Steve, I just got home and retrieved my pile of mail from the Utah Astronomy group from this afternoon and saw your message. I wanted to send my thoughts - I hope its not too late. I hope you will reconsider your decision. When I read your comment about getting a go-to-scope I was hoping I could ask you about your experiences with yours. I have been trying to decide if a computerized, go-to telescope would be right for me or not. I would really like to hear how you have liked yours, the good and the bad. Based on the details of your note, I am an even newer beginner than you. I just signed up in January. I subscribed to Sky & Telescope for a year but could not afford to renew it. So I thought I would try joining an astronomy group with the hope that I might get some very much needed help in getting started. I have not been able to get to any of the SLAS meetings yet. I hope I can get to one soon. Until then I am glad to have access to the knowledge and experience of of those who are writing to this group. I have asked a few of the members for suggestions and have gotten some very helpful replies. I have been given the names of some others in the group who may have information that is even more specifically tuned to my needs. Due to a problem with my spine I am unable to sit up past 45 degrees for more than a few minutes at a time. Some in the group and in SLAS are researching possibilities that may help me. Anyway, I hope you can reconsider. I would like a chance to hear about your experiences. Even a "rank amateur' such as you mentioned, knows more than the fellow who just came in (me). Thanks, Rog Imupinthenight@aol.com wrote:
I have been a silent subscriber to Utah Astronomy for a few weeks now and have read with some interest some of what each of you have to say. Sometimes it is easier to listen and try to learn than to ask a bunch of questions.
I was a member of SLAS from September of 01 till September of 02 I met and had conversations with people that I learned to respect for their selves and their opinions. I was also surprised to find way to many people so opinionated and closed minded that I could not believe that they had the education's and knowledge that they did.
When I was first introduced to Astronomy I heard and I quote. " There is only one person in the Club with a computerized scope." No one we know is using CCD, astrophotography is the only way pro's do it.
I'm 53 years of age and had I not have purchased a computerized go to scope I would have a much smaller understanding of the night sky than I currently have. I have been an avid stargazer for two years now and I am still a "rank amateur" and plan on remaining so even to the extent of extending my subscription of Astronomy. I will never consider myself even an amateur astronomer let alone a professional.
I do admire many of you for your knowledge not only of the night sky but many other areas of expertise as well.
Many of you who read this wonder at times "how come more young people aren't interested in what we teach, preach and show them"? What happened to so and so who use to come around? How come he is not in the club?
Well, Utah Astronomy is your group, it's your club, I'm just going to unsubscribe and go back to being a "rank amateur."
Steve Fisher Imupinthenight@aol.com