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Re: (meteorobs) soul & science (was Re: plot describe count)
In a message dated 96-07-25 20:13:56 EDT, you write:
<< By first-time observer I had in mind the person that
contacts me with the general question: Where and when can I see the Perseid
falling stars? In this case, they will not be out to collect data, only to
watch the 'fireworks' so to speak. If I send them the NAMN Guide as a
response, they will double-click the <DELETE> button on their mail program.
Instead, I respond to these inquiries by advising them about dark skies,
direction of best field of view, radiant location in deep-sky terms, etc. I
also close by mentioning that this is a field they can make valuable
contributions to, and if interested in the NAMN, to email me back. At that
point, I will recruit them into NAMN, and begin the training.
>>
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My definition of a "first time observer" are those who are somewhat familiar
with the word astronomy and perhaps looked up in the sky previously without
being forced.
If a person simply asks me when he can see the "shooting stars" and not have
a clue as to what they really are, I simply send them my synopsis about the
Perseids or what other major shower that they are hinting about. I don't even
bother to ask if they are interested in NAMN or meteor observing for
scientific purposes. I'd like to assume that the individual has taken some
initiative to be interested in General Astronomy in the first place prior to
me attempting to teach them how to observe meteors. I don't intend for NAMN
to be so basic that the individual thinks a meteor report is simply a report
of just seeing a solitary meteor by chance. I have to assume the people that
I approach to induct into NAMN are at least semi-educated with some degree of
astronomical interests. Anything less to work with would be absolutely
futile. If somebody asks me about meteors on the level of an oysters
understanding, I'd have to not get serious about them ever to become meteor
observers with a purpose. My response would have to be geared to the
individual I'm talking to. If they have no interests in astronomy in the
first place, it's not my position to motivate something that doesn't exist.
George Z.
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