Feeling a bit Lonely

astroAJ · #1 16-08-2007, 09:10 PM

Is there any teens on this site who have an interest in astronomy I feel so lonely.

I'm a teen who has been doing astronomy for two years now and would like some friends.
If there is, can I add you to my friends list.

Thanks

leon · #2 16-08-2007, 09:21 PM

astroAJ, yep there are a couple that i know of, but am not sure if i can name them without their permission, check out some of the member profiles and you will see most peoples birth dates, and where they are from, then work from there.

I know it seems an impossible task, but that is probably the best i can offer, but then again some younger members may read your post, and PM you personally.

Cheers Leon

erick (Eric) · #3 16-08-2007, 09:50 PM

Hi astroAJ, let's see what we can do. As Leon says, we cannot name names without their permission, but here is a hint. See the calendar tab above^^^. That gives all the members' birthdays and hopefully, shows their age at the birthday. This may only be those who haven't restricted this data in the profile (or not given their date of birth?). However, you only have twelve months to scan to look for for other teenagers who you could then send PMs to or email, depending on what they have allowed in their profiles? A quick look shows me a number of teenagers. If more than two birthdays on a day, you need to click to see all of them (and ages).

I know it's not the same

, but we'll talk to you as well - but probably by telling you to tuck your shirt in and clean up your room!!

CoombellKid · #4 16-08-2007, 09:56 PM

Maybe even change the title of your post to reflect that you are a
teenager looking for other teenagers, that might grab them too. I
know there are couple in the Brisbane area.

regards,CS

Jarrod · #5 16-08-2007, 09:57 PM

yeah, im a teenager. i don't know how many others are here. there would proberbly be a fair few though.

ive been "really" into astronomy for about a year, but "kind-of" into astronomy for a long time. and i like dr Who (i read your profile,

)

it's nice to know im not the only young one on here

.

jarrod.

iceman (Mike) · #6 17-08-2007, 07:07 AM

Hi AJ

Where abouts do you live?
Astronomy can be a lonely hobby no matter what age you are.. the best thing about Astronomy is that you can share it with people of all ages.

Unfortunately the younger folk are definitely out-numbered by the older ones, but there are more and more young up and coming amateur astronomers signing up.

Start by visiting your local astro society and finding out if they have any activities for younger members.

And of course, there's always IceInSpace to share your experiences and ask questions.

Rodstar (Rod) · #7 17-08-2007, 10:45 AM

G'day AstroAJ!

I was about 14 when I first became interested in astronomy. Lots of others on this forum had their interest first sparked when they were teenagers (or younger). I can remember clearly (as if it was yesterday) the feeling of excitement I had sitting in a folding chair in the backyard with a red torch and a basic sky chart, working out the constellations as a teenager.

I think one of the hardest things when you are younger is not having the available $$$$ to buy all the wizz bang gadgets (or even a telescope) that are discussed on this forum. Never fear, Gallileo only had something like a one inch diametre "telescope" when he first observed Jupiter and its moons. Even with a pair of binoculars, you can see some amazing things.

Stick with the hobby......before you know it you will be middle aged, balding, with a mortgage, wife and three kids..... and, importantly, still fascinated by our Noble Hobby....look at me!

ving (David) · #8 17-08-2007, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodstar

G'day AstroAJ!
Stick with the hobby......before you know it you will be middle aged, balding, with a mortgage, wife and three kids..... and, importantly, still fascinated by our Noble Hobby....look at me!

gee glad i am not middle aged, sounds aweful

lol, being a teen i am sure you are aware that most others your age are of the aria top40 listening pepsi swilling type (ie, just whatever is popular)... i know this cause i have one of my own (teenager that is) and she drives me nuts sometimes with her do as other do, or be seen as different and therefore unpopular attitude... fitting in becomes less important as you get older, so i wouldnt worry too much about others your age not understanding where you are coming from with your hobby

there are a few on here that i am aware of so hang in there... or just hang with us oldies!

astroAJ · #9 18-08-2007, 06:44 PM

Thanks all for your help

xelasnave · #10 18-08-2007, 08:28 PM

I am 60 going onto 18.

You dont have to be young to feel lonely in astronomy.

There are no astronomers in my various groups of friends (other than friends from astronomy forums)...

so I dont know if that makes you feel better or worse.. keep at it, solitude is the upside of lonliness and solitude is cool ...
best wishes
alex

sheeny (Al) · #11 19-08-2007, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xelasnave

I am 60 going onto 18.

Well said Alex!

It's a great attitude to life!

AJ, I'm sure there are others your age here... I don't know if you'll hook up with them or not - I hope so. But if not, I do hope you enjoy your hobby! It can be a very solitary thing - and that's not all bad! It holds a lot of "life lessons" which are really by-products of what interests us in the first place... how to handle frustration, self reliance, perseverance, attention to detail, etc.

Even if you don't hook up with like spirits your own age... there's a good chance you're still with like spirits here! OK, we're all at different points on the curve of experience (both in life and astronomy), but most of us who have been where you are can probably still remember some of it, and some of us have had our memories refreshed from our own kids!

You're among friends here!

Al.

Chrissyo (Chris) · #12 19-08-2007, 03:10 AM

I'm a teen! I'm 18 to be exact (its a good age

).

My experience (with my friends and others I've met at least) is that none of them have ever been given the opportunity to get involved in anything astronomy related, but they are still interested in giving it a go. For me during high-school (I'm a uni student now), we didn't have astronomy classes and in physics we spent maybe 1 or 2 weeks learning Astrophysics 101 in our whole 2 year course - nothing practical. I think this is a shame because most of the time whenever I'm talking about my hobby to other teens (at parties, outings etc) most are quite interested. I get plenty of "You'll have to show me stuff through your telescope sometime!" I think more telescopes in schools would be a good thing because (from my experiences at least) there are a fair number of teens who wouldn't mind a look through a scope - even if it's only one time just to see what it looks like. We'd probably get more teens around here too!

xelasnave · #13 19-08-2007, 10:12 AM

Man if I was your age I would be saying to all the girls... come around to my place and I will show you the Universe... mmm... yes the perfect date.
alex

joshman (Josh) · #14 19-08-2007, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xelasnave

Man if I was your age I would be saying to all the girls... come around to my place and I will show you the Universe... mmm... yes the perfect date.
alex

hahahha

that's pure gold!

BOBBY · #15 19-08-2007, 11:26 AM

Im not sure how old you are astro AJ, but my young lad is getting interesed in Astronomy he is 11 why dont you drop him a line, his name is Robbie