The future of astronomy???

[Sonia]

While the majority of astronomy are men, the percentage of women entering the field of astronomy is growing.

Both women and men are capable of doing excellent science. You should never let the fact that there are more men in scientific fields ever slow you down, or stop you.

Women do work in a different ways to men. It is hard to list the differences without incurring in the wrath of some. Because men and women are different that the best way forward to physics is collaboration if there are no women in the field. Or if there are so few that they spend more time thinking how to be integrated and avoid sexism than working. So, how do we attract more women to Physics?

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Originally Posted by leon

I think you really have to have a passion for Astronomy otherwise it can quite easily fizzle out, and iv'e seen that happen on a number of occasions with friends that showed real interest at the beginning.

I agree with what Leons says here. i wonder if it is a phase of life thing that makes one stop to smell the roses so to speak.
Rogerg made comment about the imaging side and the application of computer imaging technology appealing more to the young. Is this a case of just using a cool application of technology rather than a true love of the beauty of the night sky? I have seen people spend fortunes on high-fi equipment and stressing about having the best, so much so that they forget its real purpose which is enjoying the music.

/me dons his flameproof suit.

[mickoking]

Originally Posted by Starkler

. Is this a case of just using a cool application of technology rather than a true love of the beauty of the night sky? I have seen people spend fortunes on high-fi equipment and stressing about having the best, so much so that they forget its real purpose which is enjoying the music.

That is so true. Many of us (including my self at times) get so involved with the peripheral aspects of astronomy we seem to loose track what got us into astronomy in the first place. Reading thru the Astronomy magazines there are numerous glossy ad's of gleaming new telescopes and accesories promising astronomical nirvana. While the advertisments are great for many of us who are constantly on the look out for the latest and greatest for some it creates the unrealistic impression that you have to own x,y and z pieces of equipment to be a 'real' astronomer. Then our budding star gazer bows out to do something 'easier' more accesable and cheaper. The commercialisation of our hobby is a double edged sword for sure.

With regards to the unsocial aspect of amateur astronomy for me thats its big advantage, to be under the stars with a telescope observing is a fantastic solitary pursuit. If you wan't to get social you can join a club but for the youngsters thats the rub. Membership of astronomical societies tends to be somewhat mature and serious (and sometimes political) not the scene for many larrakin teens.

Whats the solution? Hard to say but a good start would be to encourage astronomy at school. In all my years at school I don't recall doing a single lesson in astronomy. To put it another way 100% of my schooling was based on one small blue planet. Ultimatley it is up to us passionate astronomers to make astronomy work for the younger people. I hope I can help in my small way too

[Miaplacidus (Brian)]

Interesting thread, interesting comments. Answers partly depend on what you call astronomy. When I was a kid I remember our family sitting in our backyard in suburban Melbourne watching meteor showers. The skies were definitely darker and blacker back then. Next impetus was waiting for the Flying Doctor on outback airstrips in the middle of the night. Darker skies, like being in a cave studded with diamonds. As light pollution takes hold I suspect people will have fewer opportunities to be simply dumb-struck by the night sky.

Of course, the hours of observation are hostile to young families. Young people are poor and impatient, and have lots of distractions. Middle-aged people like their creature comforts. Eyes grow old, joints feel the cold. Personally, I find it amazing that anyone tries their hand at this hobby.

Happy Easter, everyone.

[rogerg (Roger)]

Definitely there is a "cool application of technology" aspect to what I was saying there, no doubt about it. But there are people that are in amateur astronomy (and have been for many many years) partly for the "cool gear" (including technology, optics, etc) and only partly for the actual observing, so I see it as another entry point in to the hobby - it's easy to get hooked on that "cool gear" then find you can get some really cool images of the stars and even enjoy the viewing, and hence continue with the hobby.

Roger.

Originally Posted by Starkler

I agree with what Leons says here. i wonder if it is a phase of life thing that makes one stop to smell the roses so to speak.
Rogerg made comment about the imaging side and the application of computer imaging technology appealing more to the young. Is this a case of just using a cool application of technology rather than a true love of the beauty of the night sky? I have seen people spend fortunes on high-fi equipment and stressing about having the best, so much so that they forget its real purpose which is enjoying the music.

/me dons his flameproof suit.

[Stu]

Needs a big event to inspire you and money to burn.

Me - 1980something and haileys comet. Was always interested since then.
But I didn't become an "Amateur Astronomer" until I grew out of the headbanger/techo-rave stage and sold all my music stuff to buy a scope. So I think that generally most astronomers have settled down so to speak.

I'm not saying it's lawn bowls. That's AFTER astronomy.

[ving (David)]

I go to star parties cause hanging out with all the oldies makes me feel young

really, anyone of any age could be interested... i was interested when i was 7ish. but of course lost interest as other things came along....
It takes a certain type of person to be interested me thinks. a person who doenst mind being a bit of an outcast, doenst mind a bit of solitude, and certainly someone with an interest in the unknown.
I have a problem tho with calling what i am interested in "astronomy" tho... people go to university to study that. I am a meare sky watcher

hmm... give the type of person this hobby attracts it'd seem interest would be more than likely to come with age. of course this is not to stereotype

[Blue Skies (Jacquie)]

Rogerg and I belong to the some society and while Roger talked about age differences he didn't mention the number of active women in the society, including myself. I always remember David Malin's surprise at finding so many women active in astronomy in Perth when he came over for the local Astrofest a few years back. Mind you, they are mainly on the older side, but there are a few younger ones (although one of them is currently in Sydney doing her PhD in astronomy right now). None of us are ever put down or made to feel out of place. If women really want to be there and active in the hobby they will, so if they're not there...

[Spaced Out]

The way I see it the best thing is an early introduction. Take the kids out on a clear summers night(Not the middle of winter) and show them around point out a few constellations planets etc. If you make a good impression "THEY WILL BE BACK". It might have taken 30 years but I never forgot.
Computers are the way of the future for astronomy but you still need that trusty telescope and lets face it Meade, Celestron etc etc haven't gone broke yet. They still sell telescopes and there's plenty buying them.
She'll be right.

[mickoking]

Originally Posted by ving

It takes a certain type of person to be interested me thinks. a person who doenst mind being a bit of an outcast, doenst mind a bit of solitude, and certainly someone with an interest in the unknown.

Good call ving that sounds like me

[rogerg (Roger)]

You're right, there is a strong following by women in our club, I didn't think about that side of the discussion. And after reading all the other posts on this thread and thinking about it all, I think it all comes down to . That is, if people want to be in it they will, if they don't they won't, such is life. Just like I'm not about to take up a hobby of lawn bowls because someone wants more young people in the sport.

Roger.

Originally Posted by Blue Skies

Rogerg and I belong to the some society and while Roger talked about age differences he didn't mention the number of active women in the society, including myself. I always remember David Malin's surprise at finding so many women active in astronomy in Perth when he came over for the local Astrofest a few years back. Mind you, they are mainly on the older side, but there are a few younger ones (although one of them is currently in Sydney doing her PhD in astronomy right now). None of us are ever put down or made to feel out of place. If women really want to be there and active in the hobby they will, so if they're not there...

[ving (David)]

Originally Posted by mickoking

Good call ving that sounds like me

ask davo mick, I am always right

[tornado33]

I first got into astronomy as a 10 year old whenb my parents bought me a 4.5 inch Newtonian. Another sport of astronomy happened when Halleys Comet came and at the same time Id saved up some money from my first job for my 10 inch newtonian. The purchase of my first DSLR camera again revived interest in astronomy (astrophotography) ever since. Im now 41 years old.
Scott

[fringe_dweller]

Maybe youngsters and the Ladies just dont fill out Polls and questionairs?
anyway the universe certainly has a future? oh oh shouldnt of mentioned the war