Re: Why amateur astronomy is a dying hobby
- From: RMOLLISE <rmollise@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: 20 May 2007 09:02:06 -0700
On May 19, 7:40 pm, Susan <sstr...@xxxxxxx> wrote:
On 19 May 2007 09:01:25 -0700, Rich <rander3...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi Susan:
Because:
1. Light pollution has murdered the beautiful night sky
Light pollution is a huge problem. But people (like the IDA) are
working to comat it. Light pollution or no, there are very few areas
of the country (there are some, I suppose) where an hour's drive won't
bring you to a reasonably dark site. Of course heading out to a dark
site takes committment to amateur astronomy. This is a demanding
avocation, and it is NOT and never has been for everyone.
2. If you've seen one faint fuzzy........................
You've seen them all? Not hardly. If this is your opinion, you haven't
been looking very well. I was struck, last night, by how much
_difference_ there was from little Ursa Major galaxy to little Ursa
Major galaxy. This reminds me of that old canard, "all globulars look
alike." Anyone who's seriously observed globulars will tell you they
are as individual as fingerprints. If you want to see the differences,
though, you have to devote time and study to each object...not just
pause your go-to scope on your target for 2 or 3 minutes. The light
from these objects has often taken millions of years to reach your
eye...doesn't that galaxy, then, DESERVE 20 minutes of your time?!
3. Younger folks got better things to do
No. They've got _more_ things to do. Not necessarily better--in their
minds or ours. The interest is still there, just like always. The
students at the university here, for example, recently organized their
own astronomy club. They didn't get prompted to do it; they did it on
their own and it is thriving. The same maintains with high-schoolers
and younger. It is important that we (clubs) ease their entry into a
rather complicated avocation. When some Mom calls you enquiring about
your club for her daughter or son, sit up and pay attention and follow
up.
4. Instead of looking through a nice telescope, people can log on to
most any website and see clearer, more detailed pictures than what
you'll ever get through a telescope.
_It ain't the same_. And even a grade-school child immediately
perceives the ineffable but very real difference. ;-)
5. Astronomy clubs are more about personalities than astronomy.
Some are, most aren't, and I say that based on my membership in a
pretty darned large number of clubs across the country over the last
40 years. If I had to make a blanket statement about the amateurs I've
met over the last four decades? "The best and nicest people I have
ever known."
6. Astronomy equipment is way too expensive.
You're kiddin', right? It's cheap, cheaper than it's ever been. The
Synta/Orion StarBlast, for example, is an amazingly capable little
scope that sells for $170.95. How many 1980s dollars would that be?
Not many, no not many at all. ;-)
7. It's too frustrating weatherwise. Astronomers are gluttons for
punishment.
Astronomy is and always has been a pursuit for the patient. But the
rewards, when they come, are immense. For many of us, the digital
imaging revolution, all the software, the internet, etc. means there
is always "something to do" astronomy-wise even in the midst of
hurricane season.
8. Setup takes too long when most folks have too little time on their
hands as it is (unless of course you have an observatory).
Only if you choose your equipment unwisely, assuming setup time is a
big factor for you. a 10 or 12-inch solid-tube dob is a powerful
instrument, but can be setup in the backyard and ready to go in 10-
minutes.
9. Too many other hobbies.
There _are_ many other hobbies, but few or none that offer the joy of
astronomy.
10. Too many nerds.
Some people in this pursuit might be classified as "nerds," I guess.
And what's wrong with that? If I recall correctly, the boys and girls
who were the nerds in highschool turned out to be those with the most
accomplishements, power, and money as the years roll on. In my
experience, the only people who worry about something like this are
those of a certain age. And age where they're unsure of themselves,
and maybe more concerned about the nerd within, than the nerd down at
the club. Your local club and your brother and sister amateurs will be
a source of support and enjoyment long after adolescent worries about
who's popular and who'd a nerd have faded away. ;-)
May I ask you a question, Susan? If the above is your opinion of your
fellow amateurs and amateur astronomy, why do you continue to be an
amateur astronomer, if you are? I'm wondering if you are indeed an
active amateur given your "number 4." ;-)
Unk Rod
.
- References:
- Why amateur astronomy is a dying hobby
- From: Rich
- Re: Why amateur astronomy is a dying hobby
- From: Susan
- Why amateur astronomy is a dying hobby
- Prev by Date: Re: Why amateur astronomy is a dying hobby
- Next by Date: Re: Moon and Venus
- Previous by thread: Re: Why amateur astronomy is a dying hobby
- Next by thread: Re: Why amateur astronomy is a dying hobby
- Index(es):
Relevant Pages
|
