Hello from another new member...
Hello,
My name is Jeff Huston, hailing from Omaha, Nebraska. I discovered my Dad's dusty Tasco in the basement at 14, detasseled corn to pay for an 8" Cave, joined the Omaha Astronomical Society in '81. I fell somewhat inactive for a number of years while I attended college, started work/family... it wasn't until my daughter asked if I could help her girl scout troop with an astronomy merit badge (using my, now, dusty telescope), when I remembered what I'd been missing. I re-united with the OAS and have enjoyed the hobby ever since. That was nearly 20 years ago now, and along the way I've accumulated some decent equipment to accompany the 8" Cave, which I still own. The scope I've used most frequently is an 18" f/4.5 Obsession (#264) I acquired from DSF member Jim Rippey around the turn of the century. I transport it everywhere in the back of my Honda Element, including almost three dozen outreach events every year. It's a totally bare bones 'classic' model. I always thought it was the scope to end all aperture fever, and it seemed to for over 10 years, until an Astromart listing attracted my attention a few weeks ago. A 1,000 mile, 18 hour journey later, and I had a 30" f/5 Obsession (#102) in my driveway. The 18 will always be my work horse, but I am very much excited to explore the limits of what I can see with 'Anzio Annie'. While I've been working with it from my suburban confines, it's real 'first light' for me is going to be the next New Moon at Merritt Reservoir.
Thanks to Dragan for referring me here from over at the Obsession yahoo group. A quick glance over the content and I can see this is a great gathering place for those looking to 'go deep'.
Clear skies!
Jeff
