Think back, way back

[Chu Gai]

What did you want to be when you got older? Me, I was fascinated as a child by the stars and thought it would be so cool to be an astronomer. I'd take out books at the library and just be in amazement at what was out there.

You?

 

[slipperybidness]

What did you want to be when you got older? Me, I was fascinated as a child by the stars and thought it would be so cool to be an astronomer. I'd take out books at the library and just be in amazement at what was out there.

You?

Well, I had the classic: Astronaut.

Then I got older and outgrew the height requirements for that to even be a possibility!

Then, I guess that I went to "scientist" and that is now my education and my career!

Speaking of astronomy.....it's tough to make a living doing that! I have a few friends that have BS degrees in astronomy and/or physics. None of them found work in those fields!

But, you know amateur astronomy is alive and well! The nice thing about amateur astronomy is that you absolutely have the ability to contribute significantly to the field! The sky and universe are huge, the more people looking, the more likely to make a discovery.

Funny enough, I just bought this book about amateur astronomy. I'm thinking that I want to buy a set of binoculars and a good telescope and start into this hobby.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/155407147X?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

 

[Chu Gai]

I remember seeing a show on TV or maybe it was something that I read long ago about this guy who travelled around the country teaching kids how to grind their own mirrors. Any idea?

 

[slipperybidness]

I remember seeing a show on TV or maybe it was something that I read long ago about this guy who travelled around the country teaching kids how to grind their own mirrors. Any idea?

Nope, sorry.

But, I did start reading that book that I linked. He indicated that "DIY optics" are pretty much a thing of the past. If anyone DIY for that hobby nowadays, it is pretty much exclusively DIY telescope base and/or optic tubes, then they just purchase the optics.

He also states that pretty much any brand of optics today are coming out of just a few factories in China. He also indicates that most of these Chinese optics are surprisingly good! That means that this hobby is more approachable for a newb than ever before.

 

[Locoweed]

Be aware that amateur astronomy can be a more expensive hobby than audio. Anybody want to buy some expensive astrophotography equip?

 

[slipperybidness]

Be aware that amateur astronomy can be a more expensive hobby than audio. Anybody want to buy some expensive astrophotography equip?

LOL! Yup, optics get pricey quick!!!

One of the reviews on that book, the guy says "don't buy this book. I bought it and I am now $5000 deep into this hobby".

But dang, you can see pictures on TVs and in books, but it really drives home the point when YOU find an object in a telescope and YOU verify what you are seeing with your own eyes!

This book really says that you want to start with a good set of binoculars. Does that sound like reasonable advice to you?

 

[j_garcia]

I watched every form of racing as a kid. 2 wheels, 4 wheels, whatever, I was watching it. F1 instead of cartoons. I wanted to be Senna

 

[mtrycrafts]

...

Speaking of astronomy.....it's tough to make a living doing that! I have a few friends that have BS degrees in astronomy and/or physics. None of them found work in those fields!

But, you know amateur astronomy is alive and well! The nice thing about amateur astronomy is that you absolutely have the ability to contribute significantly to the field! ...

Yep, lots of amateur discoveries by them. Wasn't the not too long ago meteor impact of Jupiter was by one?

 

[macddmac]

I watched every form of racing as a kid. 2 wheels, 4 wheels, whatever, I was watching it. F1 instead of cartoons. I wanted to be Senna

Good thing you weren't

 

[Locoweed]

LOL! Yup, optics get pricey quick!!!

This book really says that you want to start with a good set of binoculars. Does that sound like reasonable advice to you?[/QUOT

Yep, there is lots to see with a good pair of binocs. A chaise lounger will let you lay back & give your arms some support so you can hold the binocs steady.

 

[Adam]

I always wanted to spend hours a day engaged in semi-personal conversations with people that I'd never met, but I was lost and without purpose until the internet flourished. My destiny has been fulfilled.

 

[Chu Gai]

Have you considered homelessness?

 

[j_garcia]

Have you considered homelessness?

Homeless usually have in depth discussions with themselves or nobody.

 

[markw]

Homeless usually have in depth discussions with themselves or nobody.

The same applies to married guys as well.