Comments for The Backyard Stargazer

Comment on Amateurs vs. Professionals by Ed

Ed — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:47:22 +0000

Astronomy is nearly the only area of science where amateurs regularly contribute significantly to the world's body of knowledge. A friend of mine who is a physics professor has commented that it always amazes him how much money people are willing to spend on the hobby – and compared it to biology – people don't often drop 10 grand on biology equipment as a hobby, but people regularly spend that much and more for astronomy.

I also think you're right about the difference being that the professional astronomers don't feel threatened buy backyard astronomers and so the relationship between the two is more often cordial. Heck, a few months ago, Sky & Telescope had an article from a researcher asking for help from amateurs because serious amateurs (with 20″ scopes) generally had more scope time available to them than he had.

Comment on The King of the Night Sky by Rick @ Minolta Binoculars

Rick @ Minolta Binoculars — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:09:11 +0000

This really helps a lot!!!! Thank you!!!

Comment on Finding your way by To The Stars | The Backyard Stargazer

To The Stars | The Backyard Stargazer — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:20:31 +0000

[...] Finding your way (backyardstargazer.com) [...]

Comment on We Are Not Alone by Mike Hearn

Mike Hearn — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:24:50 +0000

Very cool, but how many ligh years are we talking about. That star may not even be there now.

Comment on A few of my favorite things by Phil

Phil — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:18:43 +0000

I have a Skyview Deluxe also. What size is your reflector. Im trying to get an idea how much weight this thing can take. I have my eye on an 8″ open truss design but it weighs in at 20 lbs!

Comment on Leo by Mercy Luis

Mercy Luis — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:11:00 +0000

I love your website, have yet to explore for now, but what I see I like. Although I live on the Big Island, I haven’t really been to the top of Mauna Kea and therefore haven’t gotten a chance to view the “big” picture. I’ve loved stargazing ever since I was a little girl, but through the years the goings on in life has been a huge distracting from what is really going on up there. Would like to get back into it..only thing I lost my last telescope (a rinky-dink little thing I had when I was a kid). Any recommendations for a better one that is not too pricey yet effective?

Hit me back and I’m totally putting your website under my favorites. Thanks again!