ABC National Radio and Amateur Astronomy

[Glenn Dawes]

Hi guys,

About a year ago Peter Northfield, Ken Wallace and myself did an interview with a reporter from the ABC (every word was faithfully recorded – even the mistakes!). We hadn’t heard anything since, until yesterday I got a call saying it will be on ABC National Radio’s ‘360’ program tomorrow (Saturday 17th) at 2pm Eastern Summer time.

From what I can remember of the discussion it started with our astronomy yearbook, but soon evolved into a general round table on just about every facet of amateur astronomy in Australia, including IYA2009, IIS, public education, astro societies, equipment suppliers and observing in general. She was particularly taken with the extraordinary images taken by fellow enthusiasts, such as those in Astronomy 2009. The reporter also enjoyed talking with Lesley Wallace about the life of an amateur’s spouse. I believe other people in the astro community were also interviewed for the programme. Of course, the bottom line is, I have no idea what will eventually go to air! All I hope is for a good plug for our hobby!

For those wishing to listen, ABC National radio’s frequency varies from area to area (in both AM and FM), but it can be listened to live from their website. Also it is likely to be downloadable from their website from next week.

Regards

Glenn

[Enchilada]

Nothing beats advertising (even on the ABC)...

[stephenb]

Thanks for the info Glenn. I enjoy listening to ABC local radio and RN.

[supernova1965]

Just downloaded and listened to the podcast thought it was great and enjoyed listening to it I expect I will listen to it again. I think that ABC did very well with it lots of spacey type music very listenable. Made me think I know Peter,Ken and Glenn a little and how alike we really all are.:thanx:

[mithrandir]

Quote: "Are the thousands of amateur astronomers across Australia studying the night sky in search of some higher truth or are they enjoying the equivalent of galactic trainspotting?" :rofl:
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/360/stories/2009/2715156.htm

[Glenn Dawes]

Andrew, I know what you mean - besides how many trainspotter do we know that get rained out, clouded out, dewed up, high winds, poor seeing, flat batteries, failed drives etc. I suppose in search of higher truths, you can't get much higher! ;)

I thought the comment at the end was a bit strange (I'd never heard it before)

... I'm reminded of the epitaph of amateur astronomers 'We're not afraid of death, we've never been afraid of the dark' :confused2:

[supernova1965]

Listening to the story from someone who is new to astronomy as I am I felt that it was something that would get you interested in looking further into it. Lets face it was the media they have to "Sex it Up" a little. You never get a realistic account of anything that they put out there. But I did find it enjoyable to listen to.;):)

[h0ughy]

have downloaded it and will listen later. just amazed that it took 12 months to air?

[spacezebra]

Thanks for the post Glenn

Cheers Petra d.

[mithrandir]

The segment is about 31 minutes into the program.

[Glenn Dawes]

Hi Warren,

I appreciate your comments about 'sexing it up' and not getting a realistic account on a show such as this. Afterall, it's more designed for the latte sipping crowd in Darlinghurst. I should have realized they would be more interested in the fact that Comet Hale-Bopp had determined the timing of my wedding rather than the science around comets. I, like I'm sure many fellow IISs, have funny stories around interacting with the public - I should have thrown more of those in.

I must admit I was disappointed with the stereotyping of Charley Lineweaver referring to amateurs as 'lonely and hypothermic!' (I know, I've got nerve saying this after my Darlinghurst crack above). I for one hate the cold - hence my industrial strength freezer suit. Also, I would much rather observe with fellow enthusiasts than on my own. His comments to me had a touch of 'those mad monks' about it. Don't miss understand me, I have a high regard for Charley, and I'll accept that quite often the impression left can be influenced greatly by how the comments are edited. (infact, he by coincidence has written one of our lead articles in Astronomy 2010).

Regards

Glenn

[supernova1965]

Yeah I know what you mean about rather being out with other enthusiasts even if a group of us get together and all the clouds come over we don't pack up and go home. We just start talking and don't get home until well after 11pm. I have the advantage that I much prefer being in colder weather not to say I don't RUG UP I am not mad I just find it easy to get warm than to cool off.