How many of you have left astronomy and come back?

[taxman]

Last night was the first clear night with no social engagements since well into last year.

I forced myself to plan what I would image in the afternoon, begrudgingly topped up my battery and then lingered over dinner, making my kids miss the first half hour of Shark Boy and Lava Girl (still paying for that today!!). I trudged outside, started to setup and about 10 minutes into it, thought 'meh' before packing everything up and guiltily returning inside.

I really think I may have lost interest, and reviewing my motivations am beginning to think that collecting equipment became more important than the pastime itself. It seems to be manifesting as getting unnecessarily crabby on IIS over trivialities as well...

Today I found myself mentally adding up the expected value of items if had a fire sale (EM11 2K, Borg 77ED & flattener 1K, SXV M8c with guide head 1.5K, C8 w/- motofocus .5K, etc) and immediately felt sort of sad.

Maybe if I go back to when it was fun with a DSLR, unguided mount and 60mm scope it wil come back, but I don't know. Anyone else ever felt like this? How long before you got back into it? Did you hang on to your gear or start over?

[renormalised]

Best thing to do is take a break. Then when you get back into the swing of things build yourself a permanent setup, so you don't have to go dragging everything around.

If you sell all your stuff now, you're going to regret it in 6 month or so when you come to want to use it again. Plus, if you're feeling guilty about anything, like you said, you're going to feel cheesed off with the family and yourself when you come to get back into the swing of things and you can't because you sold everything. Then you'll resent everyone for making you feel that way.

It sounds like what you need is a long holiday and a break from everything.

[asimov]

Yes, I've given it away several times since I started back in 72'. I'm also thinking of doing it again right now. I live in Bundaberg QLD so I guess the reason would be obvious.

I kept all my gear in the previous couple of 'down tools!' scenerios.

[snowyskiesau]

I'm in the process of doing this now.
I haven't used the equipment in over 12 months and I'm not likely to for some time. Part of this is packing to move but mostly it's just a lack of interest.

At the moment, it makes more sense for me to get rid of everything rather than hang onto in the hope that I find an interest again.


.

[asimov]

That's a pity Geoff, however it does happen.

Good luck with everything mate.

[jjjnettie]

Aye, I can relate totally.
I have a clear night tonight and have no intention of setting up.

[leon]

Yes Geoff, been there myself at one stage and thought about all that expensive Tak stuff sitting in the Observatory idle.

I did get out of it for a while and once I sorted myself out personally, (we wont go into that) i did get back into it but in a different way.

Kept at it and enjoyed it, but then i took another turn in my life's direction and sold the lot, bought a 5th Wheeler and truck to pull it, and I could not be happier. :) :)

Astronomy can and dose become an addiction of sorts :shrug: and we, well at least me, accumulate so much gear at great expense and the rest is history, as you have noted.

My wife and I now travel around this country of ours, ;) we both have some nice camera stuff, and a few nice lenses, :D and love ever minute of it.:thumbsup:

I still love Astronomy,but there are other things in life equally as pleasing.

Leon :thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

Hi Matt.
I know where you are at.
It all does become a bit ho-hum at times.
But my cure each time has been to change the method of astronomy I do.

I started, as usual, doing visual. I used a small 114mm Reflector I assembled myself and plonked in on a mount I made out of plumbing pipes.

That set-up kept me happy for many years until it was all pretty ordinary and getting to a stage of 'I can't be bothered', so I lashed out and bought a 12" Dob.

Boy that 12" certainly made it all interesting again. It opened up the whole sky to me. For a few years.
Then it too become a bit mundane. Not hated, or boring, just 'the same old same old', so I wanted to dabble in astrophotography to try that.

Fortunately Bert (avandonk) was giving away a modified Toucam webcam, so I was able to get it so my sons and I could learn how to image objects.

Wow! That added life to the hobby again.

Then a few more years and I got Canon 350d and it got exciting again in a new way.
Then, it was starting to get all too much. Guiding, loooong hours of imaging, then darks, then the stacking, then processing etc etc.
All fun, but getting to be very tedious.
Again I was starting to think 'do I really want to set up tonight?'.

I usually did, but often not enjoying it as much as I used to.

Through all these stages of imaging I still periodically did visual on club nights which was good fun and a change.

But last year I was getting very discouraged with DSLR imaging, so I tried video astronomy and WOW!, I am glad I did.

Not only have I moved on to another method of astronomy but I consider it to be the most exciting and fun-filled method I have ever done.
'Live' video astronomy is fantastic, and easy!!!

No doubt I will get bored with it in a few years, but I will probably move to another method.

Maybe I'll fly up there and look close up with my eyes :lol:

But changing methods has kept the hobby fresh and fun for me.
But that is me. :thumbsup:

[AdrianF]

I feel like giving up as well. Forced myself into getting the dob out this afternoon and checking the collimation ready for tonight. But 15 mins into getting the tools out to do the job I gave up. The dob is still sitting on the verandah waiting.

Adrian

[asimov]

Ken, I guess what you're saying is the WOW factor has to be there to keep one interested. I'm trying to achieve that right now, by buying a 16" DOB to 'light the visual spark' again. I haven't looked through an EP for 8 years..

Anyway, it's not working - No one has a 16" DOB in stock until at least march/april:lol:

[ballaratdragons]

Yep John, same with any hobby really.
Gotta keep it fresh and interesting somehow.

Wow, you looking in a EP :eyepop: :lol:

[ballaratdragons]

Reading back through this thread I wonder if the lack of interest lately is due to very quiet skies (when we have skies at all).

In previous years we have had some pretty exciting things to spark us up and get the juices flowing: Comets, Supernovae, major changes to Jupiter, etc.

Lately, the skies haven't given up anything new or of major public interest.
The Lunar Eclipse maybe, but most couldn't see it.

Think back over the years to when big things have happened in the skies, and how popular telescopes were each time. Sales soared, TV News and Newspapers gave tantalising images and stories, and we all ran outside each night with our scopes and cameras and flooded the forums with images and stories.

Can anyone think of anything lately that has caused a mighty excitement in this hobby?

I may be wrong, but that is my thoughts on why interest may be waning for so many.

[Robh]

It helps if you meet up with a group of people (say once a month) at a designated site. It's not only social but more interesting as you compare and share observations and insights with each other.

Regards, Rob.

[asimov]

In my case, it's all about being in QLD & it's weather. I was forced to move here due to circumstances beyond my control.

Looking back on it, I had miles more fun down in SA. The seeing was total rubbish but at least I was out there 75% of the year.

[adman]

Nooo...not you jjj. Don't give in, stay away from the light, don't go into the light...aaarrrrgggghhhh.....
:)

[ballaratdragons]

Excellent point Rob!

I certainly enjoy astronomy more when I do it with other people.
That's why I enjoy camp so much :thumbsup:

It can be a lonely hobby. Even in your own back yard.

[GrampianStars]

:rofl: maybe you should all get 2gether and have a regular "Star Party"
"Grumpy,Disillusioned, Disappointed" astronomers only
Oh what Fun :lol:
I sometimes roll the roof off boot up and just sit and watch the stars turn.
The Obs is a refuge from day 2 day crap.

[asimov]

Yeah, in QLD we'd spend more time talking at this 'star party' complaining about the weather...It's easier & cheaper to do that online:lol:

[ballaratdragons]

:rofl:

[Rodstar]

I would concur with the advice of others to hold onto your gear, but give it a break for a while. Absence can often make the heart grow fonder.

After 5 years of being very fervent about our Noble Interest, I lost some enthusiasm in the course of 2010. It was partly a run of poor weather, and partly that I found some other things that were capturing my interest, and you can only keep up that initial enthusiasm for so long.

But having had a break for about 6 months, I feel freshly motivated all of a sudden, a few weeks ago I observed three nights in succession, like old times! I even cleaned my eyepieces, the mirror in the Mary Rose, and have been gazing longingly in astronomy atlases.

I agree that meeting with others can help with the motivation, as can setting new goals, trying to do things a different way, or setting yourself a special project (like becoming an expert in a type of astronomical object, or in a particular constellation, etc). This year I am heading off to the northern hemisphere for a holiday, and I am trying to line up a visit to an observatory so that I can see some stuff from the far northern hemisphere. That has gotten me very excited!

This morning, I even found myself giving an imaginery astronomy lecture whilst in the shower. I was trying to explain the immensity of the cosmos to a fictitious audience. I realised the fundamental of why astronomy appeals to me...it is the wonder of it all. Tapping back into the wonder has helped me a huge amount. When it is all about getting the next bit of kit, or keeping with the Jones'/having to the have the latest EP, then one can lose the raison d'etre. Maybe think about what got you into it in the first place, and focus on that when you have taken leave of absence for a while.

Good luck!

[Ric]

I can honestly say that in 40+ years of amateur astronomy I have never lost the passion for it.

I find that if one area becomes tedious or dull I shift my focus to another.

For the last 12 months I have simply gone back to the basics and returned to visual astronomy.

I had been doing astrophotography but I hit a wall with trying to get my head around the processing part of it. So I decided to have a break from it and just enjoy the wonders of the sky visually. I will go back to photography and start from scratch with fresh eyes.

I have even thought of trying some sketching for a while and with my artistic ability this could be very interesting.:lol:

[danielsun]

I sometimes go through that stage but I would never give it up or sell anything because there are times where like tonight it is clear but don't get out there simply too tired from day to day stuff like work or kids etc.., but sometimes when it's new moon time and I know I'm not working the next day I convince myself to make a super effort to get out there and once I'm under way with the music on quietly in the shed, it all comes together guiding and clicking away, i am so glad I did it and it's tranquility. It also really helps if you do have it all pre set up.Mine is on rollers so all I do is carry the laptop to the shed and camera's, roll it out and I'm away. But it can be months between imaging sessions for me.
On many clear nights even though I know it would be perfect to be out there with the scope, I at least just step outside basically just to see how good a night I'm missing out on and at least say hello to the night sky or hope to just catch a meteor or something before stepping back inside and going to bed.
I also some times just need a change like get the dob out for a little or at the moment I am into doing time lapses which is a new area for me which has given me a new spark.
I think just have a break for a bit and when the itch comes back ,which it will, you will be glad you didn't sell it.



Cheers Daniel.

[Astroman]

I never really gave up the hobby, but due to financial problems, and other things I wanted, which put more strain on the budget, I sold almost everything I had. BIG mistake. Now I am building my own observatory (in the DIY Observatories section) I am making a permanent setup so if I do lose interest for a while, at least I can keep it locked away, ready for next time. Another thing that annoyed me was light pollution. Not having a great deal of cash, and only a DSLR un modded, I thought that imaging was limited. Now though, I found out narrow band imaging is not as affected by LP so this is the way I am rebuilding my setup, for Narrow band imaging.

So changing my setup, could be worth while in the end. Don't sell up, you will regret it, I know I do sometimes.

[Jeffkop]

I think it becomes a problem when so many hours are poured into it. Astro photography is a very time consuming thing and good results are a little hit and miss for a miriad of reasons, and just when you think you've got on top of the problems ... think again. So its a fairly big conviction one takes to stay in it and happy. Most of Australia has had rain and cloud for, well, almost a year now ... and so we have been doing other things at night. Some will naturally now start enjoying the difference, whatever that is and at the same time contemplate, and certainly part of that thought process is going to be rehashing the setup process the alignment, the imaging, the tear down and put it all away. All for results, as I mentioned earlier, that are hit and miss.
The notion of giving it a rest for awhile seems pretty natural to me ... just dont sell all your stuff immediately. If you havent got any inclination in a year or two .. then perhaps it is time to move on .. its going to take that long at least before the dollar decreases in value and all this telescope stuff is worth some thing anyway.

I keep my interest in it by keeping it at bay. I keep my interests as a mixture because I know if any one of them starts to take the lions share of the time then it will be the one that eventually will become so so and likely to fall of the radar completely ... but thats only my lot, Im sure others are different.

[Darth Wader]

I'm kinda in the same boat. Crap weather, 4 out of 5 observing nights with my astro club cancelled due to weather, family commitments, other personal reasons, plus I got a Playstation 3 LOL... somtimes it just gets too much. I also considered selling my scope (I've used in 5 times since June) then thought better of it - lucky really, considering my interest in all things astro is returning.

My bet is it'll pass, and in a while you'll find yourself in the dark being wowed once again.

Cheers
Wade

[Sylvain]

I think many of us have been there.
In my case, I have found that getting quick to setup, light and mobile gear was the solution.
Bulky and heavy gear just gets in my way now.

These days I like it simple: all manual, no battery, no cables, no nothing. Just grab a small scope and do wide field observations. Simple pleasure, that has been a back to basics for me: just looking up and enjoying, taking some time to thing about the universe and its mysteries.

I agree with the others who said it is good to observe in groups, especially under a good sky where you can look up and see something else than light pollution.

The key might be: having a break + changing something in your practice of astronomy.

Good luck mate.

[sheeny]

I left astronomy twenty something years ago when my then wife complained about the amount of time I was spending outside at the scope. I did my bit and spent more time inside, and then sold the scope after it was sitting inside doing nothing for 6 months.:sadeyes:

I then got involved in rescue which kept me fully entertained for the next 20 years... Once I got out of rescue, I had plenty of time on my hands and got back into astronomy.

But it is normal to go through periods where you're as keen as, to downright lethargic. I've been through a couple of cycles of that since I got back into astronomy. That's OK. I think it's normal.

ATM I think I'm about middle of the road in keenness:P... I enjoy doing my solar imaging ATM, and while I haven't done any spectroscopy in a while, I've enjoyed doing a bit of tinkering while building and troubleshooting the L200, but with visitors and relatives to entertain I have had no chance to really do any night astronomy... but that's OK, it'll come...

Part of my problem is the broad plethora of hobbies and interests I have... there's only so much time! ...but I wouldn't have it any other way.;)

:)

Al.

[barx1963]

I have only been seriously involved for 4 or 5 years but have had some times when I look at the gear and think "hmmm". I think the main thing to do is have a goal. Simply aimlessly wandering outside with no plan is no way to enjoy your observing or imaging. Set out with a plan such as getting all the messiers, or getting all MGC objects within an area of sky, or imaging a new class of object. Find out what the faintest object you have observed is and see if you can get something fainter. There are lots of projects if you put your mind to it. When viewing nights are abit of a rarity as they have been in much of the country this past 6 months, it is easy to get out of the habit of planning.

Malcolm

[taxman]

Thanks for the plethora of responses - helps me see where I am going. I think it is time to clear it all. Really, I enjoyed collecting the gear and planning my next purchase etc, but it all got a bit too much.

I was talking to my father last night and he had a similar experience with his interest in fishing morphing into boating. He sold his boat, 4WD and trolling gear for well under market value, got himself a nice baitcaster combo and went back to fishing estuaries from the shore. Still does it and gets the simple pleasure he always had. He is glad he had the boat as it always would have been an itch, but it is scratched.

Similarly, I think I will go back to a TV102 (should never have sold that one!!) and a selection of Panos eventually, but for now, I need a bit of time with the binos, dog and a cold beer.

Again thanks for all your considered responses - I really appreciate it. I thought I was getting fed up, but all of your answers have really restored my faith in this community of ours.

:)

[leon]

Your welcome Matt, you are not alone in your thoughts on this subject, some times the simplest things we do are the most rewarding, hang in there mate.

Leon

[renormalised]

Matt, know what would make a great scope for just looking...a little ED80 on an alt/az mount :)

[danielsun]

yep, with servo motors, encoders, 70mm guide scope, Lazer pointer,QHY9 or a DSLR, laptop, guide camera, PHD, Starry Night pro plus 6,Images plus software, EQ MOD,40mtrs of cables,power supplies, a light box ,and an extension cord juuust incase you decide you want to take a photo.;) ....:lol:



Cheers Daniel.;)

[ballaratdragons]

:rofl:

True :lol:

Sad, but true.

[RobF]

Great thread

I first got interested in high school, and spent many years exploring with binocs and small reflector. In my 20s and 30s too many other pursuits distracted me. Now back into it in my 40s and the astrophotography bug is still biting bad a few years later. At least the family knows where I am at night!

I think as with all hobbies and pursuits its good to have goals in mind, but the other reality of this hobby is there is so much to learn and have a go at you don't always know what the next thing that will "suck you in" will be.....:)

[cybereye]

When I was justifying to my wife why I needed to buy a telescope I used my 1977 high school yearbook as proof of my interest. In it I had written that one of my hobbies was astronomy. Nothing much happened astronomy wise between 1977 and 2008 when I bought my telescope. Since then I have added a hell of a lot of equipment and each time I suggest I am going to buy something I drag out that yearbook as justification!! At least I had the foresight as a sixth former to write what I did. Good boy Mario!!!

Cheers,
Mario

[GrampianStars]

:rofl: :eyepop: :lol:
GOLD STAR AWARD

[multiweb]

Had a small 60mm perl-vixen refractor in 1986. Saw Haley, M42 and a couple of clusters. Had to sell it unfortunately. At the time I was also drooling over the Celestron/Meade catalogues looking at SCTs on fork mounts and big dobs. Got back into it in 2007. Never did really let go but more time and finance, dropping prices now makes it possible and affordable (kind of). I think if I ever sold the gear I'd regret it. I invested so much time and effort in getting into it it would be hard to start again.

[hotspur]

To ask a question like the OP has asked on a forum like this-means one thing that one will never really leave the hobby,seen this type of question on the fishing forums/hunting forums and all the other special interest forums.

It really does not matter the 'level' one has in a given specialist hobby,if you keep thinking about and involved in it,regardless of 'level',types of gear,reults etc,you are involved,and providing you are getting enjoyment,that's all that matters.Once the enjoyment starts to wane,and you become more a 'manager' of gear and equipment,then yes its time for a review.

Over the years,I have thought about giving up various hobbies and selling gear,and have done so on various occasions,and more often than not,regretted
it.

One thing I have noticed over recent years,is how the rising of high tec gadgets seems to have over taken the simple enjoyment of visual astronomy .I much prefer looking through a fine refractor,or looking through Ron's (astroron) 16 inch dob and feeling the cold,and enjoying conversations with other astronomers.

In the last few years I built a 'role off roof' observatory,my level of astrophotography certainly did not warrant it,but building such a structure was something I had skills in doing,and I new where I could get good second hand timber at a reasonable price.Had I not the skills or the well priced materials,I would not have done so.Since then I can now tinker with various aspects of astrophotography-without setting up gear all the time.

Good luck,and enjoy. C

[Jeeps]

I sometimes think it would be nice to have a computerised or a motorised scope etc but the reality is that i can setup my 10" dob in 5 mins, view for 30 mins or for a few hours and pack it away within 5 mins again. If there was to much mucking around i'd lose interest pretty quick. I work fulltime, have a family and other things in life to keep me occupied so i just want to look into the scope occasionally to see what's up there without getting into to much... or too fast ;)

[Geoff45]

Yeah, I found that setting up is the hard thing to do--much easier to have a nice dinner and a few glasses of red. I've re-motivated in two ways. One is to get an ED80 on a grab 'n go mount and the other is to get back into grinding my own telescope mirrors. Really motivated to finish the current project, try it out with the CCD camera (and then probably move onto making the next one).
Geoff

[asimov]

I had to force myself to do some imaging last night after 3 months of solid clouds - C'mon Asimov! Get it together!:screwy::shrug:

[erick]

Haven't left ............ yet. But I'm a newbie - late 2006. And I'm getting itchy to get the scope out again. I had seven great nights observing in a run of ten nights last New Moon - that seemed to satisfy for only a few weeks.

[Shano592]

I don't think I would ever part with my eyepieces. Perhaps the scope, to upgrade or downgrade. Even if my interest wanes for a while, I waited and saved for far too long, to just move it along.

The EP's though, they will be with me forever. Some bugger's going to dig me up in 10000 years, and wonder what the heck these glass and aluminium tubes are for.

[renormalised]

Knowing archaeologists, they'll think they're religious objects...everything they've ever dug up seems to be a religious object or has something to do with religion. They're obsessed by, and with, religion :P

[John W]

I have always been interested in Astronomy but I found renewed interest when I erected a Sirius observatory and an installed an 8 inch LX90 SC GoTo telescope. Easy to set up and find objects that could not be found visually with finder scope. Also set different challengers each month from Aust Sky and Telescope. I also have a PST solar telescope for daytime work - again only a minute or so to set up each day. Buy some of the latest astro books to renew interest (specialist ones) such as those from the Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series. Cheers all. :):):):)

[toc]

I do this a few times a year http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/../vbiis/images/smilies/happy19.gif Bottom line is that it is a hobby. Its ment to be FUN. If its not fun, then take a break and do something else.

For the last 6 months I have been mucking about with microscopes. It actually ties in well with Astronomy, because its something you can do when its cloudy, and requires very little setting up. (apart from getting samples)

I find astronomy a pretty challenging hobby, but I love that it has so many levels of difficulty. Sometimes I try to aim a bit higher than my ability or equipment will allow, and I get frustrated and give it a break.

The number of times Ive thought 'I would love to go out and have a look', but that will require three trips to setup the C8 and HEQ5, and then wait an hour for the scope to get settled - I often just give it a miss and watch top gear :-)

Ive just got myself a 90mm refractor, and simple Alt-Az mount, so Im thinking that will help...

[Jules76]

I'm relatively new to the hobby of Astronomy, but this is my take on it all.

Don't feel like everytime the night sky is clear that you have to go out just in case you get another bad run of weather. The sky isn't going anywhere, the moon isn't going anywhere, the star's aren't going anywhere soon, the planets will still be there. Slow down and don't feel rushed. I've done this myself, looked out at a clear night and felt like I should get my telescope out and feel a little bad when I don't as if I'm wasting time. It's a bad mindset to get into.

Breaks are OK. Don't feel as if just because you haven't used your telescope for say 12 months that it's something bad. The way I look at it, this hobby is for life and as long as my eyes still work, I've got plenty of time to enjoy it. There's no rush.

Take a break. Nothing wrong with that.

[ballaratdragons]

Fantastic way to look at it :thumbsup:

You are absolutely right. :)

[BLiTZWiNG]

I find it's quite a pain to carry my 8" dob outside. I know I should mount it on wheels or something but I'm terribly lazy.

Also, the biggest thing in QLD besides the weather stopping me from going outside..... friggin midges!!

[Aaron]

Hi Everyone,

I was into astronomy about 10 years ago. I had a small 114mm Newtonian on a EQ mount (Just a cheapy). It was exciting back then and I've always regretted selling my telescope. I think we will always be interested on varying levels in the hobby whether with a telescope or just sitting back and looking at the stars.

I've currently been using just a planisphere until I am comfortable in knowing my way around the sky before I'd like to invest in a telescope.

I was thinking of a 10" Dob. However my wife doesn't realise how much telescope's cost. I mentioned around $800 - Looks like we're going on a holiday first before I can spend the money on myself. :)

[cventer]

I got very obsessed and pretty much burned myself out about 7 years ago. I was wesite editor for ASV, writing and sellign my own astro software, doing talks and trying to image as often as possible. then first baby came along and I tried to keep it up. Big mistake.... ended up leaving hobby for over 6 years. I did not sell anything though as I new one day I woudl come back to it. Glad I did not.

This time im older and wiser. Just enoying learning curve again. and boy is it steep after so many years away the imaging quality has gotten so good that there is soooo much to learn.

Loving every minute of it again...:)

[TrevorW]

I left for about 15 years then came back when I could afford better equipment

[Kevnool]

I cant see how someone could leave astronomy all together in the sense that at night you would think at some point you are going to look up.
For me I havnt left the thrill of the hunt.

Cheers

[chrisp9au]

I haven't looked through my scopes for many months, my motivation has moved to other pursuits.
But I still check out IceInSpace every day to see what everyone is doing and talking about.
When I take the dog out for a walk at night, I look up, recognising what I see, and the sense of awe is still there.
The scopes are out in the shed, covered, but probably home to a few spiders.
Eventually I'm sure that curiosity, and a warm evening, will have me out there again.
What's the rush, it'll all still be there when I'm ready. :)

Cheers

Chris

[ausastronomer]

Hi Al,

My wife has often commented that if she had a 2" Feathertouch focuser for a mouth, she would get a lot more attention :)

Cheers,
John B

[Poita]

I got into it when I was really young, and then mothballed everything for over 10 years. Unfortunately I went through the drought without using a scope and now miss those endless clear nights I used to curse on the farm!

The recent passing of too many friends reminded me that although the sky will always be there, I may not be and it prompted me to get back into it all again.

[Poita]

So many hobbies can turn into collecting gear, and thinking that next great piece of equipment will bring the joy back.

For me recently, a video camera and a small refractor on a small mount has meant that setup time is minimal and results are instant and fun, the kids are more interested as well as they can 'see more'.
Perhaps downsizing or changing direction would rekindle the interest, or just pack it away for 6 months and take a break. I have had quite a few nights where I couldn't face dragging the EQ6 and 10" scope and power and everything else out into the yard...

[multiweb]

That's true. There's no rush and plenty of time to gather gear and bits and pieces and that's the way I look at it as well. As you said the stars will still be there for a while. I do miss imaging though since we've had all this rain. It is an important part of my life. Clear cut from work, getting in the car and out of Sydney. I also miss the social aspect of things, catching up with mates. But then again, since then I ended up doing other things so it's also true that sometime it can become very addictive and take all of your available time. I guess it's ok to do in moderation or it will eat your life and your wallet. :lol:

PS: my wife has named all of of my scopes and she hates my C11 with a vengeance because I spent so much time with it (him?).

[Trixie]

I am very new to the hobby, but find at my point in life it is very hard to actually get out there. With so many other demands on my time I am too exhausted to plan what to look at so often end up going out for half hour with my binocs before collapsing into bed! I have also been working long evening hours and as this is at the microscope my eyes don't want to spend a few more hours looking down my telescope afterward!

So I suppose for me it's not a waning in interest but a lack of time and energy.
Ed for spelling

[hotspur]

Yes,I can certainly understand the OP's feelings,If I did not have an observatory with gear set up all the time-I'd have sold the scope gear and moved on.Its a lot of money sitting in there that only gets used four or five times a year,if that (yes-that's how bad the weather is in S.E QLD)

There are certain aspects of my gear I will move on some time soon,-all this auto guiding stuff,-it really takes me away from viewing through eye piece,which is much more enjoyable.

But,thankfully all this gear which gets used seldom,is out of the house,if it was all stuck inside,it would have been got moved on years ago.Although its really pointless to sell gear-second hand scope gear is basically worthless,and the classifieds are full of it.

[RobF]

I think for those of us that had a break for many years, it's fair to say you'd always still "look up" at night when the opportunity presented, wherever you happen to be. I used to frown at high cirrus clouds coming over even when I hadn't had the scope out for years :lol:

[Murat]

All things are fine in moderation.

[tilbrook@rbe.ne]

Not so much leave astronomy, but definitely suffered burn out. I'm like a bull at gate when I find something I like and then over do it!!

Age is helping me pace myself a little more these days.
I will always have a passion for astronomy.

Cheers,

Justin.

[MortonH]

I agree with many comments here. I've drifted in and out of the hobby a few times over the years. I've never sold absolutely everything, always had at least a small 80mm refractor, but there have definitely been times when I've done no observing for many months.

What I find is that an event will come along that re-sparks my interest, and often makes me wish I had some piece of gear that I'd sold. For example, when Comet Lemmon was around a few months ago I wish I still had a tracking mount but I'd sold it a while before and had no spare money for a new one.

I guess I'd say if you have any gear that would be hard to replace then hold on to it. Otherwise why not down-size for a while and if the spark comes back you may well be able to replace what you sold for a similar amount of money.

Morton

[tilbrook@rbe.ne]

Hi Morton,

Totally agree, nothing like a bright comet to rekindle interest!

Cheers,

Justin.

[swannies1983]

I haven't taken any scope out for about 3 months. Yeah, the winter clouds have rolled in but it wouldn't have mattered if the sky was clear. I just don't have the time or energy since I started my new job about 10 weeks ago. It doesn't help that I have to get up at 5.45am because we currently live so far away from my work. This will change soon as the family will be moving but that means leaving relatively dark skies. Also throw in two young kids (3 and 1) meaning more daddy duties. I doubt I will be using any scope for at least another 12 months :(.

It's been a bit up and down with this hobby over the last 4 years. I didn't look through a scope for 8 months after our son was born and then I finally took one out as there was a total lunar eclipse. I then went out frequently up until about 6 weeks before our daughter was born. This again was followed by a hiatus for another 6 months.

[Kunama]

Like most of us financial pressures during child rearing and mortgage interest rates in the 1980s-1990s (17%) meant there were times when no money existed for the astro-gear. The interest to look up at night has always been there and I have always owned a decent pair of binos.

The plan was always to reinvest in this passion when the kids were grown up. Loving every minute under a clear sky these days.

[Larryp]

I left the hobby in the early '90s. A combination of burn-out from too much involvement with my astro society, too much business pressure and later, a divorce.
I sold all my gear, and after a brief attempt to get back to it in the early 2000's with new gear, I sold that gear as well.
I started replacing equipment about a year ago after I semi-retired, and I am retiring totally on June 30th. Now I will have plenty of time to get involved again.

[AdrianF]

I gave up astronomy about a year ago and sold all my equipment except eyepieces and other accessories.
Now I regret selling the gear and have been looking at IIS ads to see if I can replace telescopes. Will have to wait until after my new retirement house is built and see what I can afford.

Adrian

[Wavytone]

I pretty much ceased any active involvement when the "bid wet" hit in Sydney circa 1990-91. Dragged my scope out a half-dozen times after that then disposed of all the gear about '94, as it was evident the technology would change.

Only decided to pick it up again on a very low key casual way in 2009 - paragliding is my primary hobby these days.

[TrevorW]

Keep it you'll get pittance for it second hand, everyone wants a bargain even for gear as new, scope and mount won't change drastically in time so I'd only sell the camera gear if I was you. :thumbsup:

[Larryp]

I agree.-I have lost a lot of money selling equipment over the years

[andrew2008]

I am not involved in astronomy anymore. Sold ALL my equipment in Dec/Jan and bought a camera and couple of nice lenses with the money. Photography was always an interest and I had an entry level SLR for many years. Been a very good move so far and hope to start shooting some star-scapes.

Why did I do it? 3 year old child, full-time shift work, part time study left me knackered most nights without the there is probably only 20% of the sky visible from my couryward. Photography can be done anytime of the day and the gear can be used at anything from family outings to serious sessions. Am getting into landscape and bird photography and have photographed about 70 species without trying very hard in SEQ. One day when the study is over I will definitely return to astronomy and I still visit the forums every week or so to see what is happening.