Re: what started it for me

What started it for me was my first view of Saturn at age 8 (1960) through my uncle's 3" Unitron alt/az mounted refractor. I have had many spectacular views of this planet since then but my first view was permanently "burned" into my memory. The whole universe opened up to me for the first time. I couldn't stay out of the local library after that. So many pictures in so many books to read. I still remember clearly how the universe was so new, fascinating and wonderful. I would love to have that that feeling again. Sometimes I get a little of it when I use a new scope 8)

I have been a lunar/planetary observer ever since. I love "active astronomy".

Keith

Strange Astro rememberance: My father (deceased) and I both remember seeing the Horse Head nebula through that Unitron refractor. Though I remember the view clearly, I now know that this would have been impossible through this scope. In Los Angeles no less...

Keith Lawson said:

What started it for me was my first view of Saturn at age 8 (1960) through my uncle's 3" Unitron alt/az mounted refractor. I have had many spectacular views of this planet since then but my first view was permanently "burned" into my memory. The whole universe opened up to me for the first time. I couldn't stay out of the local library after that. So many pictures in so many books to read. I still remember clearly how the universe was so new, fascinating and wonderful. I would love to have that that feeling again. Sometimes I get a little of it when I use a new scope 8)

I have been a lunar/planetary observer ever since. I love "active astronomy".

Keith

Strange Astro rememberance: My father (deceased) and I both remember seeing the Horse Head nebula through that Unitron refractor. Though I remember the view clearly, I now know that this would have been impossible through this scope. In Los Angeles no less...

Maybe it was NGC 2024 you were catching a glimpse of; I do not know anything else in that area that would be a likely candidate. :S