What first hooked you into astronomy?

[neB]

Early Sci-Fi novels.

Plus various other factors: space program, Astronomy at Uni, wanting to be an astronaut, etc

Always been a science kid, helped by older brother who was also.

But Arthur C Clarke, Alan Dean Foster, .....

[robagar]

yep likewise - Star Wars when I was six, the shuttle launches, Dr Who, and later my big brother

[mickoking]

Back in 1976 I was six years old, in year one at school and living in Mt Druitt, western Sydney. I discovered that my oldies had an encyclopedia set with an Atlas. In the back of the Atlas was a chapter on Astronomy, thats when it started for me.

I got my first real 'scope, a 60mm crapmatic in 1980 when I was living in London and from there Astronomy has been my constant companion.

Oh the nostalgia

[robagar]

ah, London... on a good night you might see mag 1 stars

[norm]

I don't think I'm that old, but I always had a fascination on all things Apollo, especially Apollo 11. I remember at primary school there was this magazine which was written specifically about the Apollo 11 missions and I always wanted a copy of it - I must have borrowed it a zillion times.

I was also fortunate around 8-10yrs old that my family had close friends in Coonabarabran running a farm and visiting Siding Springs on a few occasions. It didn't mean much back then, but neverless unique.

Then I had a crappy refractor when I was a teenager and like some, the hobby went away to other chase other persuits, but only to come back.

[Adrian-H]

I was Born in Mareebra Queensland, and Lived on Farmland up in Mareebra untill 6years of age..

What got me into Astronomy wasnt the sky there i never notaced it at all at that age, but what i did notace was that there was a black meteorite broken into two peices inside a crater one morning, on our land very close to the house, i remember it was still warm when i found it.. since i found that meteorite i questioned it and it took me into the realm of astronomy.

There where two peices, black in color, it looked kind of what larva looks like when it hardens, cept with some baby craters on it as if it melted and bubbled, they where quite heavy, each was about 2kg's both peices each one about the same size as a tennis ball.

they are gone now unfortnetly, the last one vanished when i was around 18, i am 22 now, i allways kept them well, no idea where it vanished off too.

[Liev]

Thanks very much everyone, from this point on I don't plan to collect any more research from this topic but by all means continue posting your stories. And when I've finished my project I'll post pictures of my finished work.

[stellarquest]

I was seven, and Dad promised to take to the movies. Our family was a bit broke at the time, and Dad told me we couldn't afford the trip with expense for the tickets etc. I got annoyed and stormed out of the house like a spoiled brat and lay down on the grass outside. It was just Summer. Dad came outside and we talked while laying flat on our backs looking up at the sky. It had just gone dark and the first stars were coming out. As we talked I guess that night I grew up a little bit, and just enjoyed my Dad's company.That night I also realised I loved looking at the night sky! Didn't end up going to the movie of course, but it was the best movie I ever missed! Been hooked ever sinse, and Dad got me my first telescope, a nice second hand one, which I treasure to this day. Also now realise how much overtime he would have had to work to make a boys dream come true.My boy is six, and he loves coming out with me.

[Adrian-H]

wow that sounds great stellarquest.

[DobDobDob (Ron)]

Yes I agree with Adrian-H, that is a great story Stellarquest, a great story

[stellarquest]

Thank you guys. I buried my best mate on Wednesday (Liver Cancer, please give to research if you are able) and it was nice to be able to share a moment in my life that is very special to me. My mate was getting into Astronomy before the bad news.Just as an aside, after I wrote in to our forum, I asked my lad what he would choose if he had the chance to choose between a movie and observing with me. He chose observing with me, and then stated that we could always go to the movies in the daytime on the weekend!. Kids learn fast these days!

[mikeash]

I was an 11 year old in a place called Kluang, Malaysia 1965. My teacher showed a group of us kids a view of the moon through a 4.5 inch refractor. I never forgot it. A few years later my Father pointed out the 'Seven Sisters' from the North of England, I remember counting the stars. Took me 35 years to do something about it . I still feel like that 11 year old when I get my scope out.

Mike