Although she hasn't a clue, I can see her point, due to bad weather, no solar filter etc it was a non event for me but personally I won't lose any sleep over not seeing the TOV
Someone tell her that the transit of Mars will be truly spectacular.
She will wait forever. LOL
Marty, you can simulate Earth transiting the Sun as seen from Mars on Sky Safari. I haven't checked but you might be able simulate Mars transits as seen from the asteroid belt or beyond.
So one day off-Earth settlers may see them.
So some people just don't get what the Transit Of Venus is all about, i happened to really enjoy it, i am glad i saw it, I'm glad i got video of it, i am glad that i got photo's of it, i am glad that i got to show other interested people, i am really happy the clouds stayed away, for those trashing it GET A LIFE you miserable sods!
Reading threads like this is a bit of a guilty pleasure...
So much outrage, so much oxygen... It's a journalist's job to fill column inches. In the morning, in the mirror, when the alcohol wears off, I guess the phrase they use to justify an otherwise meaningless existence is "generating debate". So much blether, so many inflamed egos. How much easier than shearing sheep back on daddy's farm, if somehow strangely similar.
I imagine I could do much the same by writing an article about, say, AFL football. And somewhere in the aether, on a sports website populated by people I care nothing for, whose opinion I care nothing about, I'd be derided in much the same way.
My boss would be happy. The advertisers would be happy. Rupert Murdoch would be happy... Vodka in the bottom drawer. Coke in the bathroom at lunchtime. Only 500 words to go.
"Every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." Except in the newspapers...
We get two 'local' newspapers in our area and apart from a quick glance in the job section I have never read them for over ten years. Wannabe reporters filling up space with 'cat stuck up tree' stories. Most of these reporters never amount to much in their career, IMO. Anyway I see she's moved up in the world from being a cadet reporter for the Herbert River Express.
I have never heard of her before, but her little writeup is not popular up here. As with any place in Aus there are those loved the Transit, and those who didnt care, shes just an ignoramus, and not typical of Townsville. Alas, her comment seems to be making her famous
We weren't blaming all Townvillians. Idiots are pretty evenly spread.
Marty, you can simulate Earth transiting the Sun as seen from Mars on Sky Safari. I haven't checked but you might be able simulate Mars transits as seen from the asteroid belt or beyond.
So one day off-Earth settlers may see them.
Yes but not in her life time. Also she will not be aware that a transit of Mars is currently not possible viewed from the Earth.
Hence she will wait forever.
I went to a local highschool, set up my gear with two fellow IIS members, and ranted. I tried really hard to make those young people understand the real science in this, not the known facts. I even went to the extent of giving a little demo on how the science actually works to sussing out exoplanets, with real everday applications to show that it isn't rocket science, but something tangible. I was enthusiastic, and animated (at least that's the feedback I got, ).
Did the actual Transit excite me? No.
I'm with Chris on this one.
I just shook my head with what was being said on TV about the Transit. And that included from fellow amateur astronomers. It all added to a whole lot of misinformation about the event, and its significance to both professional and amateur astronomers.
Let's face it, to amateurs its significance is only novelty, a chance coincidence of planets and Sun. It is really only to professional astronomers that THIS Transit is significant now. With the way that technology is today, I doubt any amateur instruments would be making any real contribution to the pool of science with this event. It is only in the realm of professional instruments that real science is being developed.
So I see this as a double edged sword:
1, We as a whole have been lacking in many instances on voicing this properly, forgetting the real new science, only proclaiming the history and already known facts, missing an opportunity to really inform.
2, Many folks who percieve anything to do with astronomy as "rocket science" just tune out and create mental barriers for themselves (this lady I think is one of them). This event only added to their confusion and layers of barriers.
I am happy that many folks were excited by the Transit! I really, really am. Each person with their own reasons! For me, it was to excite young people on how science is something tangible, and not some mystical "rocket science" taboo.
I just shook my head with what was being said on TV about the Transit. And that included from fellow amateur astronomers. It all added to a whole lot of misinformation about the event, and its significance to both professional and amateur astronomers.
Let's face it, to amateurs its significance is only novelty, a chance coincidence of planets and Sun. It is really only to professional astronomers that THIS Transit is significant now. With the way that technology is today, I doubt any amateur instruments would be making any real contribution to the pool of science with this event. It is only in the realm of professional instruments that real science is being developed.
So I see this as a double edged sword:
1, We as a whole have been lacking in many instances on voicing this properly, forgetting the real new science, only proclaiming the history and already known facts, missing an opportunity to really inform.
2, Many folks who percieve anything to do with astronomy as "rocket science" just tune out and create mental barriers for themselves (this lady I think is one of them). This event only added to their confusion and layers of barriers.
I am happy that many folks were excited by the Transit! I really, really am. Each person with their own reasons! For me, it was to excite young people on how science is something tangible, and not some mystical "rocket science" taboo.[/QUOTE]
First, I think you are wrong in saying it's significance to amateurs is only a novelty, Too a lot of us it was a chance to see something that no one alive today will see again and convey to others the Wonders of nature.
If you call that a novelty so be it
Tell me what scientific value it has any more
What is the real Science you are talking about
Amateurs Don't have to contribute to science for every thing they do in their hobby.
What are they supposed to inform ? please elaborate ?
I have not encountered anyone saying that it was extra special to science,not now.
It was in 1769 and periods up to the end of the last century, but with all the new technology there is little if any scientific value left.
Some scientists who use transits of Exosolar planets may have got some value 0ut of it but that is all.
If you did not enjoy it for what it was a piece of history and a significant event especially for Australia.
It did have meaning for a lot of people who saw it through the numerous outlets both media amateur telescopes.
I have not come across the theme you highlighted, about Astronomy being"Rocket Science" That people look to us to get some information in things astronomical I can appreciate but Rocket Science,NO
Cheers
Clearly not the definition you have decided that its use was. I thought the definition was very clear in the entirety of the post. Such a shame.
I cannot understand how in a post that praises the pursuits of my fellow amateurs, you have conjured up a world of ridicule, put down, and scorn. Very unedifying.
Last edited by mental4astro; 12-06-2012 at 03:51 PM.
No "chance" involved.
It was mathematically predicted based on known equations of motion.
Maybe boring now, to people who cant figure out maths
beyond 8 fingers and two thumbs without a calculator,
but not "chance"
I have no problem with your views.
Everyone has their own. ( Incl astrologers )
I merely wished to point out it wasnt a "chance" alignment.
Ref some definitions of chance
( grabbed from the net so there is a chance they are wrong )
a. The unknown and unpredictable element in happenings that seems to have no assignable cause. b. A force assumed to cause events that cannot be foreseen or controlled; luck: Chance will determine the outcome.
I went to a local highschool, set up my gear with two fellow IIS members, and ranted. I tried really hard to make those young people understand the real science in this, not the known facts. I even went to the extent of giving a little demo on how the science actually works to sussing out exoplanets, with real everday applications to show that it isn't rocket science, but something tangible. I was enthusiastic, and animated (at least that's the feedback I got, ).
Did the actual Transit excite me? No.
Alex, me thinks you spoke with forked tongue
Faining enthusiasm when it was not really there.
So the known facts are not the truth then
Maybe if your heart was not really in it, it would have been better to not have done it at all.
To me at least your post came across as being disappointed in the whole event.
Maybe I am wrong
Cheers
PS where in your post did you praise your fellow amateurs ?
I was one of 12 AAQ club members who spent the day at the University of Queensland. There was live video streaming from three scopes to computers on campus and on ustream to the net. Another six scopes were available for people to look through plus two projection set ups which were great for kids.
We had more than 2,000 students/staff/members of the public, come along and look through our variety of equipment. All people who viewed through the scopes were amazed at the sight.
Staff and astronomers from the School of Maths and Physics joined in and answered questions from the public.
I realise that it is not to everybody's taste. This is my second transit (I travelled to WA for the first one) and I thought it was as fantastic this time as it was in 2004.
I even had people say they would see me at the next one
Thank the gods for those who dare to look up. For it is those people and people like them throughout history who change the world.
It would be a safe bet that among the millions of people who were fascinated by the transit stood a young child who, inspired by the simple wonder of such an event, will go on to change the world for the better someday.
On the other hand, a talentless journalist writing sensationalist articles for a C grade tabloid; now that's what I would call 'unimpressive' and a 'ridiculously overrated black spot' on our social fabric.
An ignorant journalist... Now that is something that has 'happened predictably and regularly since records began and will continue to happen predictably and regularly for the foreseeable future'.
'Its kind of like the sunrise really - it just happens more often'.
)
