(meteorobs) Why don't more amateurs get it? (Meteors, that is.)

[George Gliba]

JBortle at aol.com wrote:
> As someone who has spent a lifetime in the hobby, let me relate what that 
> long interval has shown me about observers and serious observing.
>
> First of all, not more than 1% of amateur astronomers ever contribute 
> anything worthwhile in the way of scientifically useful data during their careers. There seems to be very little interest in doing so. Those that do contribute are generally working in just a few limited fields. First and foremost is probably variable stars and associated observing (GRB, et al.), followed by comets and then meteors. I do not consider deepsky observing, which is vastly more popular than all three of the scientifically valid areas combined, as being "useful," beyond simple individual enjoyment. Of course, there are a smattering of folks doing worthwhile and recognized planetary work, as are a few in some rather exotic fields. But that percentage of amateurs is truly vanishingly small. 
> In the long run, what this says is that there has always been a very limited pool of potentially serious observers to draw from for all observational field, with today being even more so. It should also be noted that quite a few serious observers contribute to more than one field.
>
> Probably the greatest hindrance to serious meteor observing has always been the required significant commitment of time. Even truer today, when time has become increasingly scarce for most. Another factor, already expressed by others, is that most of the time spent meteor "observing" results in not actually seeing anything happen. That's not too bad on a short, warm, summer night but when it's 20 degrees outside, sitting around for several hours can prove very discouraging very quickly. During many of the lesser showers, the inactivity can  become downright boring. By contrast, a good effort in observing variables stars or comets may require an expenditure of no more than one hour or so once a week, making it difficult for meteor observing to compete for potential observers.  
>
> As we all know and as my compatriot, Joe Rao, has pointed out, significant 
> light pollution has ruined the skies for perhaps 75%-80% of Americans today. Where once most of us could just venture outside our backdoor and see 6.5 magnitude stars, finding skies that good nowadays (especially in the Eastern US)often requires multiple hours of driving in each direction. Again, a situation very discouraging to potential observers and increasingly unsafe.
>
> Society itself has changed in several respects. Few younger people (say those under 40) have the leisure time to spend even just plain old "star gazing" with a scope. For them, dedicating hours of time regularly to serious observing is out of the question. As for us older guys, who may well have the time to do what we please, the rigors of exposure to often rather harsh weather conditions and the often inconvenient hours tend to deter us. 
>
> Finally, there has been a significant trend in the hobby itself away for 
> building one's own specialized equipment and taking an extended time to develop one's observing skills. We are today definitely living in a time of, "I want it now and I don't want to have to work at it." If it can't be bought or accomplished outright, it isn't worth doing. This sort of attitude/ethic does not mesh well with doing any serious form of amateur astronomy. Never has, never will. Sadly, these attitudes are clearly evident virtually across the board in hobbies of all kinds. I see it on many of the forums that deal with my other hobby interests. I've also read some articles suggesting that we are seeing essentially the lastgeneration in which traditional hobbies will be pursued to any degree. Not much of an upbeat outlook but probably true, I'm afraid. 
>
> JBortle   
>   

Well said John! For those who don't know, John Bortle is one of the
top variable star and comet observers in the world. One thing I would
add to what he said, is that often the rewards of long hours of meteor
observing on a cold low activity night can be subtle. Like the lasting
peace of mind that comes with feeling like a part of the Earth and the
Cosmos. This is something that has to be felt to understand, and it may
not come easy to most people.

Clear Skies,
GWG