Observing Night (Synopsis)

“For my confirmation, I didn’t get a watch and my first pair of long pants, like most Lutheran boys. I got a telescope. My mother thought it would make the best gift.” -Wernher von Braun

A telescope is only as good, mind you, as the amount of time you spend looking through it. And for most people, perhaps unfortunately, that isn't very often.

Which is why, if we want people to experience the joys of what's actually out there in the night sky -- firsthand -- it's up to us to bring it to them. Which is why, tonight, I'm not only running an observing night for everyone in my intro astronomy class, I'm sharing my observing plans with you.

Image credit: flickr user Ben, via https://www.flickr.com/photos/seabirdnz/16099546352/. Image credit: flickr user Ben, via https://www.flickr.com/photos/seabirdnz/16099546352/.

Because once you see the wonders of the sky for yourself, and I mean really see them for yourself, your perspective on the Universe will never be the same.

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Happy stargazing! :)

There is no moon tonight, so that's great. I just hope you get little to no atmospheric turbulence. February can be tricky because the days are getting warmer and the atmosphere starts to wiggle until it balances in spring/summer.

On the other hand, didn't know about the Lovejoy comet. Cool! Will definately have to look for it. :)

By Sinisa Lazarek (not verified) on 17 Feb 2015 #permalink

The universe is such a beautiful place but many people aren't fortunate enough to experience it through a telescope.
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Wonderful advice! It was Saturn's rings that got me hooked!
A veiw through a telescope is a marvelous way to infuse young and old in the wonder of the Cosmos!

By david hurn (not verified) on 18 Feb 2015 #permalink

what a mazing pictures!!!!