I try not to mention it too much to civilians - on occassion i have experienced everything from bemused puzzlement to open hostility when mentioning this subject in public - even keen amateur astronomers can find me over the top
the most common critiscism i hear from friends and acquaintances is - "but there is no money in it" yer well dur!!
Kearn - alleluya and pass the kellner
EDIT: the other most common slant/insinuation i hear from non-astronomers - is like I am to old for looking thru telescopes and astronomy - like it is only for kids!!?? that is one i dont get!!?? why should the universe be only enjoyed by kids!!???
