Ian Kahler

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Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)
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  • in reply to: Will I ever get there? #579900
    Ian Kahler
    Participant

    Well guys, I have given my commentary/opinion a great deal of  thought the  last 2 days. I have  decided to give my telescopes to the  physics  & astronomy dept. at the  local university. I am going to remain focused  on what I like  doing best. And  that would  be focusing on the  history of  astronomy…. the  people behind  the  discoveries, the  geology of  the  solar system and  so on. I know  now, that without any doubt than continuing to try an master  the  use  of  a  telescope, EQ or  Alt-Az would  continue to frustrate and  eventually destroy any joy I experience with astronomy.

    As  for  spending time  outside  under  the stars, I have binoculars 25×100, and  a tripod to hold  them. And  so I will wander  randomly without needing to know  what I am seeing. Rather  I will focus on enjoying the  absolute magnificence of  the  view.

    Thank you for  your opinions and  ideas, but the  reality of  it for  me  is  to understand that telescope  operation has always  ended  badly for  me, and  it will not change; so I have  to change  my priorities and  my reality.

    in reply to: Units in astronomy #579505
    Ian Kahler
    Participant

    I have  always used  minutes  and  seconds…. when it is  decimal equiv., I get frustrated.. cant tell what the  value  is  so I convert to ‘ and “.

    in reply to: Finding the best place to start #579498
    Ian Kahler
    Participant

    Thanks  for  your input James. I have a  5 inch refractor that is missing a tripod right now, so I use binoculars to look around at this time. I live  in Seattle WA, USA, and  the  Seattle  astronomy society is … according to the  research I have on them…. a  rather  good  club. I may join, but I am terrible  in social situations so it is  not a  priority for  me. I have  always  been interested  in the  history and  advancement of  astronomy, so what I really need to do is  stop charging around  like  the bull in a  china  shop,  haha and pick a  direction. Once  again, thx for your  input.

    in reply to: Observing the planets #579342
    Ian Kahler
    Participant

    Thank you gentlemen,,,, you both make a  good point. I will not dispute  my son’s decision to buy the  Celestron. I need portability because  I /we plan on travelling to locations on the  other side of  the  mountains to areas where  the  skies  are amazing and  very dark. I live  in Washington Sate in the  US, And  there are some  really good  observing sites.

    I will admit to being skeptical due  to the  decisions I have  made  in the  past. I didn’t want to admit that the  telescope  was  NOT really good  quality… I was being cheap and  miserly lol. This  time I plan on being more  careful about quality. I am referring to the  eyepieces I will purchase  as  accessories. My son plans  on buying the  Celestron and  I must try and  bury my past skepticism, as  well as  lack of  knowledge and patience.

    Ian

    in reply to: Telescope control #579335
    Ian Kahler
    Participant

    Thank you guys, for  your responses. Much appreciated!

    in reply to: BAA Journals and Handbooks – offered for free #579329
    Ian Kahler
    Participant

    Hey Alex, that is  something I would  be  really interested  in!!

    If  you would  like  to contact me by email or  send  me a  PM we  could  discuss  this  further!

    I live  in the  United  States so we  would  need  to discuss shipping cost.

    in reply to: Latest Deep Sky Newsletter available #579320
    Ian Kahler
    Participant

    Excellent Callum, thank you so much for  letting me  know  about this.

    in reply to: researching multi[ple star systems #579312
    Ian Kahler
    Participant

    Thank you Owen, I have  looked at the  Webb Society website…. I might very well go back and  take a  closer look.

Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)