Are there any backyard astronomers here???

[Fierlin1182]

I like to look at the satrs. There is something oddly peaceful about lying down and scanning the night sky, like Bee said... gee, I've been trying to locate the Southern Cross for years, but I can never find it

 

[wyoDreamer]

I have a telescope - a $200 Mead.
I haven't used it in about 5 years.
I am not sure that it works right, probably just me not knowing how to adjust it.

I have been looking longingly at it lately, getting the itch to try again, but never make the time.

One of the probelms I have is that where we moved to, we have a huge quarry to the north of us that is lit up like christmas every night. The north star is the only one that I know - the whole big dipper/little dipper thing; but the lights from the quarry pretty much eliminate any stars to the north.

 

[Kuntry Klucker]

I know what you mean about the light pollution. It can be really frustrating.
Now that we moved out the country we do not have as much of a problem with
that which is nice. I can see a lot more but with the neighbors new flood light
in the backyard that is going to change some.

I love lying down and just looking at the stars. I feel so small compared to the vast expance of space
but then it is good for me to get back to the right perspective at times. I need to be
reminded that I am just a speck compared to the cosmos.

Lordofchickens 86, I too find the craters interesting especially the Kepler and Copernicus craters. The moon is
really neat to look at when it is full, you can see all the craters and the lunar maria. I never get tired of viewing it.

 

[airmechreed]

My favorite was the Andromeda Galexy though night vision goggles in the middle of the Iraq desert.

 

[wyoDreamer]

One of the good things about our subdivision - the covenants do not allow those big yard security lights mounted on a pole.

As president, I will do my darndest to prevent them from being built too. I know that alot of my neighbors love looking at the stars also.
At 7400 feet, on the north end of the eastern slope we have great big, wide-open skies here. However, I need to figure out how to keep the wind from moving the telescope.

 

[redsoxs]

If sitting in the hot tub at night and gazing skyward counts...than yes!!! Love livin' in the country!! So many stars!!

 

[Kuntry Klucker]

Quote:
I bet that is nice. Star gazing in style. If I ever got my hot tub that is exactally what I plan to do.

 

[Illia]

So did anyone enjoy enormous/bright Jupiter a couple days ago?

 

[The Chickens' Maid]

Quote:
I saw it!

 

[Parson's Wife]

I think, perhaps, on this topic I would be considered a 'lurker'....we love looking at the heavens, all the incredible stars, the beauty of it. Clear nights are incredible! We used to have a telescope...but we've moved to many times...lol