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MikeBOKC
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/10/10
Loc: Oklahoma City, OK
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So many ways to do astronomy
#5411952 - 09/09/12 04:57 PM
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Last night several local club members gathered at the club dark site observatory. Attendance was down since so many were out in the Panhandle for the first day of Okie-Tex, which the OKC club sponsors, but I was struck by the amazing diversity of who was there and what they were doing/using.
My CPC1100 is my dark site standby. Whirring away, going to, etc., on its alt-az mount. My observing buddy on the next pad polar aligned his C6R on the CG-5. The adjacent row of pads had, in order, a member with a beautiful older 5 inch Televue refractor on a manually operated alt-az mount, a member with a pair of binoculars on a tripod, a member with his 12 inch intelliscope using it manually. Inside other members were using the club C-14 edge on its pier-mounted CGE Pro, which they later rigged with a video camera for some extended views, and in the lounge another member was logged on to his laptop. The domes owned by AP enthusiasts were dark last night, but I know there are nice SCTs and APO refractors there, waiting to gather photons on computer chips. And one new club member who has yet to acquire a scope was there, grabbing peeks through everyone's equipment and sometimes just eyeballing the Milky Way overhead.
Since the first day I logged onto Cloudy Nights I have seen post after post saying "get a Dob" or "nothing beats a refractor" or "SCTs suck" or "AP is the true way" ad infinitum.
Last night was a good reminder that there are many ways to do this hobby . . . and I noticed that everyone there had a ball.
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tecmage
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/13/10
Loc: Groton, CT
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Re: So many ways to do astronomy
[Re: MikeBOKC]
#5411990 - 09/09/12 05:18 PM
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Thanks for the post Mike. There are many ways of observing and that diversity is what keeps astronomy exciting.
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csa/montana
Den Mama
Reged: 05/14/05
Loc: montana
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Re: So many ways to do astronomy
[Re: MikeBOKC]
#5411996 - 09/09/12 05:24 PM
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Mike, there is no wrong way of enjoying our night skies! Whatever works best for the individual, and what they can afford. Simply sitting in a chair studying & enjoying the sky with no equipment works well also. A price for everyone! 
Speaking for myself, I have a dob and a refractor; I would love to look thru some of the other types of scopes, but I don't have the opportunity.
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la200o
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/09/08
Loc: SE Michigan, USA
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Re: So many ways to do astronomy
[Re: csa/montana]
#5412469 - 09/09/12 10:33 PM
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It's just a hobby; no wrong way to do it, as long as you're enjoying it.
Bill
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Tim2723
The Moon Guy
Reged: 02/19/04
Loc: Northern New Jersey
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Re: So many ways to do astronomy
[Re: la200o]
#5412489 - 09/09/12 10:45 PM
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This is the kind of post that needs to be made from time to time. It helps remind us just how diverse this pastime can be. There are specializations within specializations available to everyone, so that everyone can get involved somehow.
I'm often reminded of a friend years ago who lived in a city. He patiently collected light curves of variable stars. It was something he enjoyed and could do from his location. His skill, knowledge, and dedication made his contribution valuable, and using only the most modest of equipment he enjoyed this hobby all his life.
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blb
Post Laureate
Reged: 11/25/05
Loc: Piedmont NC
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Re: So many ways to do astronomy
[Re: Tim2723]
#5413134 - 09/10/12 11:35 AM
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Quote:
...Last night was a good reminder that there are many ways to do this hobby . . . and I noticed that everyone there had a ball.
I have reflectors, refractors, SCT's and MCT's, it depends on my back and how I feel as to which scope I use. It is a hobby and however you choose to persue it is great as long as you are respectful of other observers and have fun.
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BigC
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/29/10
Loc: SE Indiana
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Re: So many ways to do astronomy
[Re: MikeBOKC]
#5413508 - 09/10/12 02:49 PM
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Mike,
Definitely agree!!!
The only real "downer" on cloudynights is someone who dismisses the gear or observing of others as unworthy.
We can all enjoy the heavens in our own inimitable styles. 
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Gastrol
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/04/11
Loc: los angeles
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Re: So many ways to do astronomy
[Re: BigC]
#5413549 - 09/10/12 03:08 PM
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I enjoy this hobby with wine, usually. Beer goes well with my other hobbies.
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Mike E.
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/26/10
Loc: Moonstone Observatory
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Re: So many ways to do astronomy
[Re: MikeBOKC]
#5413925 - 09/10/12 06:57 PM
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Quote:
Last night was a good reminder that there are many ways to do this hobby . . . and I noticed that everyone there had a ball.
And thats what it's all about.
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