returned loaner Dob

A RASC Toronto Centre member expressed interest in borrowing one of the telescope loan program's Dobsonian reflectors. John contacted me to ask me to return the one I had signed out.

I've had that telescope for a long time... And I barely used it!

That surprised me.

I don't know why I didn't use it more. The beauty of a 'scope like this is, it takes seconds (OK, a minute or two) to set up. I had signed it out to "test" this feature: easy, fast set-up. And there were many clear nights where I could have popped outside, for a few minutes, an hour. Nights where it was going to be clear only briefly. Or on occasions where I had to work the next day, had to get to bed early. Or when I didn't have a "big" plan, a detailed viewing plan for hours of observing. Where I could have quickly observed from the backyard or driveway or sidewalk, taken a quick peak at Jupiter, tried for shadows on Jupiter, tried for Jovian moon occultations, or something else bright. I could have invited the neighbours over. I could have invited nearby members over.

So, what does this tell me?

Does it in fact mean, regardless of telescope, timing, conditions, I need a formal plan of observing targets? I hope not. I'm still struggling with efficient planning. Still planning "by hand." Still considering whether I should use planning software like SkyHound...

Is it that I'm very interested in double stars now, in an increasingly detailed way, in a scientific way, wherein I would do measurements? And that while I can perform Position Angle and Separation measurements in a light-polluted environment, a Dobsonian mount is not suitable?

Is it that observing is more of a social activity for me? That I'm more compelled to do some observing with others around? I'm really uncertain about that. Sometimes, I know it is true that I'd rather stargaze with others; but there are just as many times where I know I want to be alone...

Is it that I'm getting discouraged observing inside the city limits with washed out skies?

Is it that I'm getting tired of fighting with light polluting neighbours?

Is it that I don't want to have to deal with different types of telescopes? Am I an SCT fan? SCT addict? SCT snob?

Should I not be complicating matters with different gear? When I'm still working out a few kinks with my equipment? On top of learning the CAO equipment? Maybe I should focus.

Maybe it's nothing to do with the hardware.

Maybe there's something else I need to be doing to get me to observe more...

But now I don't know what it might be...

Regardless of this internal searching, I hope to continue to partake of the loan program with the centre. It's a fantastic perk of membership. I'll try all the types we have. And the camera too! Although, I should consider carefully if I should be doing this right now...