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The Best Views of the Universe are from...

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#1 mloffland

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Posted 25 June 2009 - 10:21 AM

The Best Views of the Universe are from our Backyards

#2 Steve D.

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Posted 25 June 2009 - 02:16 PM

Nice! Very Nice!

#3 bcuddihee

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Posted 25 June 2009 - 05:03 PM

Tom, you have a talent for writing that is rare. I could visualize in my minds eye everything you were saying. A fantastic read and a real tribute to what is readily available to us...our own backyards. Thanks,
bc

#4 Bonco

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Posted 25 June 2009 - 08:07 PM

Perhaps the best article on the subject I've ever read. So many salient points I've thought of for years but never knew how to express. He's spot on and it's an important perspective. I so much love my backyard or dark sky views that show a realistic optical experience not tainted with enhancements or animation. Using bino's or a quality scope you witness what the human eye can percieve and appreciate. Put my 4 inch f/5 or my 20 by 80 bino's on the star clouds of the southern milkyway and it almost a religious experience. Loved the article. Thanks, Bill

#5 CSG

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Posted 26 June 2009 - 01:12 AM

I sometimes think amateurs are the real soul of astronomy. Great article.

#6 edwincjones

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Posted 27 June 2009 - 09:07 AM

Most of us will never see the sky as we really wish, with the darkest skies and the biggest glass; so we are limited.
Maybe I could go to really dark skies a few weeks a year, but I can go in my yard almost daily.

edj

#7 cloudmagnet

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Posted 27 June 2009 - 05:04 PM

To quote Bonco: "Perhaps the best article on the subject I've ever read. So many salient points..." My feelings exactly. I have put together a modest "slideshow" on my laptop that I have used when making a presentation to groups- Rotary, school classrooms, etc. The photos of the planets, and various Messier objects were all taken by a myself and a friend (the good ones) from our urban backyards. But before I begin the slideshow, I explain that these are photos taken with special cameras, sometimes over long periods of time, and that they don't at all represent what is seen at the eyepiece of even the best 'scopes. Many times at public star parties, people are surprised- even disappointed- when they are shown M32, M13, etc. and don't see the vivid colors or details they've seen in magazines. I've always maintained that the two greatest obstacles to keeping folks interested in astronomy are: glossy magazine (enhanced) photos and that geek on HSN that pushes those cheap 2.5" refractors that will "magnify the moon 637 times!!!"

#8 hfjacinto

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Posted 30 June 2009 - 12:27 PM

Great article, first post in this topic, but since the article was so enjoyable, I had to post. Sent it as a link to several friends that complain about NJ seeing.

#9 earthbot1

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Posted 24 September 2009 - 11:19 AM

Well done!Puts it in perscpective!


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