Whenever we think of astronomy, we tend to think of huge telescopes, complex mathematical calculations and beard-tugging professors. To many people, astronomy is inaccessible. However, as we found out by visiting The Star Hill Inn and New Mexico Skies, some of the most fascinating aspects of astronomy are easily within the grasp and budget of the beginning observer.
The most familiar observation tool is the naked eye. Before Galileo, astronomers all over the world kept busy for thousands of years without the help of refracting lenses. The simple act of recording the rising and setting points of the moon and sun tells us volumes about our own galactic backyard, the solar system. The moon's surface has much to offer to the naked eye. So does Andromeda, the only galaxy (other than our own Milky Way) that is visible to the naked eye. Finally, we can test our vision like the Roman soldiers of old by seeing how many stars we can pick out in the Pleiades.
Bringing a simple pair of binoculars into the mix allows us an enormous advantage over the naked eye. We carry a pair of 7 X 50 nautical binoculars from our sailing days. These provide us with a "closer" view of the night sky and, more importantly, a brighter view. The moon becomes an intricately patterned giant, and stars, not usually visible, pop out of nowhere with the aid of binoculars.
The recent explosion in digital cameras means that much of the public unwittingly owns a rather powerful observation tool. Unlike film cameras, digital cameras continue to accumulate light at a constant rate when their shutters are left open. With many digital cameras, it's possible to get an image of the stars by simply setting the camera on a table on a dark night and pressing the shutter.
With all of these observation methods, we still have a hankering to get our hands on a big, expensive telescope. That's where The Star Hill Inn and New Mexico Skies come in. By visiting these astronomy retreats, amateur astronomers can use highly sophisticated telescopes for a fraction of what it would cost to buy and maintain their own. Add to that perfectly dark skies, beautifully appointed cabins and dessert on the observation deck, and you may never want to scan the skies any other way.
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