Great idea for a topic, Mark.
Here are my top 5, not necessarily in any order:
1. My first big dark-sky star party. I think it was at Glacier Point
with PAS, several years ago, before I met TAC. This was a
life-changing event for me. I was already hooked on observing, but the
combination of dark skies, concentrated observing for several days,
being in one of the world's most beautiful locations... does it get any
better?
2. Speaking of meeting TAC...that's my number 2. Hooking up with TAC.
Awesome people. Awesome concept. Still awesome after all these
years.
3. Viewing Comet 1P Halley in 1986 (IIRC). No, this wasn't the
brightest or most impressive comet visually. But it connected me with
observers over many centuries, and that an impact. And it especially
connected me with Edmund Halley, one of the greatest people to ever
walk the earth. Plus I observed it with my 2-year-old son, who may
well get a chance to see it again in his lifetime.
4. Viewing the sky from the Outback (no, not the restaurant) in 2002
December. 47 Tucanae, SMC, LMC, and so many other mind-blowing
objects. So dark that the Zodiacal Light was a significant source of
light pollution; thankfully, it eventually "sets".
5. SSP 2003. What a great event!
Bob J.
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