Well, I don't want to start or add to a debate here, but I do agree there are benefits to recording something of one's experience. I got much more this year out of observing Mars precisely because I did some sketches at the eyepiece. That said, I'm still not convinced to try and collect badges. ;) -----Original Message----- From: Richard Tenney [mailto:retenney@yahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2003 1:09 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: RE: [Utah-astronomy] H-400 Kim, Brent, no offense taken at all. I agree that doing this strictly for the sake of a certificate is rather silly. My personal reasons are two-fold: 1) Observe more of what's out there. Not having a list or set of objectives I'm working towards not only tends to more stagnant observing sessions, reviewing the same old objects over and over, but I've discovered there are A LOT of very cool objects on this list that I likely would never have pursued otherwise. Like Jim, I'm starting to feel my age; my eyes aren't getting any sharper, and I'd like to experience as much of the deep sky as possible in the years remaining (I have to add for my back's sake too that my scope isn't getting any lighter!). Having this objective definitely has encouraged me to head out and observe when I might otherwise stay home because "it's too cold and I'm too tired", etc. I've been glad to have the challenge to help motivate me when I might otherwise find myself wasting time in front of the TV instead (been there, done that). 2) Following the rules and using a formal observing log, I've found that it has forced me to be a better observer, paying more attention to detail. Making a sketch at the eyepiece, recording thoughts, impressions, and descriptive text adds to the enjoyment, rather than detract from it, especially as I go back later and review some of the previous observations. It's also helped me confirm the identity of some of the more obscure objects when I wasn't sure I was looking at the right thing when in crowded celestial neighborhoods, and was later able to verify appearances and proximity in google searches, etc. There's definitely something to the old saying that work is what life is all about -- MEANINGFUL work that is; its fruits are not only good for building character (and paying bills), they're also good for the soul... $.02 back at ya! -Rich --- Kim Hyatt <khyatt@smithlayton.com> wrote:
Sorry folks, have to add a bit more...
I just connected to the link Rich provided and found the following link to "Herschel 400 Club - More Information and Rules" (bold text mine):
http://www.astroleague.org/al/obsclubs/herschel/her400cl.html.
I'm reminded of a line from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: "Rules?! In a knife fight?" So, I ask, "Rules? to observe the universe?"
Again, no offense is meant to anyone who is into the clubs, rules and certificate stuff...
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