I dabble a bit in astrophotography, the only reason I do is because I want to know how to do it, whether I decide to spend million of dollars on equipment and years staring at a computer screen hoping to get "good data" is another question and one for the moment I will say no to. I will continue to dabble in it after spending time just enjoying the stars and being our on a beautiful night. In the end you have to find you own reason to do it or not. But start by getting a few good eyepieces and learn and enjoy the night sky. Astrophotography is not a place to start your experience with the night sky. I suggest you take a look at some of astronomy clubs (lists) on the Astronomical league website if you like lists, it's a great way to discipline your observing and get to know the sky. Then later you can re-visit astrophotography. Bob -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Michael Vanopstall Sent: Monday, May 10, 2010 6:08 PM To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: [Utah-astronomy] why photography? Hello, all -- Together with Chuck, I can take a little responsibility for the horrible weather. I bought a pair of Celestron 15x70 binoculars this week (yes, the price of $72 at Clark is good, but not as good as the price of $45 with free shipping that I got from Amazon). I'm going to be in the middle of nowhere for a lot of the month of May, but not able to take my scope with me. Now that the semester is over, I've been getting all reflective. I think I can explain why I like to go out and do astronomy related stuff. I'm not much into astrophysics, even though as a mathematician, I probably should be. I don't sketch. I really like being in the middle of nowhere, in the dark. I like meeting goals, working through lists. If you've read the ultra-saccharine "Hidden Treasures" by Steven O'Meara, I'm definitely the grab-and-run sort of sky pirate. None of my eyepieces is very good at all, and my 25mm one is the best, so I don't dwell on objects; just collect. The experience of the outdoors, and just finding things (like doing a puzzle) is fun for me. I'm curious if anyone (on these cloudy nights) could give a succinct explanation of what is interesting about astrophotography. I have not (and will not) been drawn in, and I'm curious about what interests others. Thanks. ---- Rev. Michael A. van Opstall Department of Mathematics, University of Utah Office: JWB 313 opstall@math.utah.edu _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com