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Re: (meteorobs) soul & science
In a message dated 96-07-29 13:51:17 EDT, you write:
<< In fact, for
probably thousands of old-hand scope-jockies around the world, sitting out
under
the stars on Aug 11/12, facing North, and counting the shooting stars you
see IS
meteor astronomy. >>
Thats absolutely true - but are they collecting data the way the NAMN and
IMO require it? Maybe - maybe not. If their names don't show up here from
time to time, the're probably not. Thats the whole point - why go to great
lenghts to go after observers who may only have a passing interest (go out
once or twice a year and watch when there's an article about it in their
local paper). Concentrate on the die-hards and the serious novices, and the
rank beginner will either get sucked into or spun away from what we are
doing. I haven't been able to be off on a clear night to collect data - YET -
so I count myself as a rank beginner, but I'm not getting spun away.
I would guess that the overwhelming majority of us are adults and the
hand-holding stage of life is over. Put the info out there (like this
discussion group does), they will either take it and run or they will pass it
by, and if they are going to do - it let them do it right from the start.
Kevin