For those of you who read this blog before the database was wiped, you may remember that it was started as an amateur astronomy outreach program. I am pleased to announce that while many people out there continue to do so, I will no longer be referring to astronomy on this website as “amateur.” Instead, the term “backyard” will be used because it is more in line with what I have planned for the future of this website. There are many non-professional astronomers out there who have made amazing contributions to the field and I think assigning the term “amateur” to everyone who doesn’t have a Ph.D. is a disservice to those who have contributed so much to the study of our universe. To me, Backyard Astronomy is a much more appropriate term.
The short story is that nightShifted Astronomy is changing. That’s why it has taken me so long to get back to writing. My focus is shifting from large-scale astronomy and research so that I can focus on more localized events and activities that I feel are more in line with my original idea for this site. Let me explain…
I’ve been an astronomer for 10 years, and in that time I have had the privilege of working with a wide range of scientific talent. I’ve worked with professional astronomers, mathematicians, and aerospace research scientists. However, I have found that I get the greatest satisfaction out of my hobby by watching a person’s eyes light up when they realize that the fuzzy dot they are staring at through my telescope is another galaxy! I love the thrill of sharing the heavens with other people and I want this blog to be the gateway that people come to for answers! I have a deep passion for the stars and I want to share that passion with the world. I think that the wonder and mystery of our universe becomes lost in the constant mathematical representations and tech-speak that scientists feed to the world. There are a lot of technical people out there who may care about the Drake Equation, but Joe Smith who just purchased his first Orion Telescope is only interested in helping his 5-year old daughter see the Orion Nebula! I think that astronomy news and information is too bogged down with the technical minutia and is unappealing and uninspiring. My goal is to translate astronomy into a language that every person can understand and enjoy. I want to help restore some of the old-school fascination with the night skies!
In the coming weeks I will be posting articles about how to purchase a new telescope, learning to use that telescope, and basic star information to help a newcomer learn to find amazing targets on their first night out. Astronomy can be intimidating at first, but with a little practice and study, anyone can learn to explore the vast depths of our universe!
Welcome to nightShifted Astronomy…astronomy for the masses!
//WS
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