[ngcles]

Hi All,

Far from a totally original topic for discussion, this subject was the centre of a discussion started by a respected US amateur/telescope maker Mel Bartels on a mailing list I subscribe to and I was fascinated with the strong divergence of opinion. Some were all doom and gloom, some thought we were doing alright as a hobby, others saw a very bright future.

As most of those who participated were US based amateurs, I wondered if there were different thoughts here. Having been in the hobby for quite a while and having seen a lot of change in amateur astronomy I'm intrigued as to what shape it will be in down the track. Maybe you are too!

So, get out those crystal balls and start pontificating on how our hobby/avocation will be carried out in maybe 5, 10 or 20 years from now.

Just a few questions to get the thought juices going, but don' let them limit you on what _you_ want to prophecy.

Will astronomy clubes/societies etc still be relevant and/or growing and why?

Will communities like Ice In Space affect the clubs/societies?

How do you percieve the threat of light pollution -- will it kill us (metaphorically)?

Will the CCD revolution kill visual observing?

What will the "kit" of the amateur astronomer be like?

Will the contribution of amateurs to the science of astronomy change and how?

Will amateur astronomy only be practiced by the well-heeled or will it diversify further?

Will amateurs still be making telescopes/equipment?

Just to get the ball rolling ...

Best,


Les D