Deep Sky Observing

So you own a star chart. 

There is much more.

What’s wrong?

Not seeing anything.

Try averted vision.

What books? What size? 

How far? How much? 

When? 

How far?

Are we there?

How many inches?

Just wait. I have rid myself 

of rarely used accessories 

in my garage.

For example?

I found out 

that I did not want 

to be a mathematician.

What is the best way?

Look at your maps. Find 

a dark country road. In

hunting season, be careful!

Traveling alone?

You may have to walk. 

Worth the effort, 

for dark skies.

Cloud cover?

Pay attention. 

Conditions repeat 

over time.

How do I––?

Look. Use eyes and 

mind: a technique 

for seeing. Take a break. 

Nap. Wash the mirror 

until the solution 

drains away.

How about something 

–for general purposes?

No.

Why not?

We don’t live 

in a general-purpose universe.

Brand new equipment!

Try it out.

Going all the way!

The new bracket does not fit.

The drive gear needs more lubricant.

Wasting precious dark sky time?

Patience. Try out that new mount 

before you leave. 

Be prepared.

Inspiration (and found words/ phrases) from the opening three chapters of:

Coe, Steven R. Deep Sky Observing: The Astronomical Tourist. Springer, 2000.

Image: "Night Sky" by Steve Lyon on flickr under an Attribution Share-Alike 2.0 Generic license.