Telescope Reviews: Re: The Astronomer Looks at 55

Thanks, Rod, for a thought-provoking, memory-lane article. While currently stranded 'tween four-bits & double nickels, i was "there", and the memories are still vivid; Saturn, Jupiter, & M42 thru my humble li'l Monkey Wards 60mm refractor. It changed me.

The lament concerning today's "Nintendo" culture is a real one... i've raised THREE boys, and not a ONE of 'em has more than a passing interest in Astronomy. And that's okay- they joined me (and i them) in many an activity... but as Brendan stated, the patience & attention-span required for our "lifestyle" is not engendered by today's culture.

Still, the little bit of astro-outreach i've done has NOT failed to thrill many who took the time to view, kids & adults. But the reaction stepping away from the eyepiece could be charted as a bell-curve; A dwindling number at the "so-what" response end, an equally small number at the "WOW! Gotta get me a scope!" end... and a whole gaggle scattered across the middle, with the common verbal response: "cool!"... then its off to Baskin Robbins for a scoop.

And that's okay, too. I've never been impressed with ANY thing or activity based purely on popularity ratings... that i'll get inquiring calls & emails from friends & family whenever something astro hits the newswires is always an appreciated nod. If the culture doesn't follow our astro pursuits, at least it promotes the events far more expediantly than it did back "in the day", what with the internet & all. Of course, the same internet was the subject of another of yer articles about the diminishing readership of printed periodicals... i guess we're all growing & adapting to the frenetic pace o'life, eh?

Here's to our Dobs & Cats- may they ever lap at the heavenly photon pool!... alone or in crowds.

mike b

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Just for giggles- Next time when the money comes out the ATM, scream "I Won!, I Won!"

* * 15" F4.55 Starsplitter Dob * *

Pacheco State Park

Fremont Peak

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