[R-390] $5000.00 390A????

[rbethman]

The dark skies issue has become a royal PIA.

Suddenly the entire neighborhood has installed flood lights all over.  
I've tried to introduce the Dark Skies Initiative in this area, but it 
doesn't seem to get a foothold.

Folks don't seem to understand that illuminating half a block isn't the 
real answer to their security.

The same type of situation caused Vint Hills Farm to close up with all 
the EMI that developed over time.

So it seems that I would have to drive to the far reaches of West 
Virginia to have dark skies, and there is also the Navy radio receiving 
site right in the very same area.

It was about 4 years ago that I had a closer place that was about 250 
acres of an old farm.  You could go there and it was very dark and open 
for observing.  Developer's went berserk and built huge high dollar 
homes there,, and every single one of them lights up like a small town.

Oh well.  I get out when and where I can.  The current weather situation 
hasn't been helpful either.

Adding insult to injury is the very recent development of two hernias.  
I just got looked at yesterday, and have now got an appointment with a 
blade wielder to get them fixed.  I won't be moving the 8" SCT around 
for awhile, nor any radios.

Getting old and taking care of the wife, (That's where the hernias came 
about.  Long story.), just results in too many obstacles to doing what I 
used to do a whole lot harder.

Bob - N0DGN


On 3/16/2012 10:21 AM, chacuff wrote:
> 10 or more years ago I picked up a Meade 8" Schmit with the computer 
> drive etc...
>
> Lots of fun but you must have dark skys to enjoy the thing.  I 
> didn't.  Sold it twice.  Bought it back once.
>
> It's gone now for good....at least until I possibly end up in Arizona 
> or something...
>
> You can spend lots of money...especially if you get in to color 
> digital astro photography.
>
> Makes the $5000 R390A pale....
>
> Cecil
>