Telescope

I still remember the first time I saw Saturn through a telescope. I figure I’m not alone in a memory like that, but hey, this is my blog and I’m telling the stories here. We lived in southern New Mexico and our class, maybe third grade, had taken an evening field trip to a local observatory. I remember seeing the planet and rings and how incredibly awesome it was to view the ringed planet like that rather than as a picture in a book. I was reminded a little of that last night when I got out the telescope the kids got me for Christmas. The weather has been overcast most nights since then and I’ve only been able to use it a couple of times, but finally we got a break. The first thing I viewed was the Moon. It was about a half-moon, which means it’s better to view so you can see craters and contrast along the terminator. Contrary to what some people think, the full moon is the worst since the shadows are what make things interesting. Plus, the full moon washes out everything else in the sky and generally makes for bad viewing. Anyway, I put the Moon in the center of the field and stepped aside for The Wife to see. She remarked this was probably the closest view she’s had of it other than in a book. Why do I tell this story? Because I think whether it’s Saturn when you’re a kid or the Moon when you’re a grown-up, they’re images you never forget. And in my case, started me on a lifelong journey of fascination with space that has ended up in my writing several books set against the backdrop of the planets and stars. I’m not saying that childhood look through a telescope made all that happen, but it sure didn’t stop it, either.