'sidewalk astronomy'

[yagon]

I've seen the term 'sidewalk astronomy' in a few articles and threads. What does the term mean?

Personally, I've never seen anyone looking through a scope on a side walk!

[bird (Anthony Wesley)]

Yes, that's exactly what happens... people like John Dobson would just set up a scope in the middle of the footpath (or "sidewalk" if you're from elsewhere) and offer to show people the stars and sights as they walked past.

Bird

[norm]

Sidewalk Astronomy refers to a kind of amateur astronomy founded by John Dobson in the 1960's that involves bringing telescopes to urban areas (like sidewalks) to show passers-by some of the more prominent features of the night or daytime sky, free-of-charge.

I pinched that from the 'free dictionary' website and I guess it makes sense, although probably doesn't happen much these days.