Terry took his new telescope to the astronomy club’s hilltop meeting. The others watched the first stars appear.
He kept lowering his telescope towards the high street.
When he finally got a clear view, he packed up and fetched his coat.
The leader asked what he’d seen that was important enough to leave the stars for….
Terry bought a telescope after a talk at the village hall.
His wife, Val, said it would be good to have an interest that took him out in the evening.
He asked whether she meant that kindly.
She said both things could be true.
At his first astronomy meeting, the members carried their equipment up a hill above the village. The leader, Pam, showed Terry how to set up his tripod on firm ground.
He asked whether the telescope could be used before it was completely dark.
Certainly. We can look at the moon.
He studied the moon and was impressed. Then he looked down at the village.
The lights were coming on along the high street. From the hill, he could see the church, the bus stop and the pub where he and Val sometimes ate.
Pam helped another member with a chart. Terry turned his telescope.
He could make out the pub sign. Beneath it stood a small blackboard. The writing was just too small to read.
He tried a different eyepiece.
Pam returned.
Have you lost the moon?
No. It’s still in roughly the same place.
What are you looking for?
Something a little nearer.
She suggested focusing on the church tower to practise.
He said he was already practising on the next building.
A man beside him announced that the first stars were visible. Another began explaining which ones would be easiest to find.
Terry adjusted the focus very carefully.
For a moment, the blackboard became clear. He read it twice.
Then he folded his tripod.
Pam asked whether the evening was too cold.
Not at all.
Was something wrong with the telescope?
Nothing. It’s excellent.
He phoned Val and asked her to meet him in the village. She asked whether he had discovered anything interesting.
He said he would explain when she arrived.
Pam watched him pack away the eyepieces.
We’re just getting started, she said. There’s a great deal to see tonight.
Terry said there was always next week.
What could possibly be worth leaving a sky like this?
He pointed towards the blackboard.
Half-price pies until seven.
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