Growing up in the sixties with all the hoopla about NASA, the space program and the “Race” to the moon, and all the great classic
My first exposure to real astronomy was at school up in Connecticut in the 2nd or 3rd grade. They passed out our science books, and tucked away in there was a chapter on space. That was all the inspiration I needed.
I soon had my first scope, although it was a pretty cheap department store 40-50mm refractor with a draw tube like you see pirates using in old movies. The lenses were plastic but it did bring the Moon in closer so that I could see craters and mountains. My Mom purchased several more scopes for me as Christmas presents through the years, no small task for a single mother with two children. I am eternally grateful for her support and sacrifices.
Solar Eclipse - Unitron
Anyway, one of the best feelings you can experience is when you share your telescope with others and they take their first peek through the eyepiece…especially when the target is Saturn and you hear the oooh’s and aaah’s as they gaze in amazement at the beauty of the universe! I can only hope that my efforts have inspired others.
Light pollution and my health may preclude me from enjoying my hobby as I once did, but I am still able to contribute by maintaining a webpage for the local astronomy club, check out their web page: