Why so few girls?

[spacezebra (Petra)]

Hi JJJ

Originally Posted by jjjnettie

One good thing about being part of the minority in this hobby, is that you get to hang out with the majority.

[marc4darkskies (Marcus)]

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.

Originally Posted by Jen

LMAO Petra you go girl i need a astro chick like you in my town i could get some good tips from you The problem i have is hubby isnt home 5 nights a week he is only home on Fri & Sat nite so it seems hard to give him a peck on the cheek and say see ya im off to check out the stars with another man
well its worth a try hehehe

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

[multiweb (Marc)]

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

[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

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

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.

[marc4darkskies (Marcus)]

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

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

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

[Robh (Rob)]

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.

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.

[Jen]

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

LOL Marc yeah you are all too far away from me

[Phil]

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

[erick (Eric)]

Originally Posted by Phil

The goal for me is to find a partner who enjoys astronomy as much as i do. ....

Phil

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."

[Jen]

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."

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by Phil

The goal for me is to find a partner who enjoys astronomy as much as i do.

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.

[Baddad (Marty)]

Own hair,
Own teeth,
Wish to meet woman with interest in Astronomy.
Send photo of Scope, Camera and Mount.

[Robh (Rob)]

Originally Posted by Baddad

Wish to meet woman with interest in Astronomy.
Send photo of Scope, Camera and Mount.

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?

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

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.

[ngcles]

Hi JJJ & All,

Originally Posted by jjjnettie

Can you imagine the expense if you had 2 astronomers in the family?

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

[Skysketcher (Deirdre)]

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

[Arman]

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.

[erick (Eric)]

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

[Robh (Rob)]

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

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.