What We Do

I read somewhere that in Europe, when one is asked "What  do you do?", the response usually relates to the hobbies you are involved in. When the same question is asked in the United States, a person will usually respond with a job title. According to the American model, i would have to say that i was retired from such and such a job, as if i sat around reminiscing about my former life. I do not.  I have plenty of hobbies. I like to fish, bicycle, grandfather, hike, woodwork, backpack and participate in all these activities when the opportunity arises. I was thinking about this as my granddaughter and i were doing winter maintenance on the garden yesterday. What activity defines me? What is it that captures my interest every single day? I like the European model. The next time someone asks me what i do, I will inform them that i am an Astrophotographer and Horticulturist. I'm not saying that i'm very good at either one, but does it matter? There, that's what i do...

Now for the photo. People ask all the time about equipment, and i've got tons of it. People outside the hobby would say that i have spent an enormous amount on equipment. People inside the hobby would say that i have barely scratched the surface. The interesting thing is, the more i learn about the hobby, the more i learn that opportunities are everywhere not matter what the equipment level. The photo above was taken at an observatory in Mingo Creek Park. The park is local. It's a fifteen minute drive for me. The facility is maintained by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh and they do a great job. The organizaton has a couple scopes set up permanently at the site. One of the scopes is a refractor with a 10 inch mirror. During the warmer months, the Association holds Star parties that are open to the public. Usually, events are scheduled twice a month. On my visit to the observatory, the refractor was set up with a sun filter on it and pointed at the sun. It's best to know what you are doing when setting up a solar viewing, and these people know what they are doing. They were more than happy to let me look thru the eyepiece at a wonderfully clear solar view complete with well defined sunspots. I yanked the cell phone from my pocket, held it just far enough away from the eyepiece to let it focus, and snapped a picture. That's right, it's a cell phone image. 

I've taken lots of pictures, but some of the best have been created with just a camera, a tripod and a remote button. i could even get away with using the timer on the camera if i didn't have the remote button. No telephoto lens, no tracking goodies. Even at the Cherry Springs Star Party, i got some great shots with nothing but a camera, a tripod and a remote button. So, to the people that ask about equipment to start with? Work with what ya got. You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish.

clear skies...