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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?
I think clubs will go and internet will take their place but the hobby will grow
Will communities like Ice In Space affect the clubs/societies?
Yip as above
How do you percieve the threat of light pollution -- will it kill us (metaphorically)?
It will never be as good as it was years ago in totall dark skies and we will continue to struggle with light pollution.
Will the CCD revolution kill visual observing?
I think CCD will take over visual. Eye peices will be the same as valves, nice to look at but never get used.
What will the "kit" of the amateur astronomer be like?
CPU and GPS based. Star hoping will become a thing of the past and knowing your way around the sky by eye will too. I also see a time when we will only go to the scope to insert a different camera and everything will be done remotely from anywhere in the world.
I also see viewing on the PC going as well. 20 years from now it will be hollograms. And we will wonder how we ever go by with the PC.
Will the contribution of amateurs to the science of astronomy change and how?
I rekon it will stay the same
Will amateur astronomy only be practiced by the well-heeled or will it diversify further?
NA
Will amateurs still be making telescopes/equipment?
Yip their will always be the folk that are intrested in that side of it.
Cheers
Ian
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