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(This article originally appeared in the Q1 1989 STAR newsletter. -Ian)
The
Many Faces of Astronomy
By
Michael Scherer
For
many people, astronomy means the study of the stars and conjures up
visions of huge telescopes forever pointed skyward. This "layman's"
view of astronomy is true to a point, but for the amateur astronomer
much more is involved. Astronomy does not just include the stars and
not all telescopes are huge "light buckets" forever pointed
toward the night sky. The amateur's Universe includes stars to be
sure, but it also includes the planets, asteroids, comets, galaxies,
supernova and a host of other objects. Their instruments are just as
diverse: from large reflector telescopes kept in domed observatories
to binoculars and often just the naked eye itself! Many amateurs are
"arm-chair astronomers", happy to spend their time
traveling the Universe in the comfort of their own home. The rewards
of astronomy are as varied as the reasons for pursuing the hobby in
the first place, from the aesthetic beauty of the night sky to the
challenge of locating and observing Deep Sky objects or the chance to
make discoveries.
The
aesthetic side of astronomy offers even the most extraordinary of men
a chance to humble themselves at the feet of the Universe. No matter
how large our daily problems seem, they pale in comparison to the
size and beauty of the Universe around us. Who could resist the joys
of observing objects like the gas clouds of Orion or the star packed
globular cluster M-13! What about traveling through the rugged
mountains and crater fields of the Moon or examining the
multi-colored belts of the planet Jupiter, or better yet, looking at
the marvelous ring system of Saturn. All beautiful objects, all a
joy to look at, all available to everyone if you are only willing to
look.
Astronomy
offers challenge! It pushes what skills you may have to the limit,
and in the process requires that you develop new skills. After you
have looked at the so called "easy" objects, you are forced
to fine tune your observing skills by searching for ever more
difficult ones. In time you may find that you would like to
specialize in a particular field of astronomy, maybe comets, variable
stars, etc. The point is, your skills as an observer or a
photographer (if Astrophotography is your thing) or even as a
telescope maker, will grow along with you and your hobby! You can't
lose!
Astronomy
as a science has a lot to offer an individual, and as an individual
you have a lot to offer the science of astronomy. There are many
areas of astronomy that you as an amateur can study, become
proficient at and ultimately make a contribution. From observing and
counting Sun spots, to searching for and discovering comets,
asteroids and supernovas - you can make a difference! The
opportunities to contribute are as varied as the objects in the night
sky. Name your area of special interest and you have a field where
you can add to Man's knowledge. With the aid of a small telescope or
a good pair of binoculars you can explore new vistas, examine the
wonders of the Universe, add to the science of astronomy and have fun
doing it!
The
Universe is the "great teacher"! How can you look at the
night sky and not learn! The more you observe the Universe and its
many diverse objects, the more you realize that there is so much more
to know. The hobby of astronomy will allow you to cross over into
other disciplines, increasing your skills and knowledge. For
example, you might decide to try your hand at astrophotography and in
the process develop your skills as a photographer; the next thing you
know, you have two hobbies which are compatible. You may enjoy
making your own telescopes and accessories which could introduce you
to the areas of woodworking or metalworking. The list of compatible
hobbies and combination of hobbies that can be used in the pursuit of
your hobby of astronomy is almost endless. I hope you get the point!
Astronomy
is a hobby that offers you the chance to travel through space and
time. One minute you can be wandering among the mountains and
craters of the Moon, and in the next visit the Andromeda Galaxy two
million light years away. Astronomy is as close to a "perfect"
hobby as you can get. It offers you a chance to learn about the
Universe around you, to develop new skills, to make real
contributions to science and can be shared by the whole family - a
true family hobby! What could be better? You have a ticket to go
anywhere you wish in the Universe and the best part is, it can be
done from a little piece of Earth called "your backyard"
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