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

[Andrew Wood]

O.K. guys,  I have been pleasantly surprised w/ the why amateur forum... I've don't have experience recording meteors, however I I have I have tons  of of exp watching and counting. I feel bad that some of you out there think that you are a dying breed, I'm 34 - my friends travel to my spot - and yes we use it as game -I'm @ approx 43.23N 95.10W I have next to no light pollution, Out in the middle of the lake almost every night, been awhile since I've took astronomy in college - would really like a recommendation on a guide, I would like to learn and try to contribute...

belatrix <belatrix at ozemail.com.au> wrote:   GAS rules the universe! Its just one big pissing contest now, to my 
mind,

But I do think 'amateur or casual astronomy' is bigger than ever, 
mainly thanks to the tentacles of modern broadband internet, the 
Chinese/east asian industrial revolution (lots of cheap but useable 
gear), at least here anyway.
But poor old serious visual meteor observing is definitely down at the 
very bottom of the pecking order of amateur observing, even 
trainspotting would seem to be more respectable pastime for some reason 
lol. and we do seem to be the geekiest of the geeks in their eye's!

But imaging (in all its forms) is the glamour puss of this era of 
course, and we have witnessed an amazing explosion in this area, and I 
think its all good :-) I mean how good is planetary imaging amongst 
amateurs these days for example! and many?/some contribute 
scientifically this way, a completely new field almost?

You seem to need to be able to show proof of your efforts instantly and 
big note, worldwide, to be considered to be doing something worthwhile.
People seem to dislike anything that requires mental discipline and 
restraint, and I have detected a strong undercurrent of 
anti-intellectualism amongst many newcomers (unless it is to do with 
the technical aspects of equipment or processing, then its the 
opposite, which is just plain weird hypocrisy) , and even old-comers 
too, not that I thought this area was actually 'intellectual' anyway 
lmao, I was surprised.

Something as basic as visually determining your limiting magnitude 
while at your site is somehow repressive and anathema now, and 
surprisingly is considered being a spoiler. I actually enjoy those 
aspects more than most, and love the stimulation and challenge to the 
grey matter. But then if you have just done a 60 hr week, and you just 
want mindless unwinding battery recharging and relaxing fun, like 
watching tv is, then I don't blame them. I like my hit of 'satori' as 
much as the next person, and that is still my favourite and most 
important/motivating part of observing, and still the best and easiest 
way to find it IMO.

I read and heard some disturbing comments here in oz, during the best 
of the apparition of Comet McNaught, from youngsters mostly under 10, 
while many many were, they weren't ALL impressed by this amazing sight. 
I read of one fathers comment that his youngster said fireworks were 
much better to look at, and they were bored almost, as it just sat 
there not moving lol!
anyway, could go on bitching, but better shut up now :P things to do
just my 2 cents au worth
cheers
Kearn
ps I agree with just about all the points raised by the other posters 
as well :-) its a kinda soup of reasons!
---
Mailing list meteorobs: meteorobs at meteorobs.org
To UNSUBSCRIBE, email: owner-meteorobs at meteorobs.org
http://lists.meteorobs.org/mailman/listinfo/meteorobs


       
---------------------------------
Catch up on fall's hot new shows on Yahoo! TV.  Watch previews, get listings, and more!