Well in a word “yes” in a way! I have spoken to many kids over the years on astronomy.
They always seem keen. But I see, as they get older there’s so many other hobbies or sports to choose from, astronomy takes a back seat.
Maybe they pick it up, as they get older. Yes I do see astronomy as an older persons hobby and mainly males.
I think females seem to love astronomy as much as males but maybe pear pressure from girlfriends puts them off astronomy.
I think the Internet has done a lot to damage and also enhance astronomy. One can learn so much on the Internet about astronomy. Also Planetarium programs show people the sky without leaving the warmth of the lounge room. You and me may go outside a lot but a young person today may not.
Want to watch a solar eclipse? It’s on the net. Want to see Mars? Forget a telescope look at NASA’s web site. Its ok for you and me as I said to go outside but you don’t really need too. When I was young if it was in the newspapers or a magazine I went outside to look for myself. Man walked on the Moon. I lay in my backyard and wondered if they where looking back at me!
Also I see visual astronomy a dying art. Imaging has come so far and is so available now.
The images taken today are much better than what you can see for yourself.
For me I like the natural view. I think it’s amazing what I can see in a telescope.
But I have seen kids today say is that it! I’ve seen a better picture in a book or on the net.
Also it’s so easy now. Buy a Go To telescope press a button and find any object you like.
That maybe cool for a while but pushing buttons can be boring quick.
I learned to read on an object and find it for myself. I think that makes me appreciate it more. Maybe today push a button take a picture and look at it on my computer screen!
Things change, and astronomy has a lot over the past 20 years.
I don’t think its dead but today’s kids will see it a lot different to you and me.
Also I see astronomy like art. I see the beauty the immense size and the wonder of it all.
I lay out under a dark sky and let my mind go and it’ just so amazing.
Then in the far distance I hear a car doing a burn out. Go figure.
