Star Gazing Page 2

Quote: Timbo @ September 4 2010, 11:02 AM BST

The problem I find the with stargazing, is that I go out into the garden with my Collins Gem guide, I look up at the sky, see something interesting, then look down at my guide, and am unable to read what it says because it is too dark. So I get out my torch, read what the guide says, look back up at the sky, and can't see a thing because I am night-blinded.

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This is maybe why Patrick Moore has to wear that monocle. It must be the one he looks through the telescope with.

I remember staying at a camp site miles in the Norfolk sticks which was little more than a field and a toilet block. There was no pub nearby and I had no transport so I had little choice as to what to do.

It was a warm, clear night in late September so I just lay down on the grass and looked straight up at the stars. It was truly amazing.

With virtually no artificial light to pollute the scene at ground level and having time to let my eyes adjust to the darkness, so much more detail presented itself. It's a cliché but it was quite a spiritual moment and one I won't forget.

Quote: Leevil @ September 4 2010, 12:36 AM BST

Looked like that if I remember correctly.

Quite detailed.

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F**k off!
You can really see that through a telescope???

Yes, something like that. Although it's a lot smaller through the eye piece.

Har har, nice try though.

Madam, language, please, remember your position.

I have special dispensation to swear, from the boss.

I'm gonna have to get me a telemascope.

Zooo, to see a planet like that, you'll have to buy A Hubble telescope complete with reveloving dome and everything. I'm still not convinced you'd see anything as good as that.

Leevil you tinker.

I'm serious, mister! I'm not sure what type of telescope it was. All I remember it being is a fat one, rather than the classic thin tubey one.

Now don't get all technical on me!

It was like this, where you look down, instead of straight through.

Mirror lense or something isn't it? Still a few hundred quid's worth. I'll stick to looking at images on Google, where your one came from.

Yes, yes. Mirror. Although, I believe that most of them would use the mirror to magnify the image. I'm probably wrong though.

Where's DaButt when you need him?

I think you can certainly see Saturn's ring through a normal telescope. The better the telescope the sharper the detail I suppose.

The night sky fascinates me, just a wee glance up makes you realise just how small we all are.

The only constellation I can pick out is Orion

I love looking at the night sky, but can't recognise any of the constellations, even when Mr Baby points them out to me.

I like sunsets best, especially when you've got a cocktail in your hand.

One thing I've never understood though is why the moon looks so much bigger abroad?