mcolbert

and behind the ...and have others listen to it... is to have others recognise the importance / power of said individual and of course to have others act accordingly in the individuals presence. The nature of power as experienced by Homo Sap. michael

for me it is the journey, the chase as it were. But what I have enjoyed in reading the replies (so far) is the ways of (all of us) being hunters and gatherers - how it is different and yet similar in that have different paths to a very similar goal. michael

sign of the (technological) times? Handy to know as I'm not yet a member. michael

and you don't have to be older. Many years ago a friend dropped in (a Horror Writer he is, age at the time was around 30) and whilst I was tinkering with the HiFi he asked if he could put the kettle on for a cup of tea. I finished what I was doing and headed to the kitchen, to find him seated with his head in his hands. I asked him what the matter was and he just pointed to the gas rings, where sat my partially melted plastic electric kettle. michael

Janos, any luck with the ace/W10 support problem? michael

you may need to send to many before one replies, that's why I thought ringing and searching the (London?) campus in person. I remember many years ago when attending a university for several units (HPS & Parapsych) I found the HOD of Physics very approachable especially given that I was a student but not from within his discipline. He liked the idea of a VLBI between NSW and Victoria. Another possibility is check course content in astronomy at different institutions and the check recommended texts which cover your interests. Then ring the course convenor. michael

thanks for the link. This will be used later on today as we teach our kids at home. Ian whilst I identify with your comment about feelings of insignificance, I remember a novel, 'Healer' (F.Paul Wilson?) where in one scene the protagonist is making similar comments about how we, as a race are seemingly nothing compared with the universe. The other replies that it is far from it because we are able to experience the universe, we are able to explore the worlds around us, we are able to participate etc. So I suppose what I read is that size doesn't matter as we are "...all star stuff..."

check out this group http://darksky.org/ from them you may develop some further ideas how to go about this or at least make some contacts via a local chapter (if there is one). Best of luck, as this seems to be a challenging area. Also, search for light pollution or similar in the threads on SGL some interesting comments have already been made in similar circumstances. michael

this thread should be pinned for all new members / visitors to the site. michael

I'll agree with the suggestion to get hold of a planisphere and / or stellarium. Have your son see what he can find with the planisphere, then use which ever telescope you decide on. You could always buy the planisphere now and strike whilst his interest is 'hot' so to speak. michael

ah but I appreciate (if that is the best word) the sense of disproportion in the size of a 0.965 or 1 1/4 inch attached to a FT focuser at the rear of a 130. It always brings a smile. michael

sorry if this has been posted elsewhere but I just noticed on the beeb; http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-34712877 michael

a quid pro quo michael

Josh, can't recommend any off hand but what I would suggest is that you go on-line and check for university courses in History and Philosophy of Science. Look at their units and references and you may strike it lucky.(as Mo would have said:) ) If you can find a 'local' uni - sorry I'm not familiar with London, it may be worth your while to ring the HPS Department and find out who it would be best to speak with and follow their recommendations. Long winded I know, but all part of research when one has an interest. By the way, there are many academics who would welcome the interest of a lay

check this site out for your nearest group http://fedastro.org.uk/fas/members/members-a-z/ michael

the other thing (just to feed the paranoia gremlin) is to check with members of any local group - someone there might be familiar with the innards. michael

yes, I seem to remember an amateur from Italy I think it was, he only had an ota, no mount (I believe), but he did some interesting things with his newfound 'telescope'. Initials were GG I believe. michael

you know, it just 'seems' that we are seeing more of these reports. michael

as mentioned before in another thread, over the years I have had excellent experiences with eBay.de. I have received quite bulky items as well as fragile equipment at times and they were sent to Australia, so maybe some German sellers are a possibility. Remember too, that many sellers do have stores which can be checked out on line etc. michael

is there someone who could check the mechanism for you? michael

I'll add my support for second hand as well - having purchased zeiss lenses for the cameras (including 3 x 500 mm telephotos), I've never had a problem. They arrive well packed and never a problem with communications. When buying the 130, that was 'new' and that was because there were no second hand OTA's at the time. It being a collectors item I took the opportunity when it presented itself. So, for me second hand is usually the better option when buying good equipment. michael

and re the Mac and Stellarium. Check the OS version of your machine. Stellarium only supports OS 10.7+ michael

and some believe that hobbies are for relaxation! michael

have you considered the second hand market? michael

michael as with me. Although Keith's accent was a trifle distracting amongst some excellent British character actors. michael