first sets of binoculars and a single little refractor. It got me to thinking as we are trying to fit in a little observing practice using the same tools that our Ugandan friends will use. Before we can get them settled to see and record a few objects, we have to permit enough time for the "gee-whiz" or "wow" factor of first observers. So we have to begin with a demonstration where the shock of a newly discovered world is absorbed. THEN...we can begin a more methodical introduction to the skies.

One of the things we will demonstrate pretty early is a simple observing session for a couple objects...just to show some simple things that they can see easily but also record, which we will also demonstrate in front of them as they see the object(s), see the tools, watch their use, and make the mental connection between the sky, the eyepiece, and the paper. The attached file is an example. For them, M25 is high in the sky and easy to see. Their binocular view will be much better (they have darker skies and won't be looking through 2+ atmospheres). Their little 80mm scope will see as good as my inset view with the 102ED because of M25 position but also because I did the sample under pretty awful conditions. If the skies are patched with clouds, then we will do with them what we do at home....run to another object. So I did Albireo, which they will see in the northerns skies but plenty high to see the real color contrast between the 2 stars. Then, of course, they will watch us hastily sketch the things, but also include date, time, instrument, a few notes, and some appropriate Biblical reference about the heavens.

The practice was done on a manual mount...what they will have also, one pencil, one little red light, and one planisphere as a guide...all the same tools and same sky they will have on the other side of the globe.

6 days to launch time.

Roland