I also often wonder is there more to astronomy than just looking through the telescope at the night sky objects? I am actually trying to think what else I can do in this hobby (not imaging, tried it but not for me).
Perhaps keep a journal of what you have viewed. Maybe make a list of some objects (possibly those you would really like to view) and read about them, view them and note some details in a journal. But then what purpose is the journal (strange)?
Up to now all I have ever done is view objects. One thing I have done is to learn the units of measurement used for astronomical distances and size. This helps with my fascination to think about the distances involved and the sizes of objects that I am looking at.
I recently ordered a video astronomy camera for live viewing, not imaging. This will possibly prompt some new purpose to my astronomy hobby.
Astronomy is my hobby - I don't think of myself as an astronomer. I certainly will not be adding anything to this field of science
