Pandemic madness and paradigm shift

It has been a while since I blogged. So many things have transpired since I last wrote. As I type this, we are all hunkering down worldwide as we battle a pandemic. The world has not seen an event such as this since the pandemic of 1916. Definitely a dark time for humanity. But if you take into account how humans have exploited the environment and the nature, it's not surprising that nature strikes back. The natural balance has to be restored. All is not dark and gloomy through. Just a few hours ago NASA and SpaceX put two astronauts into space.

This current pandemic staycation has also altered my observing. Due to a recent illness, I have not been able to use my heavier scopes. As such I have reverted back to visual astronomy with my trusty Orion Skyscanner on my equally trusty HD F2 tripod. This setup has been awesome for quick looks, as well as longer jaunts. And the best eyepiece for this is the 13T6 Nagler.

Of late I have had a strong urge to observe solar system objects. Have been scrutinizing old Luna quite a bit during the different phases. It's funny how life circles around. This was what I loved the most starting my amateur observing career many moons ago. The sight of Lunas craters, rills and mare makes me feel like I am in lunar orbit. The views are even more immersive using the 13T6 Nagler. Needless to say I have been spending a lot of time focused on the terminator region, where sunlight turns into darkness.

Have also been following venus and her different phases, not so different than that of the moon. Just takes a much longer time to see her different phases. Now that venus season is over, it is time for the stars of summer, and the gas giants. Bring em on.