My point exactly. The French have a saying " Vive le difference' "
You can do as much PC hand-wringing as you like....but I suspect there is nothing sinister going on in Astronomy or any other circles.
Last time I checked the Taliban were not a big force in any Astronomy club in Oz
Women are and have been made most welcome. Individual choices/interests are another matter entirely...
Have to agree with your Peter, nothing sinister at all, it's just the way it is.
Having said that, there is nothing wrong with clubs having women friendly factors (?) introduced at some level, it might be worth a try? Exactly what these women friendly factors might be would be up for discussion I guess?
I've read this thread I thought I'd add my cents worth. The way I see it we are all odd people out. It is still a world where being interested in a hobby like Astronomy puts you in a small minority, whether you’re a women or a man. We teach our children cultural stereotypes, this is changing slowly. To me the question isn't just why don't we see more women it's why don't we see more people. Evolution may have given men and women different roles in our native habit, but last I checked most of us live in cities and wear cloths. Our brains give us the ability to break out of our instinctive behaviours. The wonders of modern science and the natural world would keep myself and my wife interested in our hobbies for 10 life times. The mindless crap that most people are into leaves both of us shaking our heads........
We do seem to be rather thin on the ground. Last place I lived in NSW with a population of ~4000 there were 2 amateur astronomers, me included. Just moved to WA town, Pop. ~25000, so far it's 2 again. But just had a lady approach me re buying herself a 'scope, so maybe the count is about to go up by 50% (Found her an 8" Dob, just have to pick it up next time I go to Perth)
The one thing that does hold me back from getting really full on in this hobby i find is when you have met a guy on here that has a 20inch scope that i am dying to go have a play with but its hard to go to another guys house and basically spend the night there till the sun comes up while your hubby is home sleeping it just dosnt seem to be the right thing to do so unless you have a hubby thats into it too it can make it a very difficult situation to be in
At least you wouldn't get that "So your off to meet men in the dark"
chuckle the wife throws my way every time Jen .
.. hmm wife interested in astronomy ... no thanks .. no way I could of
"possibly " told the odd half truth about the amount of money I have tipped into it so far .
At least you wouldn't get that "So your off to meet men in the dark"
chuckle the wife throws my way every time Jen .
.. hmm wife interested in astronomy ... no thanks .. no way I could of
"possibly " told the odd half truth about the amount of money I have tipped into it so far .
Well i could meet up with her one day and tell her I can be paid in astro toys to keep quiet Thats why there is a few astro chicks we are spies to tell all your wives how much you have spent on astro gear
........
sorry
now i understand why my hubby always tells me im just different 
