“Not all individuals can become astronomers – but anyone who really desires to can become an astronomy enthusiast. Psalm 19:1 states: ‘The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.’ That declaration is not selective, and the show is for everyone who will see.”
— Ken Fulton, The Light-Hearted Astronomer

Ken Fulton’s book, The Light-Hearted Astronomer, was written to help observers get through the critical first year – the period during which so many would be enthusiasts see their passion for viewing the night sky fizzle out and their telescopes sit unused in the closet.* Despite being published nearly 31 years ago and currently out of print** much of what Ken has to say is still relevant today and the book is worth a read if you haven’t yet had the pleasure.

*Having a telescope sit unused can also happen if you have too many telescopes. Not that I’d know anything about that.

**The book can be found used from a variety of sellers.

-Dave

Original content copyright 2015 by David Philips. All Rights Reserved. This post may contain links to affiliate sites; sales through affiliate links may benefit this site.

“How quickly do we grow accustomed to wonders. I am reminded of the Isaac Asimov story ‘Nightfall,’ about the planet where the stars were visible only once in a thousand years. So awesome was the sight that it drove men mad. We who can see the stars every night glance up casually at the cosmos and then quickly down again, searching for a Dairy Queen.”
— Roger Ebert

What a poignant reminder of our tendency to take spectacular gifts for granted. There are opportunities to observe the stars whenever you find yourself outside under a clear night sky. It only take a few minutes to note the positions of the constellations, the Moon, and any planets visible. How enriching it is to follow them as they mark the seasons, days, and years. How impoverished we become in our constant distraction.

Clear skies!

-Dave

Original content copyright 2015 by David Philips. All Rights Reserved. This post may contain links to affiliate sites; sales through affiliate links may benefit this site.