Meade mySky Announcement

What do you think? I haven't gotten excited enough to buy one yet. The Meade appears to have beaten Celestron feature wise. I generally prefer C to Meade, but the slicks look pretty good on this.

http://www.buytelescopes.com/manufacturers/meade/mySKY_Compare_Chart_10.pdf

It seems like a pretty cool toy to have... but I'll sit back and relax, while I wait...

Me?

I'm excited about it.

I'll admit that I've wistfully longed for a SkyScout to use with my undergraduate astronomy students and for my public outreach programs. I mean, for one thing, how many times have I lost my bearings when trying to locate something in a light-polluted campus sky? For another, sometimes putting something like this in the hands of kids can really strike some sparks.

HOWSOMEEVER...given its limited functionality, the SkyScout seemed slightly...well "extravagant."

The MySky--assuming it will work as advertised--would add some real functionality to my ETX. I'm not enamored of squinting at a PDA and don't often want to drag out a laptop for use with the 125. ;-)

Unk Rod

My own take on the features...

Attached Image:

I think we're seeing first generation hand held pointing devices. It's not what these can do, but what the next generation will do to facilitate our viewing. I was originally interested in the SkyScout as a reasonably priced alternative to digital setting circles, which typically cost more. However I read that metal telescope tubes and mounts disrupt the electronics, so it can't be used that way. It will be interesting to see if the MySky has the same problem.

Hi Randy, I'm sorry if I was taken wrong, just joking with John. I guess I just get in too good of a mood when I'm talking about astronomy.

The truth of the matter of this new device is, that I would love to own one. It looks like it's about the most educational tool so far for live viewing especially with all the kids that come here and view with me.

If I could afford one, I would buy it right now. There are so many things that I would like to have and this is just about at the top of my list. Imagine how smart you would sound to the kids and the wife after using it for a month or so. I guess I'm just gonna have to start saving my money again as I can't bring myself to sell anything I already have. I will have my new dob paid off in a few days then I can start saving all over again or just sneak it by my wife again, no- I better not,WHEW!

But seriously this is a great educational tool for how it would be used at my house. Kids ask a lot of questions and this would'nt be misleading or just an educational guess. It is actual fact with a picture. Thanks for the post.
Sincerely, Darrell