I recently placed an ad in the classified section to purchase my dream scope...a 10 inch TMB. First, I want to thank all the fine astronomers who responded with encouragement and endorsements. All the comments I have received have given me pause to wax philosophical and I'd like to share some thoughts.
I'm 65 years old, and while I may die before I type the next line, I'll likely live another 15 years (I'd say longer, but I refuse to give up my after dinner cigar). Of those presumed years, maybe 10 of them will find me healthy enough to be active. And despite what Einstine says, we move thru time faster as we age. S I say, let's have the most fun, while we can.
If I find my dreamscope it will mean a major commitment of both time and money. At the least I will have to modify my observatory with a larger dome and more likely have to tear it down and re-build from scratch. I could do a lot with the money I will have to commit....a new luxury car, I nice sailboat, 5 years of extravagant vacations... But I have a nice car, I get sea-sick, and I hate air travel these days. And these things all pale to astronomy. There are so many beautiful things to see in the sky, and I do love sharing the experience with my grandkids, neighbors, fellow star gazers, and just about anyone who wants to take a look.
Some of you Astromarters have asked the question, what will you do with such a scope if you find one. The truth is, I can only answer, have fun. I like looking at everything, and I image with a nice SBIG camera. But I'm also a real equipment junkie, and I must admit I find great satisfaction in the simple ownership of fine things.
Okay, I'll stop now but it's nice to get my thoughts on paper (paper?).
Thanks,
Bill in Ohio
I'm 65 years old, and while I may die before I type the next line, I'll likely live another 15 years (I'd say longer, but I refuse to give up my after dinner cigar). Of those presumed years, maybe 10 of them will find me healthy enough to be active. And despite what Einstine says, we move thru time faster as we age. S I say, let's have the most fun, while we can.
If I find my dreamscope it will mean a major commitment of both time and money. At the least I will have to modify my observatory with a larger dome and more likely have to tear it down and re-build from scratch. I could do a lot with the money I will have to commit....a new luxury car, I nice sailboat, 5 years of extravagant vacations... But I have a nice car, I get sea-sick, and I hate air travel these days. And these things all pale to astronomy. There are so many beautiful things to see in the sky, and I do love sharing the experience with my grandkids, neighbors, fellow star gazers, and just about anyone who wants to take a look.
Some of you Astromarters have asked the question, what will you do with such a scope if you find one. The truth is, I can only answer, have fun. I like looking at everything, and I image with a nice SBIG camera. But I'm also a real equipment junkie, and I must admit I find great satisfaction in the simple ownership of fine things.
Okay, I'll stop now but it's nice to get my thoughts on paper (paper?).
Thanks,
Bill in Ohio
