My three, in chronological order:
1. My first telescope! December 25, 1961. I was *SO* excited! The
ubiquitous Tasco reflector. :^)
2. The glorious sight of Comet Bennett in March/April 1970; my first
n*ked-eye comet. Six year later Comet West became my second n*ked-eye
comet. Both made quite an impression on me. Unlike Hyakutake and
Hale-Bopp, which were well publicized and eagerly anticipated, Bennett
and West just snuck up on me, so when I first saw each of them, both
were in their full glory. Shock value!
3. Late '98: Learning of the existence of TAC (at Orion), an active
observing group working in real-time! Up 'til then, I'd just call the
SJAA's "calendar hotline" for info on group star-parties. Had no idea
amateurs were getting together on the fly to observe. How great! Prior
to this, virtually of my weeknight observing was being done solo,
usually setting up my 'scope at the end of a dead-end dirt road in the
Santa Cruz mountains. Friday and Saturday nights were usually reserved
for Fremont Peak, Henry Coe or Grant Ranch.
Many more exciting experiences came later... <grin>
...Bob...
Bob Czerwinski