10 replies to this topic

[Carolina Observer]

One of my first reference books, was "The Finest Deep-Sky Objects" by James Mullaney and Wallace McCall.  Little did I know at the time when I purchased this book in late 80's, how much it would influence me and my interest in amateur astronomy. 

 

I purchased the book at "Science Hobbies" in Charlotte (now like other brick and mortar telescope shops) a thing of the past.  And how fitting this is the store, I also purchased my "first" telescope:  A 4 1/4-inch Edmund Scientific EQ reflector....in the spring of 1977. 

 

The "FDSO's" was my first "list of deep-sky objects" to complete, not only with observing notes, but with my earliest of pencil sketches. 

 

After completing the "FDSO's" I wrote Jim a handwritten letter in about 1993, telling him how much I enjoyed the book.  Jim wrote me back, which led to a friendship and regular communications for more than 30 years now, and continue to this day. 

 

I hope those of you who choose to read the following link, it will cause you to think of writing to those in amateur astronomy that have influenced you in your interest and efforts as an amateur....

 

Again...hope you enjoy, Roger Ivester 

 

 

https://rogerivester...llegheny-obser/

Edited by Carolina Observer, 24 April 2024 - 09:01 AM.

[Kitfox]

Thank you for this, Roger.  My old, beat-up copy of this book has certainly never gotten dusty.  I enjoyed reading the linked exchange, you never know what a little old-fashioned effort will blossom into...

[Daniel Mounsey]

Roger,

Once again yours and James history is simply bonkers. Indeed, you guys are the last of the Jedi's. 

Sincerely,

---daniel

Edited by Daniel Mounsey, 24 April 2024 - 08:47 AM.

[KuiperBeltKing]

Thanks for sharing this. I really need to visit the Allegheny Observatory. My astronomy prof back in the day worked there.     

[dave253]

Awesome! Just by coincidence I just read an article from 10 years ago by James titled ‘Stargazing Simplified’.

 

It’s about the joy of observing with a small simple scope.

[Dave Mitsky]

I also own a copy of The Finest Deep-Sky Objects. 

 

A number of years ago I was a member of the Astronomy Enthusiasts of Lancaster County.  James Mullaney was a speaker at one of our meetings.

I often recommend his article 111 Deep Sky Wonders for Light-Polluted Skies to novices who live in urban areas.

 

https://skyandtelesc...yDeepSky111.pdf

 

[Carolina Observer]

Awesome! Just by coincidence I just read an article from 10 years ago by James titled ‘Stargazing Simplified’.

 

It’s about the joy of observing with a small simple scope.

 

If you will open the link...and here it is again, you will find Jim's "Stargazing Simplified" article in its entirety:

 

https://rogerivester...llegheny-obser/

[Tony Flanders]

Awesome! Just by coincidence I just read an article from 10 years ago by James titled ‘Stargazing Simplified’.

 

It’s about the joy of observing with a small simple scope.

Wow, it really is precisely ten years ago -- seems like a lot more. That must have been one of the last articles I edited before retiring as a Sky&Telescope editor.

 

When editing an article I always tried to replicate the author's experience insofar as possible. So I spent a few nights using my 70-mm refractor at 30X, as described in the article. I must admit that my reaction was not positive. Sure it was an enjoyable experience, but it would have been a whole lot more enjoyable without the 30X limitation.

[Carolina Observer]

Wow, it really is precisely ten years ago -- seems like a lot more. That must have been one of the last articles I edited before retiring as a Sky&Telescope editor.

 

When editing an article I always tried to replicate the author's experience insofar as possible. So I spent a few nights using my 70-mm refractor at 30X, as described in the article. I must admit that my reaction was not positive. Sure it was an enjoyable experience, but it would have been a whole lot more enjoyable without the 30X limitation.

 

I hope seeing the posted article brought back good memories for you, before your retirement... 

Edited by Carolina Observer, 26 April 2024 - 07:41 PM.

[dave253]

Wow, it really is precisely ten years ago -- seems like a lot more. That must have been one of the last articles I edited before retiring as a Sky&Telescope editor.

 

When editing an article I always tried to replicate the author's experience insofar as possible. So I spent a few nights using my 70-mm refractor at 30X, as described in the article. I must admit that my reaction was not positive. Sure it was an enjoyable experience, but it would have been a whole lot more enjoyable without the 30X limitation.

I must say I’m glad I kept my old astronomy and S&T mags Tony, I always enjoy reading your own articles too.

 

Particularly the ones that involve historical aspects of our hobby.

[combatdad]

I became acquainted with James Mullaney as a teenager (I am now 76) in the 1960's.  He was an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh, and taught astronomy courses at the Buhl Planetarium in Pittsburgh.  One of the courses I took was observational astronomy, and as part of the course we were given the opportunity to visit Allegheny Observatory and use the 13 inch Fitz-Clark refractor.  It was then that Dr Mullaney introduced me to double stars, the targets that have held my interest for all these years.

 

Coincidentally, I made contact with Dr Mullaney in 2014 when I was working on an informal history of Nihon Seiko and Unitron.  It turns out that he was the staff astronomer for Unitron for a number of years in the 1980's.

 

Dave