loner amateur

Adrian-H · #1 13-05-2006, 12:55 AM

hello im a loner amateur and i live all on my own in Orange i would love to get to know some people around in person if able, some people that allso have the great interest in astronomy, i have a 12inch dob, and a Sirius EQ-G Mount that i will be adding a Ritchey-Chretien OTA Most Likey Very Soon and i am trying to work out which is the most ideal camera for me, because i would love to start astrophotography i am very motivated to, and i wish to follow astronomy for my career if possible, if there where astronomy courses i could find i would join, if there where some telescope making courses i would join, anything astronomy pretty much, astronomy is my passion, i would love much more knowledge then i currently have, i am currently trying to learn the Octanus Star's and drift alignment when i find a battery for my Sirius so i can perfect my alignment to start deep sky astrophotography when i decide on OTA and Camera, i would allso love to join astronomy club, i would love to have some astro-friends, however i have no means of transport (no car), and i am a real loner.

iceman (Mike) · #2 13-05-2006, 06:57 AM

Hi Adrian,

I'm sure there's some other members out your way, I know there's one or two at Bathurst which isn't too far away is it?

I'll have a look and see if there's any astro clubs around you.

Astronomy can be a lonely hobby if you don't know anyone with the same passion. I've been lucky to have found many friends around me through this forum, I hope you're able to do the same!

[1ponders] (Paul) · #3 13-05-2006, 08:53 AM

Hi Adrian. Good luck, I hope you find people in your area soon. It is great to be able to get together with other amateurs.

If you are looking for astronomy courses, try Swinburne. They have fully online astronomy courses from non-assessed courses, to Grad Certificate, Grad Dip and Masters. There could be something there you are looking for. I know they do a couple of Astrophotography based subjects. Lot of work though

Lester · #4 13-05-2006, 09:32 AM

Hi Adrian,

You will find plenty of help from all the different areas on astronomy, here in IIS. I come from country S.A and was use to doing things my own way in astronomy for many years (30+) But since joining IIS in January have met many nice and helpfull people plus my enthusiasm for astronomy has grown.

Welcome to IIS.

janoskiss (Steve H) · #5 13-05-2006, 10:17 AM

It's a lonely hobby allright, but sometimes it's best that way. Just me and the universe.

But it's often nice to have company too; having friends to share the experience is a lot of fun. I'm sure you can find like-minded people who would like to observe in your area. Your skies must be pretty good.

ving (David) · #6 13-05-2006, 10:30 AM

a lonely hobby for people who enjoy peace and quiet

JohnG (John) · #7 13-05-2006, 10:46 AM

Hi Adrian

Ah, know the feeling well, when I lived at Molong there was absolutely no one around, now on the coast I have no one within about 200 Kms as far as I am aware. Like Lester I have been in the hobby for over 35 years and have basically had to teach myself, we didn't have the luxury of the internet then so in my case it was trial and error, usually error, but, in the end I learnt alot. Hopefully next year I can get to Lostock and meet a few people.

JohnG

sheeny (Al) · #8 13-05-2006, 11:59 AM

G'Day Adrian,

I'm in Oberon which is an hour and a bit away. I know Simon (Thiink) is in Bathurst which is prabably only half an hour or so from Orange. I haven't picked up on anyone else in Orange yet, but that doesn't mean much!

Centaurus Astro Society is in Bathurst. I haven't got there yet to meet them, but that needn't stop you. They meet at the Bathurst Observatory. I think the details are in Astronomy 2006.

Al.

h0ughy (David) · #9 13-05-2006, 02:30 PM

try http://www.cwas.org.au/Aboutus.htm

mickoking · #10 13-05-2006, 04:23 PM

G,day Adrian.

I have been observing for over 25 years now and with the exception of forums like IIS I have had virtually no contact with other amateur astronomers. Astronomy can be a solitary persuit, to me that is one of it's attractions.

leon · #11 13-05-2006, 08:04 PM

Hi Adrien

Your dead right, it can be a solitary, and lonely sport, i"ve done it on my own for as long as i can remember, but i don't mind it like that, just you and the stars.
However i have only just joined this community and have to admit it's great, and so my direction will probably change as i meet new friends.

Leon

Adrian-H · #12 13-05-2006, 11:58 PM

Thanks for the replys warm with understanding,

Iceman ive tried calling the obserbatory that held those meetings in bathurst, but apprently there club isnt in action at the moment, i was told to call back, in afew months time though, because they may be starting it back up,

Looked through cwas H0ughy, one problem though, parks telescope and there obserbing sites are in a quite remote area's and i do not have a car, so that brings me up with some issues,

i have had Michael Claytor from Bintel tell me amilion times to get a car, and everytime i see him he asks me if i have wheels yet, but i dont really want a car, its alot of money, and a person like me, a mind like mine , i would rather put money into something (may sound funny) more productive to the enviroment, and i allways dream of having my own 30inch ritchrey chretien, im sure alot of you allso dream this too, so car money, oops whered it go!!!

i will probly be puraching a 8inch LX200R OTA for my Sirius mount, but im not totaly sure on what kind of Camera i should go for, im willing to spend up to 2k aprox, ill make a post in the equipment forum.

I Have allways been lonely pretty much, it would just be nice if there where some people around, i find that i cannot find anyone my age that has interests that are simular to mine, then again age dosent limit me from friends, i kind of "see" why i dont have any. i guess thats an advantage in ways, im sure you all see the same things, and i wouldnt change for it, change for yourself, the way it should be.

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #13 14-05-2006, 12:08 AM

Adrian,

Just an idea mate, how about placing ads in local school newsletters or even in the newspaper: Astronomy -
Interested in Astronomy? call (Phone number)

Worth a try.

I thought there was only 3 or 4 other people interested in astronomy in my small town of 250 . I advertised in the local newsletter and we now (only 2 weeks after the ad) have an Astro Association with 21 members!!!!

Adrian-H · #14 14-05-2006, 01:25 AM

that is a great idea, i would have to take some time to think first however, because i think i would come with a simular outcome, if i find keen people.
cheers.

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #15 14-05-2006, 01:37 AM

Adrian,

I don't mind helping you with any info you may need. I'm sure others from astro societies will help with suggestions too.

We keep our Association very simple and the other members like it that way too. No meetings, just observing.

Have a look at our website in my signature below. We had our first observing group night last night (Friday) and we had a ball.