Telescopes

Nigel.D · 13-07-2006

Just a thought anyone on here interested in astronomy i got my old reflector out to show the kids and they were so entranced it was magic looking at them and the questions ?????? cant remember when i had so much fun

**Bunkerbarge** · 14-07-2006

One of those things I could never get into. I look at the sky and see thousands of little white specks. Some people look at it and can see specific shapes and tell just where they are in the world from the position of the shapes.

Thats why I stay in the engine room!!

**wonwinglo** · 14-07-2006

The sky at night is a beautiful place,and I also love to see Patrick Moores passion for everything including the stars,but like yourself Richard looking at them closely through a telescope only made me feel flustrated in a way that I could not get to those places ! I suppose it is all about tangibility,to touch those craters etc,but yes Nigels children will be enthralled,it is a fascinating subject that you need to study to fully enjoy.

itsa_ss · 14-07-2006

Richard if you dint mind to say, what do you do for a living?

tigertc · 14-07-2006

He's a Philipino engine room lacky! On a greek container ship!
Phnaar! PhnaaR!

**GEEDUBBYA** · 14-07-2006

Howdy Guys,

Well, I am not really one for astronomy, however, I do enjoy tracking over 500 satellites with "JTRACK 3D". you can find "jtrack" at this link: http://science.nasa.gov/Realtime/jtr.../JTrack3D.html and from there you can click on Jtrack 3d which will appear in a smaller window. This java applet is brought to you by NASA, there are several neat features with the program including the tracking of the ISS and the Space shuttle.
I was tracking the space shuttle 3 yrs ago when it burnt up on re entry and at the same time I was using noaa's weather radar to look for the shuttle (this was before it burnt up) as it re entered the atmoshere, instead I saw the debris filled sky as see by the radar. The noaa radar allows you to see the weather in any of the US states and/or terotories. It can be found here: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ridge/ . I am sure the UK probably has a similar site.
But anyway, the Jtrack program will tell you when any satellite of your chosing will be over your area. Its too complicated for me to explain how, but after you play with it awhile, you will learn how.
Be sure to check em out.

Have a good day,

Greg aka GW

**Bunkerbarge** · 14-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsa_ss

Richard if you dint mind to say, what do you do for a living?

I'm an Engineer on a Cruise Ship, unlike Tiger who still doesn't have a proper job yet!!!

**Bunkerbarge** · 14-07-2006

I think astronomy is one of those things that I regret not knowing a bit more about. I guess for me, like History, it's one of those things that I never paid a lot of attention to so I have never reaaly developed any interest until, in later life, I now regret not knowing a bit more about the subject.

My father, being a ships navigating officer, could look at the sky and point out all the constellations to me but all I ever saw was a sky full of white specks.

I agree with Barry though, I love watching someone like Patrick Moore whose passion for the subject is simply infectious and he has this rare gift of making his subject incredibly interesting to anyone who wants to listen.

I am trying to do something about the lack of History but I'm afraid I don't think I will never have the time required for Astronomy. Maybe when I retire!!!

rjwood_uk · 14-07-2006

just watch star trek Richard, youl learn loads!!!

**Bunkerbarge** · 14-07-2006

What worries me Richard is that I was probably watching Star Trek long before you were even a glimmer in your Dads eye!!!