Solitary or in Groups?

[Barry]

Hi All

I like to observe and image on my own. I don't know why - that's just me! I can concentrate on what I am doing and I get enough of a sense of community and knowledge from SGL

But I am interested in how others like to enjoy their hobby - and why........................

Do you have observing quirks or rituals? Also are there others out there who are solitary observers?

Barry

[saturn5]

I prefer the solitary route,even for terestrial photography i prefer it to be just me and nature.I find i appreciate things more when i'm on my own.The only company i dont mind is Pink Floyd in my earphones,especially when doing night photography.

[newman]

I don't mind having another person or two next to me. However, I tend to find most faint targets when I'm on my own. I can just relax and concentrate better, without the "hey find m5, what do you mean it's not visible atm" stuff

[assasincz]

For me, I reckon it is down to the state of mind - the cosmos is such a vast and lonely place that it actually urges me to humbly marvel at the wonders of the universe the way it seems appropriate - alone; for closeness is, relatively speaking, astoundingly rare!

[Barry]

For me, I reckon it is down to the state of mind - the cosmos is such a vast and lonely place that it actually urges me to humbly marvel at the wonders of the universe the way it seems appropriate - alone; for closeness is, relatively speaking, astoundingly rare!

Yes, I think that is the key; my first astro experience as a child was gazing at an awesome universe and losing myself in it.

[bcfcciderhead]

I'm always alone when out apart from the local meets we have with the south wales group on here.

I kinda like being alone with the stars the way they are, plus theres no pressure in being asked to find this and that.......and know one can here me moan when my goto is out:rolleyes:

[Keiran]

I like to image both in a group and alone... I seem to get more done on my own, but the skies are better where i meet up with the group. My garden is rather pants for imaging But it is good to setup for imaging, get it going and then observe through everybody elses scopes:)

[GJBC]

i have not done much observing for a while now but when i was doing it regular i did not mind either way if on my own like others i got more done and was able to spend more time on a single object when with a large group i was more often than not assisting others to find objects use equipment etc so never got much observing done and i was happy with that. if my fellow observers were knowledgeable enough to get on with it them selves that was great as we then all went for separate objects hence we got to see more.

Grahme

[JamesM]

I have to say I have done both and enjoy both for different reasons. I think when you're in a group, particularly if its fairly small, everyone knows each other and are have roughly the same experience, that the evening naturally settles down to its own rhythm of quiet spells and shared observations. I have to admit that I do like a bit of 'quiet' time without interruption when I'm setting the kit up and aligning etc as the quicker this is done the quicker you can all get started. Often when I am observing, I stay out late which usually means at some point in the evening I am on my own in the middle of the countryside which can be rather nice on all fronts. For me. sharing the night sky does form part of the enjoyment but of course it can also include sharing expensive eyepieces which is even better!

James

[shaunster]

I like to image alone and observe in groups

[brantuk]

Alone is good for concentration - groups are good for learning and socialising. I like both

[JohnC]

Mainly on my own.

Always feel a bit intimidated in a group....always feel like a raw beginner

[MjrTom]

Alone is good for concentration - groups are good for learning and socialising. I like both

I am also firmly in this camp.

I see far more without distractions and can spend a good 20 minutes observing an object without interruptions.

However I love meeting up with fellow amateur astronomers for a chin wag and the opportunity to oggle at others kit

Roll on PSP2011

[Dave]

Both for me.

But these days I find I am enjoying more just doing what I want on my own and when I want to do it. Totally at one with a fantastic universe.

[Barry]

Mainly on my own.

Always feel a bit intimidated in a group....always feel like a raw beginner

I know what you mean! And then there's the equipment....

Barry

[jabberwocky]

never had the chance to observe with others, apart from the odd 'come and look at this love' to my wife whos usual response is 'thats nice dear'

although she did like saturn and watching the ISS passing over. i dont bother now, she has no interest at all.

[Moonshane]

I like both too.

there's nothing better than a good session on my own when I can look at what I want to look at and see some new stuff without worrying about others and also when it takes a while to find stuff (or you fail completely) it's less stressful/embarrassing.

that said, I also get a real buzz from showing someone the view through my scope and getting a reaction from them when they see what it it's like. I often laugh with glee when seeing the more spectacular targets and it's nice when others do too.

[MjrTom]

never had the chance to observe with others, apart from the odd 'come and look at this love' to my wife whos usual response is 'thats nice dear'

although she did like saturn and watching the ISS passing over. i dont bother now, she has no interest at all.

Yeah know that feeling all too well unfortunately. The Wife has no interest in the night sky and after many attempts to get her to look through the scope it has only happened once and that was to have a quick peek at the moon one time.

The only saving grace is she does point out to me when Jupiter is up and also when the ISS passes.

The Mrs knows a bit but wont get involved.

I try and explain something is 2.5 million light years away and she just cant comprehend the scale and gets all flustered and sticks her head in the sand.

I think she is happy living in the bubble known as Earth

[Moonshane]

hopefully PSP will allow those attending to do plenty of both!

[MjrTom]

hopefully PSP will allow those attending to do plenty of both!

Yes hopefully!

Lets hope the weather improves between now and then

[Moonshane]

I will not scupper things by saying anything on that matter

[steelfixer]

Maybe I have just become a 'grumpy old man' but I figure that after being harassed and pestered all day by people wanting things made yesterday the night time sessions are 'my' time.

I like to be on my own with just the company a of couple of million stars.

It just sets things back into pespective.

graham