Podcasts on research Astronomy for the amateur

[higginsdj]

OK,

I have 7 months off work (long service leave) and I have been toying with the idea of doing a podcast series on Astronomy Research for the Amateur. A combination of audio and video casts on the subject. (Have the audio equipment and video plus software care of another long term project I am working on).

I would be covering the rationale (trying to convince people to do it), what can be done, how to set up an observatory, robotics (off the shelf, plug and play approach), astrometry, photometry, period analysis, participation in professional programs etc etc etc. All of it from a dummies guide approach rather that a scientific approach - an insiders guide so to speak.

Thoughts?

[Rob_K]

Sounds good David! My thought is that the podcasts should begin by presenting very easy options for getting into the area of amateur data contribution to astronomy science, rather than an emphasis on constructing observatories, photometry, astrometry, robotics etc etc. The rationale would be that emphasis on the latter would have a very small market, vis technically savvy people with money and time to burn, while the former would have a huge appeal (ie anyone with a telescope and eyes). Once people's imaginations are captured, it's a slippery slope, LOL! The podcasts might lead people through to the more 'technical' opportunities, but it's a fine balance between engaging people and turning them off. I'm not suggesting a lowest-common-denominator approach, more a strategic one.

Just my thoughts, no doubt you've got all this covered anyway. Good luck with it!

Cheers -

[Blue Skies (Jacquie)]

Sounds interesting. I know it wont be everyone's cup of tea but for those that are interested it would be a good resource.