Don't be INTIMIDATED!
What's UP! Amateur Astronomers INTIMIDATE ME!
What's UP! Amateur Astronomers INTIMIDATE ME!
Yes-- lots of GEEKS in the Astronomy hobby! So here are some tips for "how not to be intimidated by all the geek stuff with this hobby.
a. Take it slow- this can be a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Even those fancy professional Astronomers don't have all the answers. Although some of them THINK they do!
b. The names for many stars and Constellations are NOT English words. They were originally named by the Greeks, and Romans, plus many many objects were originally in the Arabic language-- so just like Peking and Beijing(the SAME CITY!), the English pronunciation and spelling might not be actually correct! So don't be intimidated by how you PRONOUNCE sky objects. Now add that TEXAS accent to Camelopardalis - The Giraffe--- HA! and no telling how it will sound! OR
Alchibah - in Arabic Al-Khiba'
Alderamin- in Arabic Adh-Dhira' al-Yamin
SEE WHAT I MEAN! So don't worry if you cannot pronounce them-- no one else can!
c. Start with your own eyes and a star-chart from www.skymaps.com and learn to identify a few LANDMARKS in the sky. Just go outside after dark and try to identify at least one or two Constellations each month-- and one or two bright stars. With these few landmarks you can find your way around the sky--- just like that Kentucky Fried Chicken place, one block before you turn left on "what's the name of that street!". Landmarks in the sky are no different.
d. Buy a pair of 10x50 Binoculars as your first telescope--- and a cheap photo tripod -- to hold them steady. Look around the sky for several months before you buy a telescope --- and then buy a 6 inch or 8 inch Dobsonian or a nice 80mm widefield refractor, like a Stellarvue brand, or the 80mm Orion brand. After about 1 year of looking and reading you should be ready for your first "BIG" telescope. However, you may discover that the small 80mm refractor and-or the 6 inch DOB is all you ever really need to enjoy the night sky.
e. DON'T even think about taking pictures with your new telescope! You will spend several thousands of dollars for just the proper equipment; AND this can be a frustrating endeavor. WAIT----- and wait some more; and READ and read some more before you jump into astrophotography. (a good astro-camera will run you more than $3500! and a good mount at least $1500!) or you can do what I did--- I bought a $150 Meade DSI camera just to fool-around with in the backyard. I have no intention of pursuing this part of the hobby. I prefer the visual experience of seeing the wonders of the Universe in an eyepiece.
However, you can see my NOT so great astro-pictures taken with my $150 camera at my Flickr site------- 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/boatman1
As an example of how smart you are, I have prepared a multiple choice TEST. If you pass this test you are probably already in the TOP 10% of the US population:
1. The BIG BANG is:
a. A theory that describes the history of the Universe.
b. The sound of my 12 gauge shotgun.
2. the letters AU in Astronomy mean:
a. Astronomical Unit
b. How an Australian pronounces "HEY YOU!"
3. The speed of light is:
a. 186,000 miles per second
b. Faster than you can clear an intersection having a red light camera
4. Recently the Astronomer's Association declared Pluto a dwarf planet; name the remaining 8 major planets.
a. Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
b. Dwarf Planet? Oh ya--- that 1970s rock band from England.
5. The Sun is mostly made from what TWO light elements.
a. Hydrogen and helium
b. Flour and Corn Meal
So, don't let Astronomy or the geeks that pursue it INTIMIDATE you! Go outside and see What's UP! --- and have lots of FUN!
Yes-- lots of GEEKS in the Astronomy hobby! You really know more about the night sky than you THINK you do-- and certainly more than 95% of the world's population.
Clear skies to you.
TelescopeMan
