Re: Deep Sky - Automatic or Manual ?

On Thu, 02 Mar 2006 00:19:06 -0600, LarryG <larryg@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

When I first got into "deep sky" amateur astronomy, I was about
fourteen years old, and wanted to see galaxies and nebulae just
like the ones I saw photos of in the relatively few books and
magazines on the subject way back then (1960's).

With a crudely constructed 4" reflector, and some primative star
charts, I was able to star hop my way to M31 (Andromeda), The
Orion Nebula, the Lagoon and Trifid in Sagittarius, and the
Ring Nebula (M57). The labor was a process of learning and
discovery. While searching for the Dumbell, I noted the
Coat Hanger, looking up from M22 (globular in Sag.) I happened
upon the Swan/Checkmark/Omega nebula.

All of this came at a time long before digital setting circles,
navigation computers, and other modern conveniences. I have
never had the inclination to bother with these "new fangled"
devices, preferring the old, manual methods of my childhood.

The question I put before the group, is whether you individuals
who have tried both have a preference for manual or automated
means of finding "deep sky" objects?

I personally found joy and a sense of accomplishment every time
I found something at the very limits of perception - faint fuzzies
in Leo, or the galaxy near M13 in Hurcules. It would seem to me
that the computer/DSC's robs the observer of that sense of
accomplishment, and the opportunities for accidental discovery.

What do you say?


Cheers,
Larry G.

Tis much better to look "at" it than "for" it.

CSG
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Deep Sky - Automatic or Manual ?
    ... Ring Nebula. ... devices, preferring the old, manual methods of my childhood. ... I personally found joy and a sense of accomplishment every time ... I found something at the very limits of perception - faint fuzzies ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Deep Sky - Automatic or Manual ?
    ... When I first got into "deep sky" amateur astronomy, ... Ring Nebula. ... devices, preferring the old, manual methods of my childhood. ... I personally found joy and a sense of accomplishment every time ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: Deep Sky - Automatic or Manual ?
    ... With a crudely constructed 4" reflector, and some primative star ... Ring Nebula. ... devices, preferring the old, manual methods of my childhood. ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)