ICEINSPACE
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16-04-2009, 08:08 AM
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Lost in Namibia
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Albury NSW
Posts: 3,134
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16-04-2009, 08:58 AM
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Billions and Billions ...
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Quialigo, NSW
Posts: 3,143
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I reckon there are 2 reasons women aren't much into this hobby. Firstly as someone else pointed out, typically women aren't big on playing with "toys" = finicky equipment. Secondly, astronomy as a hobby is usually quite solitary - and women prefer more communal activities. Just have a look at a star party's gender balance - you'll usually always see more women because of the social interaction (and hubbies with telescopes). Most are probably truely interested in astronomy, but not as a hobby. Men don't care - sure it's nice to hang out with others sometimes, but all we need is a dark sky and a scope.
Hey Jen, I'm no chick (sorry!!), but I'm free any time you want some astro-company!  The drive might be a bit of a bugger though.  BTW, my wife will be the one inside making the coffee and chatting with your hubby.
Cheers, Marcus
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16-04-2009, 09:25 AM
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ze frogginator
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Sydney
Posts: 22,080
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My boy is really not that interested but my little girl is all over it. Wether I go to Ilford or Crago or any meeting to do with the 2009 Astro year stuff, she wants to be there.  My birthday card was sprinkled with stars ... and M16
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16-04-2009, 10:39 AM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Beaumont Hills NSW
Posts: 2,900
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I am doing my bit.
I gave my 6 year old grandaughter a telescope (proper goto etc) for her birthday. She thinks that is the coolest birthday present ever. Wants to look at the moon and planets all the time. My Grandson (7) already has his ETX125 and by the way Marc I think he got on well with your daughter at that open night.
Baz
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16-04-2009, 10:55 AM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Monto
Posts: 16,741
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 I bought my kids a scope for Christmas 5 years ago. They may not have been all that interested, but it certainly got me hooked.
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16-04-2009, 11:49 AM
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Billions and Billions ...
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Quialigo, NSW
Posts: 3,143
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Quote:
Originally Posted by multiweb
My boy is really not that interested but my little girl is all over it. Wether I go to Ilford or Crago or any meeting to do with the 2009 Astro year stuff, she wants to be there.  My birthday card was sprinkled with stars ... and M16 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Barrykgerdes
I am doing my bit.
I gave my 6 year old grandaughter a telescope (proper goto etc) for her birthday. She thinks that is the coolest birthday present ever. Wants to look at the moon and planets all the time. My Grandson (7) already has his ETX125 and by the way Marc I think he got on well with your daughter at that open night.
Baz
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Half your luck guys... that's great!! Hope they don't outgrow it! My son never even showed a vague passing interest - nada, zip, zilch!
Cheers, Marcus
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16-04-2009, 02:19 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Blue Mountains, Australia
Posts: 1,338
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jjjnettie
I bought my kids a scope for Christmas 5 years ago. They may not have been all that interested, but it certainly got me hooked. 
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Ironic isn't it! I wonder how many others bought scopes for their kids, the kids weren't interested enough to continue, but the parents got hooked.
Jeanette, great outcome anyway!
Regards, Rob.
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16-04-2009, 04:18 PM
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Moving to Pandora
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Swan Hill
Posts: 7,102
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Quote:
Originally Posted by marc4darkskies
Hey Jen, I'm no chick (sorry!!), but I'm free any time you want some astro-company!  The drive might be a bit of a bugger though.  BTW, my wife will be the one inside making the coffee and chatting with your hubby.
Cheers, Marcus
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LOL Marc yeah you are all too far away from me
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16-04-2009, 04:41 PM
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Phil H
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Cowra NSW
Posts: 1,497
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The goal for me is to find a partner who enjoys astronomy as much as i do. My last partner had nothing to do with astronomy and got very upset every time i brought something to do with the hobby. So being more the male hobby it does make it hard to find a partner that love astronomy. Maybe one day.
Phil
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16-04-2009, 04:48 PM
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Starcatcher
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Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Gerringong
Posts: 8,548
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil
The goal for me is to find a partner who enjoys astronomy as much as i do. ....
Phil
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That would make an interesting advert on the "dating" site:-
"Must be thrilled getting close and personal with cold & dark evenings, strange outdoor sounds, mosquitoes and other sundry wildlife, whilst losing sleep."
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16-04-2009, 05:22 PM
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Moving to Pandora
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Swan Hill
Posts: 7,102
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Quote:
Originally Posted by erick
That would make an interesting advert on the "dating" site:-
"Must be thrilled getting close and personal with cold & dark evenings, strange outdoor sounds, mosquitoes and other sundry wildlife, whilst losing sleep." 
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16-04-2009, 05:51 PM
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ze frogginator
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Sydney
Posts: 22,080
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil
The goal for me is to find a partner who enjoys astronomy as much as i do.
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 Then you have to take her to Ilford. Nothing's scarier than a possum screaming in the dark  at 2:00am at ground level right behind your back. She'll jump right up in your arms.
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16-04-2009, 06:18 PM
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Teknition
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Brisbane Australia
Posts: 1,721
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Own hair,
Own teeth,
Wish to meet woman with interest in Astronomy.
Send photo of Scope, Camera and Mount.
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16-04-2009, 08:29 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Blue Mountains, Australia
Posts: 1,338
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Baddad
Wish to meet woman with interest in Astronomy.
Send photo of Scope, Camera and Mount. 
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Hilarious. 
Now this could define a new basis for astro-rivals trying to win the attention of a future partner. "My scope is bigger than yours!"
Where is this thread heading?
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16-04-2009, 08:34 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Monto
Posts: 16,741
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Can you imagine the expense if you had 2 astronomers in the family?
Phil, I can relate to your experience with your last partner. It's hard when you don't get the support you need to pursue your passion.
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16-04-2009, 10:10 PM
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The Observologist
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Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Billimari, NSW Central West
Posts: 1,664
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Hi JJJ & All,
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjjnettie
Can you imagine the expense if you had 2 astronomers in the family?
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And what about the never-ending blue if the marriage comes unglued and you fall to bickering over "who gets custody of the the Naglers" in the property settlement.
Perhaps its a good thing I'm married to a non-astronomer who doesn't really have a clue about how much a Nagler is worth. Sometimes it isn't a bad thing that she's "in the dark" about this sort-of stuff ...
Best,
Les D
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16-04-2009, 10:22 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Ireland
Posts: 18
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post
Hello there
This is my first post here, I heard about this thread on Twitter so had to join in.
Astronomy is for everybody, be they man, woman or child. Astronomy and an empathy with the night sky was a natural knowledge for ancient peoples.
Today in the 21st century bringing astronomy back to the people with no gender bias is I think a noble task.
People are people, some are interested in astronomy, and some would never give it a second thought.
In my experience everyone who looks through my telescope at the moon or whatever the target is are in awe and want to know more. Astronomy clubs populated by men or women have an important role to play in this, especially in IYA 2009.
Why there are fewer women in astronomy clubs is it seems a global phenomenon.
The reasons, family commitments certainly are a factor, but I think the main reason is based in the history of education. The sciences were for many decades swung toward the male students.
These days science education is more balanced and women are encouraged to study in that area and become scientists in many aspects of the word. Have you not noticed the increasing proportion of women working in the space business?
For the most part I would not make generalizations about women or men’s personality traits or tastes in movie stars, or gadget preferences. Each person is an individual with many facets; each person brings something special to the world and to their families.
It is my belief that every single child should be given the opportunity to understand the planet they live on, and the sky they look at day or night. Outreach can help to educate, and perhaps address the gender balance in astronomy.
Deirdre
https://twitter.com/skysketcher
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16-04-2009, 10:33 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 40
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Personally, where i work almost everyone has and is saving for a Telescope. Almost everyone and I go out every weekend and all have observing parties. Which I believe is awesome!
I was about to say Women can't save within the threshold of over $800. As us males, we don't require as much primary's  Where women consider it impossible to save.
It is true, women are starting to break the cycle and are generally getting involved with male like activities.
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16-04-2009, 10:53 PM
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Starcatcher
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Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Gerringong
Posts: 8,548
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 Deirdre
Thanks for joining in. I agree with your comments. I get to show various young people the sight through the scope and I can never say whether it is the young men or young ladies who are going to show the most interest and ask the best questions. Sadly, it remains a small percentage of either who are really struck by what they see.
ps. I enjoyed a quick scan through your blog
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16-04-2009, 11:11 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Blue Mountains, Australia
Posts: 1,338
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Skysketcher
In my experience everyone who looks through my telescope at the moon or whatever the target is are in awe and want to know more. Astronomy clubs populated by men or women have an important role to play in this, especially in IYA 2009.
Why there are fewer women in astronomy clubs is it seems a global phenomenon.
Deirdre
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This IYA 2009 is the perfect opportunity for clubs to show their gear, get people to look through their telescopes and generally, promote astronomy.
As you mentioned, the gender biases are breaking down (even if ever so slowly) and more women are getting into previously male dominated fields.
Deirdre, thanks for the input, from half way around the world.
Regards, Rob.
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