Quote:
Originally Posted by glend
Sorry Rob, i believe you are way off base. The new generation cameras and software are true enablers. As one of your so called Mugs, and having come from a film background, i can testify to the new gears significantly reduced workload. Go and have a look at early film based astro images. I don't know if there are many imagers seeking to impress, more likely it is the challenge of what can be done from a backyard observatory. There should be room for everyone, regardless of how the tools evolve. The degree of technical understanding required to image today, with those cheap cameras and software, is way more difficult than printing a photo negative and holding back the Trapezium exposure with a wand.
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Geez guys, did you read my post?
I'm not talking about today! Fully agree with you Glen but I thought we were talking about the evolution of amateur astronomy.
My feeling is that we're living in the sweetspot of amateur astronomy. We contribute data to astronomy science in so many areas, we are getting to continually push the limits of amateur astrophotography as the digital age marches on, we have affordable telescopes and so much more. But look at what is happening in professional astronomy. The sky coverage (the area where amateurs can assist) is growing. We see bigger & deeper space-based surveys as downlink speeds and processing powers are increased. If you take that to its natural conclusion, amateurs may be squeezed out, that's all I'm saying. Anyone who feels that won't happen has an equally valid point, it's just speculation!
Cheers -