My, how time flies! The first post on The Opportune Astronomer went live on February 18th, 2015 – eleven years ago!
It’s also hard to believe that my last post was nearly nine years ago. In some respects, the astronomy landscape has changed dramatically in the intervening time: Orion Telescopes has closed its doors and Svbony has risen as a ubiquitous supplier, steadily improving in both quality and reputation.
Electronic-assisted observing has matured significantly. What just a few years ago required a laptop and an array of electronics is now becoming more integrated and accessible through a new generation of “smart telescopes” from DwarfLab, SeeStar, and Unistellar.
In my own observing, the Sky Safari app on my phone has become my most used astronomy resource. Apparently, I’m not the only one. They say the best tool is the one you have with you and, like most people these days, my phone is always with me.
At the same time much remains familiar. Celestron and Explore Scientific continue to sell many of the same telescopes available nearly a decade ago, and remarkably, at prices still within the same general range. Equipment discussions and observing reports remain a cornerstone of the hobby on forums such as CloudyNights, through Reddit communities have grown as well.
And of course, some things never change. The Sun, Moon, stars, and planets continue their daily dances, marking days, seasons, and years just as they have since they were first set upon their courses at creation.
Technology will continue to advance, and the tools we use to observe will undoubtedly change again in the years ahead. It’s good to be reminded that no matter the telescope – or even without one – the simple act of looking up continues to reward those willing to pause and take in the night sky.
Clear skies!
-Dave
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