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my opinun is that astronomy really seems to be getting more popular as a hobby, and i think it will become far more popular in the future as technology allows space exploration to become easier, and space becomes more appealing to the general public.
but here is my opiniun as to how it will be in the not too distant future, maybe 20 years from now...
1. Will astronomy clubs/societies etc still be relevant and/or growing and why?
astronomy clubs/societies will remain relevant because we will still need/want to meet other amateur astronomers and observe socially.
2. Will communities like Ice In Space affect the clubs/societies?
online astronomy communities will reduce the size of all clubs, but mostly clubs in country areas where members must travel longer distances to meet. but the astronomy society will never completly disapear.
3. How do you percieve the threat of light pollution -- will it kill us (metaphorically)?
people are becoming more concearned regarding the use of enegy, so light pollution will remain the same or even decrease as time goes by.
4. Will the CCD revolution kill visual observing?
ofcaurse not! many people prefer to observe visually, and those that don't still glance at the odd object now and then.
5. What will the "kit" of the amateur astronomer be like?
computer technology will become far more common, and telescopes will get larger as they become cheaper to manufacture.
6. Will the contribution of amateurs to the science of astronomy change and how?
the amount of amateur contribution to science will reduce as more money and better technology is made available to professionals.
7. Will amateur astronomy only be practiced by the well-heeled or will it diversify further?
as space exploration becomes more common place and astronomical equipment becomes cheaper more people will become aware of astronomy as a hobby.
8. Will amateurs still be making telescopes/equipment?
not as much as we are now, but people get a real sense of pride when they create something with our own hands, and it ATM will remain a part of amateur astronomy.
in general im pretty optimistic about how the hobby will progress.
Jarrod
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