This new hobby of mine is really exciting. I actually read the whole manual for my telescope. Twice. Went out and purchased a level and a compass. Read half of “The Backyard Astronomer” as well as many online astronomy forums. I actually know where Betelguese is now, and can locate the twin stars Castor and Pollux relatively easily.

Last night, I was determined to see something… anything at all. Saturn was high on my list. Supposedly it would be in a position to see it at 10 PM. I bundled up extra well, two layers of socks, long johns, sweatshirt, jacket, gloves, hat… I even dug my scarf out of storage. (I think it was a balmy 14 degrees last night.)

Took the telescope out and leveled it, and let it cool down so the optics would be optimum. Ran an extension cord so that the batteries wouldn’t die in the cold. Put extra wood on the stove, cranked the heat way up and made some coffee for my thermos, so that I wouldn’t die in the cold. Covered every possible contingency I could think of. I was warm. I was as prepared as I could be. I was ready to go!

Of course, during all these preparations for a night of stargazing, the one thing I couldn’t prepare for happened.

Clouds.

I think I might just take up beer tasting.

Author: frenchy