My Journey in Astronomy - 5 years since it all began!

iceman (Mike) · #1 23-06-2009, 09:16 AM

Hi all

My wife will tell you – I don’t get into hobbies lightly. I become engrossed in them, obsessed

It becomes a passion, not just a hobby.

And so it was when in June 2004, I decided that I was going to start pursuing my interest in Astronomy and take it up as a hobby. Now, 5 years later – wow, what a journey it has been!

This month marks the 5th anniversary of my time in Astronomy. Take a stroll down memory lane with me to find out how it all began, the ups and downs along the way, and my plans for the future.

My Journey in Astronomy - 5 years since it all began!

Thanks for reading.

[1ponders] (Paul) · #2 23-06-2009, 09:24 AM

It's been a fantastic journey Mike. Thanks for sharing the ride, it's been a lot of fun. Here's to a few more miles for the ol' IIS Bus.

xstream (John) · #3 23-06-2009, 09:42 AM

Congrats Mike!

It certainly has been a lot of fun reading and enjoying the ride down memory lane.

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #4 23-06-2009, 10:18 AM

You've done great things for the Astro community Mike.
Thank you for sharing the last 5 years with us.
I'm looking forward to what may unfold during the next 5 years.

lacad01 (Adam) · #5 23-06-2009, 10:21 AM

Interesting reading Mike, thanks for sharing. Hmm, could make for a good preface to a certain almanac

h0ughy (David) · #6 23-06-2009, 10:52 AM

LOL time for a book......

congratulations Mike

Liz · #7 23-06-2009, 11:06 AM

Well done Mike and ....... BIG THANK YOU!!

toryglen-boy (Duncan) · #8 23-06-2009, 11:29 AM

Well, there is certainly some unbridled passion there, although TBH 5 years isnt very long at all, and some people might be really cheeky and call you a n00b !!

Seriously though, thanks for providing a great site.

erick (Eric) · #9 23-06-2009, 01:23 PM

No roadblocks reported - good to hear! Onya Mike!

Ric · #10 23-06-2009, 01:51 PM

Great read Mike and a big thanks for IIS.

Where would we be without it.

Cheers

matt · #11 23-06-2009, 01:55 PM

Happy anniversary, Mike.

What a ride!

cahullian · #12 23-06-2009, 02:30 PM

Nice one Milke keep up the grear work : )

Gazz

Lester · #13 23-06-2009, 02:55 PM

Thanks Mike, its amazing how quick you have got to where you are now in this hobby/science.

I owe a big thanks to IIS, as it was the very thing that got my interest back into astronomy. Also the knowledge of the members has been a great asset that I have turned to time and time again.

All the best Mike.

leon · #14 23-06-2009, 04:42 PM

Great read Mike, it certainly was a journey, but look at what has been achieved, congratulations, and thanks to IIS, I too am experiencing a hobby like no other.

Leon

AstralTraveller (David) · #15 23-06-2009, 05:27 PM

My heart-felt congratulations. It's hard to believe you have achieved so much in such a short time. Your photography is excelent, you output prodigious, and the IIS site is the best thing for Aust amateur astronomy I think I've seen in the 35 years I've been into it. Give yourself a big pat on the back!

duncan · #16 23-06-2009, 06:25 PM

Hi Mike,
Wow! What a great read. Congratulations on what you have already achieved and no doubt for what you will achieve in the future.
PROUD! you certainly should be. If not for this site i wouldn't have gotten back into Astronomy.
Thankyou for all you have done.
Cheers,
Duncan

Kevnool (Kev) · #17 23-06-2009, 06:34 PM

Thx Mike for the web site and promoting astronomy on a massive scale.
My the next 5 be as rewarding as the first 5.
Cheers Kev.

Rodstar (Rod) · #18 23-06-2009, 06:52 PM

You're so achievement-oriented, Mike!

Maybe my take on the past 5 years is a little different because I have not achieved like you have - but I reckon your greatest achievement is not so much the stuff you have been publicly recognised for in terms of imaging awards etc, but in connecting up so many people from around the world who would never otherwise have found each other's company and encouragement. The site and events connected with IIS have certainly made a huge difference in my life, and I hold some folk I have met through the forum as good mates. Without IIS, none of this would have happened.

Well done, buddy! And thanks.

PS: One day I WILL beat you at tennis.

cookie8 (Vincent) · #19 23-06-2009, 07:08 PM

Some people can hardly master visual astronomy in 5 years let alone photography. IIS really brings people together and you has to be congratulated for this remarkable achievement. Looking forward to your next 5 years.

Matty P (Matt) · #20 23-06-2009, 07:17 PM

Great work Mike. The things you have achieved in your 5 years is quite remarkable.

Congratulations and looking forward to what you achieve in the future.

Thanks for sharing it with us.