It's been years since I was so excited by the stars -- the real stars! I used to have a large glow-in-the-dark sky map on my back porch and routinely kept an eye on the night sky. My car plate still says "Cosmic" (I'm Sirius!) Somehow busy life and other interests diverted my gaze. Well, that Star Gaze is back, Dr. Gribbin! Good thing, since chapter one (of my novel-in-progress) is all about the Jupiter Effect, Grand Alignment and John Gribbin. (Copyright, soon to be published.) The Perseid's meteor shower got my attention about a week ago. I discovered big ole Jupiter (really bright in the East sky) and that was it. I was all amped up on magnitude ! I just love blogs -- I can be as cornball as can be here. Novel writing, not so much.
What amazes me, as much as the stars and planets, is how viewing has changed. On Sky and Telescope you see a box on right side menu. For free, you can register and instantly see beautiful sky maps/chart interface (better than Google Sky, cause it's simple to use and no install.) It's full color, totally interactive and allows you to plug in your position (lat/long) or enter a city name, and print custom maps! Right below that is a link to get Planetarium software for your iPhone! I just downloaded podcasts for listening on MP3 while sky gazing! In other words, your own guided tour of the night sky, which really is 'Cruisin' the Milky Way.' Too cool!
For now, I like looking with my binoculars and will probably upgrade to a 8 x 50 pair (over my 7 x 35.) This will provide a little more magnification and larger viewing area. It's easy to get started (or refresh) and now everything you can want is online and books for free at your local library. As Carl Sagan would say there are "billions and billions" of things to see! Oh, and I'm a star now on MeteorBlog! (down and right menu, recent comments!) Soon I'll have the T (shirt) to prove it! Fun, fun, fun! (read my comments, good stuff there including FREE download info.)
