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What Keeps You Observing?

Discussion in 'General Astronomy Chat' started by StaringAtStars, Dec 22, 2015.

What Keeps You Observing?

Started by StaringAtStars on Dec 22, 2015 at 11:09 AM

11 Replies 3269 Views 1 Likes

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  1. StaringAtStars

    StaringAtStars Administrator

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    StaringAtStars, Dec 22, 2015
    #1
    I couldn't think of a proper title. I had a friend ask me where the motivation is when you've already observed something once. I told them some simple answers like it's not always the same and for some it's kind of like observing art. Perhaps it's just testing out the boundaries of what can be done with what you have?

    It'd be interesting to hear what motivates anyone else to keep observing.

    Note: I have this in the General Astronomy section in case it pushes outside of observations as an answer.
     
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  2. Crow Haven

    Crow Haven Well-Known Member

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    Crow Haven, Dec 22, 2015
    #2
    No matter how many times I view favorite objects I'm still struck by the beauty and mystery. It just doesn't get old for me. I don't really know how to explain why this is, this fascination with what's out there. I just need it.
     
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  3. PeterT

    PeterT Active Member

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    PeterT, Dec 22, 2015
    #3
    I agree with Crow Haven. That sums it up for me. Plus, I love tinkering with all the gear :)
     
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  4. Robert Clark

    Robert Clark Well-Known Member

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    Robert Clark, Dec 23, 2015
    #4
    Maya and Peter hit it for me. I can look at some (not all, maybe if I was in darker skies) objects over and over. I love it. The beauty of the heavens is just too cool not stare in wonderment. I also LOVE to tinker with the gear. Find an old scope that's been in a shed Unused for years at a sale for $5-$50 fix it up. Try it out awhile and pass it to another who appreciates it.
     
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  5. clintwhitman

    clintwhitman Well-Known Member

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    clintwhitman, Dec 28, 2015
    #5
    I am hoping to one day see ET!! 45 years and he still has not dropped by my observatory.

    (aveman
     
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  6. StaringAtStars

    StaringAtStars Administrator

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    StaringAtStars, Dec 28, 2015
    #6
    Made me spit out my coffee when read this lol. My friend definitely thinks everyone in astronomy is looking for aliens and signs of life.
     
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  7. clintwhitman

    clintwhitman Well-Known Member

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    clintwhitman, Jan 5, 2016
    #7
    I am with you, When people find out I am an astronomer I have had them start asking me about Planet X or Nibiru.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nibiru_cataclysm O my god when I looked this up I almost spit out my coffee.. But between this and Mars appearing 3X bigger than the moon keeps me educating the masses... Truth is I have several passions and astronomy is running a close second to my music right now.. So go listen to "Your Eyes"
    https://www.reverbnation.com/clintwhitman and FAN ME!! Mandolin and Guitar have been a passion since I was 8, my first guitar was 1967. Received my first telescope in 1968...
     
    Last edited: Jan 5, 2016
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  8. Kai'ckul

    Kai'ckul Member

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    Kai'ckul, Jan 5, 2016
    #8
    What keeps me observing? I've been a skygazer ever since I was a little one. Some decades later, I realized I still am so I bought me my first scope - a Powerseeker 127EQ. Quickly outgrew it so now it sits in the garage. But it did serve its purpose - it started my kid's interest in astronomy. Now I got me an SCT, and I just got her a small refractor that she can easily manage. Pair either one with a camera and now we can see things we normally can't in our light-polluted sky. What keeps me observing, you ask? The opportunity of sharing memories with my children, so one day they can make more with their own.
     
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  9. alanoodle

    alanoodle Member

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    alanoodle, Jan 16, 2016
    #9
    Just like I don't get tired of listening to Louis Armstrong playing West End Blues, I don't get tired of looking at M13, the Orion nebula or Saturn through any telescope.
     
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  10. LewC

    LewC Well-Known Member

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    LewC, Jan 29, 2016
    #10
    What keeps me observing? Habit. Been doing it since 1957.
     
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  11. StaringAtStars

    StaringAtStars Administrator

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    StaringAtStars, Jan 29, 2016
    #11
    Haha habit is a nice one. Been doing it so long sometimes you forget why you started. It's just an enjoyable ritual for someone who is really into it.
     
  12. aeajr

    aeajr Well-Known Member

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    aeajr, Feb 2, 2016
    #12
    I am only 8 months into this so I am still in the wow and amazed stage. I am on my astronomy honeymoon. I bought a bunch of equipment in a short time so I am getting to know my equipment as I get to know the sky. Tons of fun playing with toys in a new playground with new kids, all of you. ;)
     
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