Improved productivity at the eyepiece

   I have been passionate about recording my observations either in a written log book, or now in a database program. There are several reasons that I do this. First, I contribute my observations and estimates of variable stars to the AAVSO database and so I need a way of gathering and maintaining this information. Secondly, like most observers, I work my way through various observation lists like the Messier and Herschel 400 with the goal of completing these list. I find it very enjoyable to look back at my observations and to share them with others. One draw back that this has is that it can consume a lot of time while in the field. Time that could be better spent at the eyepiece.

    Well, I discovered a method that allows me to be more productive when I am at the telescope. I now use a hand held digital voice recorder to record my observations. I can now spend more time at the eyepiece and less time on the lap top recording the observation as this can be done later at home. I have also noticed that my observation are more detailed as I am spending more time at the eyepiece and can record verbally a lot more information than I could ever type in a reasonable amount of time. I estimate that my productivity has increased by about 50%, meaning that I get 50% more time at the eyepiece. I suspect there are very few things that one can do to get a productivity boost anywhere near this level or for this cost.

Clear skies

rw