stolenfeather Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 April 25th, 2011It was -16°C (3.2 ºF) outside so I knew that I didn't have to worry about frostbite. I was also well aware that the weather station was predicting rain for the rest of the week and I was leaving on vacation on Friday. Yeah,.. It was to be my last time outside with my telescope for a good three weeks. I didn't even think twice about it. Even if I had classes to teach the very next morning, even if I knew that it would take some time for darkness to fall,.. I brought my telescope out for some star gazing.I decided to set my sights on the constellation Leo since it seems that all one has to do in this sector of space is sneeze and one stumbles on a galaxy. I stumbled on two right away: M 95 and 96 (both spiral galaxies found over 30 million light years from where I was standing). I looked away from my eyepiece when I spotted them since a strong emotion overtook me. It's not that I hadn't seen galaxies before, it's also not because they were overly interesting,.. it was because I could see them. When I am struck with an MS relapse, my eyesight becomes blurry and remains as such for many weeks. Recovery is slow. Many times I wonder, "Is it becoming better?" or "Am I just getting used to it?",... To strain through blurriness to see what stands in front of me is one thing. To see perfectly and become excited in discovering something blurry through an eyepiece is quite another. I saw two. Nah,... they weren't blurry,... let's just call them for what they are: WARM FUZZIES.Since I was clearly able to see them, I can now officially declare that my vision has returned (no matter what my doctor says when I see him this summer). One doesn't need eyesight to have vision right?Before calling it a night I took a small detour to see my dazzling neighbour that had remained silent up till then. Saturn showed its rings proudly when I finally settled on its face. I guess we both were sharing the same tune that night:SHINE ON YOU CRAZY DIAMOND!Isabelle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yeti monster Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 Keep on shining Isabelle! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stolenfeather Posted April 27, 2011 Author Share Posted April 27, 2011 Thanks Yeti Monster!As long as the night sky shines above,.. so will I!Isabelle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ursa Major Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 WHAT. -16 C:eek:. thats crazy. I would not dream of going out in such cold weather.What does the temp usually go down to where you live?nice work in seeing the galaxies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m.tweedy Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 I am so happy for you. Now go enjoy your holiday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stolenfeather Posted April 27, 2011 Author Share Posted April 27, 2011 Laurie, don't "freak out" but,... it gets as cold as -47 during the winter where I teach. Thanks Michael! I'm really looking forward to it.Isabelle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nexus 6 Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 Great to read you have now got back out observing. Now your able to see some of those DSO'S I expect a full report on all of the Messiers in due course Ye, -16 Deg C is nothing right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stolenfeather Posted April 28, 2011 Author Share Posted April 28, 2011 Actually, I found -16 very comfortable but I'm leaving for Florida in a matter of days. I can't wait to feel the warmth of the sun Alan!Isabelle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicnac Posted April 28, 2011 Share Posted April 28, 2011 i need to move round your end lass, i love the chill.i find yorkshire way to hot these days Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stolenfeather Posted April 28, 2011 Author Share Posted April 28, 2011 Well, the chill is hard to live with after many months but the night skies are simply marvelous!Isabelle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
banner001 Posted April 29, 2011 Share Posted April 29, 2011 i need to move round your end lass, i love the chill.i find yorkshire way to hot these days wakefield must be under a heatwave, its friggin cold this morning in denby dale, had ice on the windscreen a few nights ago Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
night vision Posted April 30, 2011 Share Posted April 30, 2011 Hi Isabelle,I hope you have a great vacation, and come back ready for some more quality observing time.Liz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayjt29 Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stolenfeather Posted May 2, 2011 Author Share Posted May 2, 2011 Thanks Jay and Liz! I'll be home in two weeks and I'm sure I'll have some time outside! Clear skies everyone!Isablle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rabbithutch Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 Can't believe I only saw this post today!What great news, Isabelle!I'm extremely happy for you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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