The Backyard Stargazer

moon2, originally uploaded by david parmet.

My first attempt at serious astrophotography.

This here puppy arrived last month. A neighbor of ours bought it on a whim several years ago. He never figured out how to get it working and so here it is, currently living in my office but making frequent trips to the back deck. The electronics are shot but even using it manually is a pleasure.

The scope is rated at f10; looking through it with anything smaller than a 12mm eyepiece is like looking through a straw. My 32mm gives me fantastic views of the Moon, Saturn and Mars and many DSOs.  I’m still figuring this big baby out but having a great time doing it.

Slate’s Emily Bazelon admitted her own astronomical ignorance and wondered why her children were so fascinated by the stars and planets.

Needless to say, she was promptly schooled by her readers and the resulting article is a great introduction to astronomy resources on the web.