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A HAPPY AMATEUR ASTRONOMY EXPERIENCE
Through Amateur Astronomy we can find out: Where WE are in the cosmos. The universe is disciplined, elegant and beautiful and we should all learn to enjoy it and admire it, but more importantly we need to understand where we are astronomically. Aside from knowing where we are physically, we should venture to understand where we are in the evolutionary timeline of the universe. Only then can we begin to understand the TRUTH of what and who we are.
Please click to watch 36 minute educational video: Cosmic Voyage - (IMAX 1996) Smisthonian Institution.
Children who engage in amateur astronomy activities while at a primary or secondary school level, are more likely to pursue careers in science and technology, and to keep up to date with scientific discoveries (National Research Council, 1991). This does not just benefit the field of astronomy, but reaches across other scientific disciplines.
This interesting hobby offers various opportunities for enjoying a Happy Amateur Astronomy Experience as:
THE BACKYARD AMATEUR ASTRONOMER. Knowledgeable of his Night Sky. Frequently uses his telescope at his home with his family and friends. He enjoys sharing his experience with others. He is always ready to lend a hand to those interested in entering the hobby. Sharing his “Happy Amateur Astronomy Experience” could become a healthy social activity.
THE COMMUNITY AMATEUR ASTRONOMER. He is a self motivated Amateur Astronomer aiming to popularize Astronomy in his community. Eager to interest children, young adults and adults in Astronomy, offering sky watching demonstrations with his telescopes, at neighborhood shopping center parking lots, parks, schools and other public gathering places. Performs a very important service. Each children that becomes an Amateur Astronomer could pursue a Higher Education opportunity in Science or Engineering. Such an Amateur Astronomer was John Dobson R.I.P. (September 14, 1915 – January 15, 2014).
THE ASTROPHOTOGRAPHER AMATEUR ASTRONOMER. His interest could be photographing far away deep sky objects, almost invisible to amateur telescopes, or nearby planets, He typically owns very large telescopes, expensive GOTO mounts and even more expensive CCD cameras. His interest is highly scientific, his skills are very technical and his astronomy social circles are mostly limited to others that share this very specialized aspect of Amateur Astronomy. Light Pollution is a very big issue with him. Astrophotographers living in suburbia America must travel far to remote dark sites, for each successful astrophotography opportunity. Members of Astronomy Clubs often participate or may have an interest in this expensive, highly technical, scientific and complex aspect of Amateur Astronomy.
THE INTERNET AMATEUR ASTRONOMER. He is a very visible Amateur Astronomer whose presence is known through his frequent postings at Internet Amateur Astronomy Forums and/or User's Groups. He is knowledgeable and experienced. He is a very important member of the hobby as he is always willing to share his knowledge and experience with others. Always willing to help.
THE TRAVELER AMATEUR ASTRONOMER. Camping, motor homes, regional, national and international conventions, stargazer's parties and Amateur Astronomy events, all blend with his main interest: Amateur Astronomy. He may be active in local, regional and national astronomy organizations. Probably has also an interest in Astrophotography. Knows and enjoys socializing with personalities of the Amateur Astronomy universe. Is probably very experienced and knowledgeable and may own lots of sophisticated telescopes and astronomy wares. A great resource when available.
THE CLUBMAN AMATEUR ASTRONOMER. An activist member of his local Amateur Astronomy Club. He is present at every administrative, social and Amateur Astronomy function of his Club. He volunteers to any activity where he can demonstrate his telescopes and share his Amateur Astronomy experiences with others. A great "outreach" resource for his club. Most of his Amateur Astronomy activities may be around those of his club.
TO AVOID AN UNHAPPY AMATEUR ASTRONOMY EXPERIENCE, please read:
AMATEUR ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY: INITIAL CONSIDERATIONS.
and join your local astronomy club, where you should be able to get help and many answers. And, if you have questions about whether joining a club is for you? You can visit the Cloudy Night's Forum threat: http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/6081454/page/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all/fpart/all/vc/1
Beware Consumer (Caveat Emptor): BEFORE YOU ARE LURED INTO INVESTING MANY HUNDREDS AND EVEN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN FANCY AND EXPENSIVE: TRIPODS, EQUATORIAL MOUNTS, and/or ASTRO-CAMERAS and accessories, PLEASE CONSIDER THIS VERY IMPORTANT FACT OF THIS HOBBY.
NATURE and only NATURE is THE determinant factor of whether there will be Clear Skies at a given location at a given night and for how long.
And you will find very few of them convenient to you, each year.
July 27,2014
December 31, 2016 - updated.
October 4, 2022 - updated
MIAMI-DADE ASTRONOMY INSTITUTE PROJECT
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