Post by curare on Jun 4, 2006 15:07:29 GMT -6
Hello All,
Just signed up last night. My name's Tim, I'm 28, and I'm a science teacher for the Chicago Public Schools. I am educated in biology and usually teach that subject, but this year I taught earth/space science. We spent the last 5 or so weeks covering astronomy and it really hooked me (as well as some of my students).
I found out that my school has a Questar 3.5" scope so I dug it out and spent the day Friday outside with my students observing the sun through the solar filter. They thought it was great, and so did I. I then borrowed the scope and pointed it skyward Friday night for my first nighttime telescope experience. I was floored by the detail I saw on the moon, and seeing Saturn in real time (well, sort of...haha) was downright spiritual. Last night I saw Mars and Jupiter. Mars was not so impressive at a magnification of 140x or so, but Jupiter was very nice. I could see its bands and 3 of its moons, but sadly not the giant storm.
This summer I plan on really learning astronomy. I picked up 4 books from the library today and will begin my education as soon as I post this message. Generally, I like to learn things on my own but I'm sure I'll be back with a question or two. One thing I know I'm going to need advice on is what telescope to buy (price range $500-1000). I would also greatly appreciate any recommendations for observation sites around the west-northwest side of the city.
Anyway, you guys have a great site here. I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you.
Tim
p.s. Were any of you down at the Adler Friday night? I received an email through CPS saying that it was teacher appreciation night. I very much wanted to go but I had already promised someone I'd help them move...d'oh!
Just signed up last night. My name's Tim, I'm 28, and I'm a science teacher for the Chicago Public Schools. I am educated in biology and usually teach that subject, but this year I taught earth/space science. We spent the last 5 or so weeks covering astronomy and it really hooked me (as well as some of my students).
I found out that my school has a Questar 3.5" scope so I dug it out and spent the day Friday outside with my students observing the sun through the solar filter. They thought it was great, and so did I. I then borrowed the scope and pointed it skyward Friday night for my first nighttime telescope experience. I was floored by the detail I saw on the moon, and seeing Saturn in real time (well, sort of...haha) was downright spiritual. Last night I saw Mars and Jupiter. Mars was not so impressive at a magnification of 140x or so, but Jupiter was very nice. I could see its bands and 3 of its moons, but sadly not the giant storm.
This summer I plan on really learning astronomy. I picked up 4 books from the library today and will begin my education as soon as I post this message. Generally, I like to learn things on my own but I'm sure I'll be back with a question or two. One thing I know I'm going to need advice on is what telescope to buy (price range $500-1000). I would also greatly appreciate any recommendations for observation sites around the west-northwest side of the city.
Anyway, you guys have a great site here. I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you.
Tim
p.s. Were any of you down at the Adler Friday night? I received an email through CPS saying that it was teacher appreciation night. I very much wanted to go but I had already promised someone I'd help them move...d'oh!
