The Pilgrimage to Mecca

The pilgrimage to Mecca is a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in a lifetime. This is a different pilgrimage to a different "Mecca." Adam and Jessica, as budding amateur telescope makers, made their first pilgrimage this weekend to the birthplace of amateur telescope making in America. The Stellafane Convention began in the 1920's, in Springfield, Vermont. Some people have come here as teenagers, and are still attending 40 years later. I first came here in 1989, and this was my 23rd convention in a row. This is Adam and Jess' first convention, and they brought Jess' commercially made telescope. Next year they are planning to return with their first home-made telescope. I can't wait to see that!