I was reading a book on astronomy recently and found it difficult to visualize all the various relative 
motions of the Earth, Sun, Moon, other planets and stars. When I went outside to try to work the motions out, skywatching became much more than interesting. It has become a new hobby.
Seeing the moons of Jupiter is probably what hooked me. When I first saw the planet, I had only guessed it was a planet because of its brightness and its appearance in the telescope. I had heard that the moons were visible, but did not see them the first night. So I did not think it was Jupiter.
Checking the next night though I saw the 4 visible moons. Wow! Neat!
There they are. Watching them rotate from night to night is just too much.
This is a photograph, off the Internet, of Jupiter and its 4 Galilean moons, not my own picture. But it is exacly what can be seen. The moons change positions each night.
I have found Mars, in Gemini. Identified numerous individual stars. Seen Venus. Mercury and Saturn are in the east sky in the morning. I have seen one of them, not sure yet which. I think Saturn, but will watch for confirmation as it moves daily.
Each night and morning there are new things to see and to observe.
We have had several days of rain and heavy clouds which have limited my viewing, (See Julia Odom's post My buyer's house is flooded) but the clouds seem to be leaving this morning.
So a great night to watch the sky. Can't wait.
It is time to visit the Clarence T Jones Observatory, right here in Chattanooga. A place I have never been.
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When I used to go camping with my son one of the things that was really beautiful was the night sky. We would sit forever and watch it. I share your passion
Great hobby. I'm with you. Problem with me is I can't stay up late. So the late fall is my time. I'll put my ski outfit on, in the summer, the bugs get to me. I need an observatory.
Kenneth,
I am staying up late and getting up early, trying to see as much of the sky as possible. Of course if I just wait the whole sky pass overhead. It is fun and some of the motions are not starting to make sense.
I am planning my first trip to the Jones Observatory in Chattanooga. Never been before.
Richard
Charlie,
It is a great thing to share with children. As a boy scout and with my son as a boy scout we had to identify some constellations, but I really never knew much that I was seeing. It make a real difference to have an understanding of the motions.
So far have really enjoyed it, and also taking my 1 year old grandson outside to look up. He likes the cricket sounds more than the stars I think.
Richard
I have long been fascinated with celestial bodies, and the Hubble images have taken a lot of my time and thoughts over the years. It can make a person very humble.
I am wondering when we will be getting queries about financing these exotic land parcels... non owner occupied, O2 levels... :)
Hollis
It will be a great night of visibility tonight - first in several days. Can't wait. Hollis, my telescope is not good enough to see the homes for sale signs. but I am worried that it will be hard to get comparables.
Richard
Hi Richard - We don't see as many stars in Las Vegas because of all of the lights from the Strip. But when I get outside of the valley the sky is filled with wonder.
John,
The lights in my subdivision as well as the trees and other homes limit my viewing. So far I'm still seeing and learning with the limited view. If I continue this I will need to find a better observation point.
I cannot imagine how great the view must be from the open areas around Vegas and other locations in Nevada.
Richard