I am a stargazer here FXBG too. I got an iPod for Xmas and only recently discovered the myriad of wonderful astronomy related podcasts. I subscribed to the 365 podcast and was going down through past programs when I heard your 9/1/2009 entry. I was standing in line at our local Costco when your voice suddenly announced that you lived in Fredericskburg, VA. This was completely unexpected but very cool because it made me feel as though I’m not so misguided as to attempt astronomical observing here in our less than optimal skies.
But the reason I’m writing you is that while standing in line today as Costco and hearing about your experience in the dark skies in the Pocono’s with your daughter brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful experience. I am a new father and have a son who just turned two last month. Witnessing the world through his eyes has been magical. He’s already picked up on my interest in the night sky and can identify and name most of the planets and can consistently distinguish galaxies from nebula in my monthly installment of Astronomy Magazine. He really surprised me about a month ago when he stood at our back door just after dawn and pointed up to the SW sky and said “look daddy, a planet!”. I asked him which one and he quickly replied “Mars”. Although he was right, I’m sure it was mostly luck that he named it correctly, but the fact that he can pick out a planet vs. stars at the age of two is amazing to me. I hope he never loses interest.
Your podcast was moving and reminded me of my experiences with my boy and what I hope to come as more as he gets older. And in addition, I was raised by my Aunt & Uncle who’s daughter that lived with us was mentally handicapped so I have life experience and can relate to that portion of your story as well.
I do all of my astronomy from my back yard and would like to participate with the local club, but it’s been difficult to synchronize my schedule. Either way, I hope that I can meet you one day to share our common interest.
Sincerely,
Brian
February 14th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Mike,
I am a stargazer here FXBG too. I got an iPod for Xmas and only recently discovered the myriad of wonderful astronomy related podcasts. I subscribed to the 365 podcast and was going down through past programs when I heard your 9/1/2009 entry. I was standing in line at our local Costco when your voice suddenly announced that you lived in Fredericskburg, VA. This was completely unexpected but very cool because it made me feel as though I’m not so misguided as to attempt astronomical observing here in our less than optimal skies.
But the reason I’m writing you is that while standing in line today as Costco and hearing about your experience in the dark skies in the Pocono’s with your daughter brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful experience. I am a new father and have a son who just turned two last month. Witnessing the world through his eyes has been magical. He’s already picked up on my interest in the night sky and can identify and name most of the planets and can consistently distinguish galaxies from nebula in my monthly installment of Astronomy Magazine. He really surprised me about a month ago when he stood at our back door just after dawn and pointed up to the SW sky and said “look daddy, a planet!”. I asked him which one and he quickly replied “Mars”. Although he was right, I’m sure it was mostly luck that he named it correctly, but the fact that he can pick out a planet vs. stars at the age of two is amazing to me. I hope he never loses interest.
Your podcast was moving and reminded me of my experiences with my boy and what I hope to come as more as he gets older. And in addition, I was raised by my Aunt & Uncle who’s daughter that lived with us was mentally handicapped so I have life experience and can relate to that portion of your story as well.
I do all of my astronomy from my back yard and would like to participate with the local club, but it’s been difficult to synchronize my schedule. Either way, I hope that I can meet you one day to share our common interest.
Sincerely,
Brian