I'm Andrew and I'm an Astronomaholic

[andrewk_82 (Andrew)]

Hi, I'm Andrew and I'm an Astronomaholic.

My problem started last Christmas when my mother in law purchased me a book on astronomy. In the following 2 days I read the thing from front to back (I should have seen the warning signs then). As a result I purchased some 15x70 binos. I enjoyed using these and managed to find a few of the objected listed in the book. Some symptoms of Astronomaholism then started to emerge. I would often look up at the sky during the day and hope that it would be clear that night. I also purchased several more books and read these within days of purchase.

After a while the binoculars were alright, but I just wasn't getting the same high as I did when I started. I needed something stronger. So after a bit of research I got a 10" dob for my birthday which after a few mods was just what I needed. At this point I was hooked. During the day, I all I would think about was when I was going to get my next fix of observing. I even started talking astronomy to my wife, who now calls me an astro nerd. I even dream of dark skies where there many galaxies and nebula as naked eye objects. Also everything on my Christmas list is astronomy related.

Finally the other day I finally realised that I had a problem. When I was having a cup of coffee and I noticed that the swirling pattern in the top of it when I stirred it looked a lot like a Sa spiral galaxy . This was when I decided that I needed help.

My question is, is there a cure for this addiction or am I doomed to a lifetime of talking NGC and IC numbers, and hoping the damn moon will go away so I can see what's out there ? I'm afraid that if I don't curb this habit now I could be stuck with this addiction and it may cost me a lot of money and sleep in the future (I would hate to have to turn to crime to fund my habit ).

Any help from fellow astronomaholics or those that have kicked the habit would be grealty appreciated .

Regards

[Jen]

lol Andrew sorry mate there is no cure for this disease i know exactly how you feel

But once the weather starts to get really really cold and the sky looks crap day after day these symptoms will ease a little but when the Orion and Saturn begin to pop up in the sky again (like now) you will be back out there with a big grin on ya face all over again you are not alone
Its ok to be an Astro nerd

[jungle11 (Greg)]

Hey there, i've started moaning about the clouds and i haven't even got my scope yet! I guess you could say im in the early onset stage

When i was little i used to have this dream where i'd walk outside and i could see the the planets in the sky - jupiter, saturn, large as life and taking up huge portions of the sky.
Even now i get shivers when i think of those dreams - some special feeling i got out of them - you know how it is with dreams, it's hard to describe.

I think the only known cure for astronomaholicism is to buy a dodgy telescope from toyworld on a tripod made out of matchsticks, or move to england where you will never see a clear sky again

[spacezebra (Petra)]

Hi Andrew

I'm Petra and I too am an Astronomaholic, but then everyone in IIS knows that .

No there is no cure. No amount of selling equipment, or enjoying the cloudly weather will rid you of this desire to ....... look up!

Cheers Petra d.

[Outbackmanyep]

Hi Andrew!
I notice you say you're from Inverell, im from the Walcha / Armidale region!
Good to see you're taking advantage of the awesome skies in the area! Nothing wrong with being an astro-nerd! i think we all are here! hehe
There was a fellow from our local astro club that lives in Inverell now, he used to work for Glen Innes council, i sometimes visit Inverell when i go fossicking that way!
Good to see you join the forums!

Cheers!

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

Yeah Andrew - Hi.

Looks like you're stuffed. Welcome to the nut house.

[leinad (Dan)]

Originally Posted by andrewk_82

Hi, I'm Andrew and I'm an Astronomaholic.

Finally the other day I finally realised that I had a problem. When I was having a cup of coffee and I noticed that the swirling pattern in the top of it when I stirred it looked a lot like a Sa spiral galaxy . This was when I decided that I needed help.

Everyday I make a cappuccino at work I'm creating spiral galaxies. Mmmm chocolaty spiral galaxie'ness capo'. Yum.

[TrevorW]

I'm an Astronomaholic in more ways than one, I drink probably too much red wine while waiting for the imaging session to finish !!!

[Dog Star (Phil)]

Sorry Andrew, you've come to the wrong place for help.
In fact, it's somewhat analogous to a drunk seeking help at the local pub for his addiction.
The only advice I can offer is that if you want to avoid a hangover, just stay drunk.
(Hic) Hang on. What were we talking about again? (Burp)
Anyways, Welcome!

[norm]

Hi Andrew to the forum.


The worst and best thing you have done is coming to this forum.

Its a sickness that is hard to wean and I'm afraid there is no known cure.

Having said that enjoy your dark sky views, you certainly have us city slickers full of envy !

Good size scope purchase too!

Cheers Norm

[h0ughy (David)]

Hi Im h0ughy and i dont suffer from anything

[WadeH (Wade)]

Hi Andrew,

I'm sorry but I'm afraid your done for. The only short term fix I've found is to get on IIS during daylight and full moon nights. That helps long enough to last until the next DSO viewing!

[RobF (Rob)]

Sounds nasty Andrew!!

In such an advanced state of addiction, don't even think of going cold turkey. You're only hope is regular viewing sessions mixed with copious doses of IIS.......

[Terry B]

Welcome Andrew from a relative neighbour (in Armidale).
The only treatment for your problem is to enroll in a masters in Astronomy or similar. It takes up the time waiting for the clouds to pisss off, satisfies the addiction and is fun to do.
Come and visit us a UNENTAS on day.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

We hear you buddy and we're all going through it together.
Enjoy the euphoria of the newly converted.
It's a great high.

When our creek is in flood, I like to watch for eddies, they look like galaxies too.

[Ric]

Hi Andrew and welcome mate, I've been afflicted with this ailment for 40 years now and have loved every minute of it.

Watch out for that other contagious ailment called "telescopitis" or the uncontrollable urge to buy more telescopes than you have eyes.

Anyway hope you have a great time here.

[JohnH]

Originally Posted by andrewk_82

Any help from fellow astronomaholics or those that have kicked the habit would be grealty appreciated .

Regards

Andrew,

Well there is no cures as such but there some exotic forms of the disease you might like to consider as your next "upgrade". The principal here is similar to not worrying about a paper cut when you have just secured your foot to the floor with an industrial rivet gun ie relativity.

So you might investigate ..appature fever, autoguiditis, APOnvy and CCDQeSyndrome. Of these probably autoguiditis has the greatest potential "cure" your astronomoholic tendencies when combined with just the wrong amount of focal length, pixel size and monut, the endless tuning can lead to a total lack of observation or imaging and a desire for cloudy nights.

[andrewk_82 (Andrew)]

Hi All,

Thanks for the welcome. Its good to see that I'm not alone in this.
Greg suggested that I buy a cheap telescope to cure me, but I already own a 60mm Tasco and all it did was make me buy a better scope . I have my first child due in 9 weeks so that will probably reduce the symptoms for a while (lack of sleep and all).

I think that all that is left to do is accept that this is the way things are going to be and enjoy it . Luckily I have books and forums like this to get me through cloudy weather like this (the rain's good though).

Seriously though I do hope that I'm still enjoying this just as much in 40 years, maybe my children and grandchildren in the future will also be Astronomaholics (its a viscious cycle).

Cheers

[erick (Eric)]

Originally Posted by andrewk_82

..... I have my first child due in 9 weeks so that will probably reduce the symptoms for a while (lack of sleep and all).....

Fantastic! After you get babe back to sleep around 2am, you'll be able to nip outside for a quick half hour!

[AstralTraveller (David)]

Originally Posted by h0ughy

Hi Im h0ughy and i dont suffer from anything

.... including the 12,647 posts?