Kasey And Andrew Are Inspired By Seeing The Night Sky

Amateur Telescopes Will Receive More Attention From Here On

There’s nothing like looking through the eyepiece of a telescope to fire up some enthusiasm in a budding amateur astronomer. Kasey has a telescope; Andrew has been contemplating buying one and after a night under the stars with Honeysuckles Astronomy Tours, the pair have been re-invigorated to pursue their interest.

Whilst a large telescope will provide views in greater detail, smaller ‘scopes can still see enough detail to recognize structure on many of the larger deep space objects. It’s a case of looking and seeing. There are a number of “big ticket” targets up in the sky and even the most distant views revealing a small subject can stirs ones imagination, knowing that is a massive star forming region, or a notable star cluster or perhaps one of the gas giants in our solar system.

Most people start with very small telescopes and give up after looking at the Moon or a planet. But there is much more to see, even with a small telescope. The biggest problem in the modern world for telescopes and naked eye views of our superb southern skies is excessive light pollution. And it is increasing at a horrendous and unnecessary rate of 10% a year, worldwide. Not only does it spoil one of nature’s most fabulous wonders from our daily vision, but it is harmful to life for a myriad of reasons.

We are very fortunate to be in an area of dark skies where adults and children can see the sky – even with the naked eye, as it should be seen. But today most cannot see it due to overzealous lighting. It is a real shame. People are missing out and most don’t even know what it is they are missing out on, because they have never actually seen it! 🙁