I'm 63 years old and very much retired (started as a Nuclear Submarine gearbox designer and then spent 35 years at HP in the computer industry).
My astro journey started when my Dad bought me a small refractor for Christmas when I was 9 years old … I was amazed at looking at Jupiter and Saturn through that tiny scope in the back garden on very cold nights. I then lived through the Apollo era and always wanted to be an astronaut, but never made it
My wife then bought me a Russian Tal1 telescope (6 inch newt) in the 90's which my daughter and I enjoyed looking through for a while … she now has quite a senior position in the space industry, so I guess she also caught the bug.
My wife then gave me an 8" newt as a birthday present a few years ago and that is my current OTA (I daren't replace it until I have proved I have got the most out of it that I can).
Like many on here I have been on a steep learning curve for a couple of years, but am enjoying every minute of it.
Please put up with me if I ever get frustrated by this hobby.
welcome!
