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Re: (meteorobs) soul & science
Guys, (i'd say that was politically incorrect, but have yet to see a post
from a female),
Just as a side note to my learning conditions vs what Kevin has gone
through. There's an article in the local paper today (Star Ledger), noting
that is has been so cloudy that 26 of 31 days in July have been below
normal in temperature. Philadelphia has had zero 90 degree days in July,
first time ever since records were kept (Over 120 years). Normal is 9. New
York has not exceeded 90 degrees since MAY 24th. Normal is 3 for June, 7
for July. So it has been a real challenging time. I put it to the best use
I could. Kevin has the IMO Visual handbook to keep him company on cloudy
nights this week, and we will get together soon/eventually. I should also
point out that the Observatory is about the closest place with clear enough
skies in NJ, and it takes me 75 seconds to get there. It takes him 75
minutes.
Wayne
-------------
Original Text
From KevTK@aoldot com, on 7/30/96 7:36 AM:
To: <meteorobs@latradedot com>
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