I've been away far too long....

After being away from astronomy for almost ten years it's time I try to get back into the swing of things.  I've dusted off my books, magazines, binoculars and, hopefully soon, my telescope.

I'm Still Here - But Only Just

I lost my dear mother 6 Nov 2008. She went home to be with the Saviour after a long illness. I miss her terribly and I weep for her almost every day. She stayed with me during her illness and I took care of all her needs with the help of her GP and Macmillian Cancer support.

I will be back to the astronomy blogging world, but not just yet.

Hope you are all well and happy.

~Z~

Clear Skies

Finally, the other night I was able to get the telescope out in the back garden and give it a try. The moon had already gone behind some trees by the time I got outside so I missed that. But! I pointed it toward the Pleiades and oh what a sight! Clear, crisp points of light with no refraction and no jiggling about. Seeing conditions were exceptional, however. I can't wait to try for the moon. Maybe I'll get lucky tonight.

I have no experience with telescope optics but this little scope of mine seems to be perfect for a beginner like myself.

Went outside last night to take a look around and thought about hauling the scope out to take a look at Mars, but since the planet was almost overhead, I changed my mind.

Not Meant to Be

It has been crystal clear all day - not a cloud in the sky and the sun so bright I've had to sit here with the drapes slightly closed because my poor eyes can't take the brightness. So, I thought I'd get the telescope out in the back garden to cool down and do a bit of observing but guess what? Yeah, big, dark, black clouds are blowing in from the west.

Oh well, perhaps I'll get to use it sometime soon. Seems like when the weather co-operates my health does not. Hopefully everyone else is having better luck.