This is an intersting thread.
Dave i liked your responce.
Someone once asked me if i was a Astronomer, I said No.
Oh you must be a amateur astronomer, I said no.
They were confused
I said I was more like a Astro Traveller.!!
Let me explain.
Now I'm not the most educated person(bad speller
)
I left school very early, but fell on my feet and I have been a printer most of my working life.
I have been interested in Astronomy for a long time. I have observed the night sky regulary since 1982.
I read and still read lots of books and S&S! etc.
Yes I know what a G2 type star is. Or what supernova is and lots more. This however does not make me a Amateur astronomer.
I have met what i call amateur astronomers. Also astronomers.
One astronomer said to me once , they envied me when i look through my telescope. As that person had hardly done so.
I dabbled in Occultation work for the RASNZ, and still do from time to time. VNG's closeure buggerd most of that up.
I also did some Meteor work with a group from the ASV, which sent observation's to the IMO.
All this did not make me a amateur astronomer, as i see it.
So why asto traveller, well people travel many miles and even fly around the world to see things. Say the grand canyon, or great barrier reef, whatever.
:
I on the other hand use my telescope and eyes to travel the universe. I look at galaxy's many millions of light years away. I think that it is amazing that i can even do that.
See canyons, craters and moutains rilles etc on the moon.
Saturns rings, etc.
You get my drift yeh
My observing does not finish with packing the telescope away.
I dream of what i saw for many months and years.
i also keep a catalouge when i can.
I may not contribute to astronomy as such, but i do enjoy it.
So we maybe,"Recreational Sky Observers" or Astrotravellers.
But we do love the night sky as much if not more than anyone.
Clear skies.
Best