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(meteorobs) Manual observing/backup...
Greetings all,
Just having morning coffee here, and reflecting on recent emails...
One point that I wanted to make - both for the sake of any new observers on
the list, and for those who have already gotten past the basics:
Maybe you are very new to observing, and just don't have access to a pocket
tape recorder, or a talking clock. Maybe they are not available where you
live, or maybe they are too expensive at this time. Does this mean that you
can't observe, get very valuable data, and record your data properly? No!!
Not at all. That is what is so nice about meteor observing... you can just
stretch out under the stars with just a paper and pencil, and a normal
watch... and nothing else is <really> needed.
** It is more important to get out and observe than to worry about any fancy
equipment. We could use more <observers>, not fewer observers with fancy toys.
Yes, extra equipment is nice, but <not> needed. In fact, all those
observers who use fancy equipment should always carry a manual backup system
anyway:
1. Recording: In case your tape recorder fails, have a clipboard, pencil,
and paper recording sheets handy to write your meteors down.
2. Time: In case your talking clock fails, have a normal watch handy to
get the time for your meteors.
3. Light: This is harder to replace. If your flashlight fails, have a
spare flashlight handy. This is especially a point for wintertime, when
cold affects batteries.
4. Heat: If you are an observer who likes to stay warm, make sure that you
can manage without a power source handy.
It is better to have manual equipment with you - paper and pencil - than to
rely on fancy equipment, have it break down, and not be able to observe!
- Cathy
in the Great White North
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