Re: ATM Binocular telescope considerations.

["Thomas A Simmons" <tasimmons@raytheon.com>]

Clive,

  Thankfully, there's room for both type of observers!
With the exception of the Grand Canyon to post card analogy,
this describes how I feel about it, and what drove the desire
for ever increasing optics. Does it matter if one knows the
names of all the flowers, or can just appreciate the beauty?
Does it matter if one knows that the Ring Nebulae is the result
of star evolution, but has never seen the obscure galaxies next
to it, or gotten lost in the plethora of double stars in it's
vicinity? NOPE.

  Eventually the physics behind the beauty will be sought out.
But in the meantime, enjoy the journey!!

  Thank you for the great description, and forgive me for the
liberal snipping of your message if you feel slighted.

Tom, the "Sunday driver observer"
Tucson, AZ


Date: Sun, 8 Sep 2002 20:11:26 -0700 (PDT)
From: Clive Milne <milnecd@yahoo.com>
Subject: ATM Binocular telescope considerations.

SNIP>>
>The ironic thing is, She is still not particularly interested in the
>exact specifics of what She is looking at.  She is just captivated by
>the sheer sense of total immersion, the intuitive understanding that
>it is 'real' and of actually of being there to witness it directly.
>I suppose it is a bit like comparing a postcard of the Grand Canyon
>to actually standing there near the edge and feeling the wind on your
>face.
SNIP>>
> it's all so beautiful that it doesn't really matter where you
>look.'  The fact is, She is just happy to gaze into the eyepieces
>regardless of where the telescope is pointed.
>   In that context, I suppose you would have to concede that spousal
>acceptance is a legitimate consideration to factor into any prospective
>telescope design.
>    ~Clive