With this picture, we were heading onto Manhattan Bridge. From the top of an open 2 deck bus, it was scary high. Not at relevant to tonight’s post.
Which is about the Astronomy course I’ve started this evening with the HAG. Tonight was an introduction to the course, which over the 10 weeks will cover 15 topic areas, so promises to keep our attention and interest.
Tonight’s session also included a tour of the site and a visit to three of the 5 domes they have. The most impressive, strangely for me were 5 inch and 4.5 inch refractors. The 5in. Has been on long term loan to the group from the Navy, and gets checked every year to make sure they haven’t sold it (as if they would).
These two instruments were built in the 1860’s and 70’s. Tonight, they were pointed at the moon’s terminator, so the shadows and reliefs were very distinct. Seriously lovely to see.
But, even after just tonight’s two hour plus session, I am left with what I think will be series of questions;
- What science could I do with a meteor camera (this seems to be a recurring area of interest for me)?
- What astronomical science am I interested in? – I really don’t know.
- I like the “pretty pictures”, but I would like to learn. Learn what though? I have no idea (perhaps about meteors)?
- I need to learn how Right Ascension and Declination work. I know about them, but never have really understood them.
I suspect the mysteries will deepen next week.
In the meantime, I shall run these question past my assistant.
Bills Posts 