Frequently Astronomical Questions:

“All science would be superfluous if the outward appearance and the essence of things directly coincided.”

          This page is meant not only to rattle off some of the questions I get now and then, and to pose and answer them on my own terms. After all, no question can be "frequently asked" if I'm not frequently answering questions to begin with. To that end, this page will not only host an F.A.Q. but an open call for questions on any point of curiousity, which I am happy to answer here on the page, or personally by email if the reader would prefer. Not that any of this should deny one of the ways I want this site to be enriching : it's an integral part of my own learning experience, too. To answer I'll be calling on what I've learned, but also my diligence as a fact finder and librarian for those who know a great deal more, and most importantly, my willingness to acknowledge one of the most essential and exciting realizations a person can make: "I don't know!"

The Frequent Ones:

"Can I afford this hobby?"

         Yes. There are accessible set-ups and upgrade paths available to any level of income, provided you are dedicated and willing to set and save for your goals.

"How difficult is this hobby?"

          Some forms are shockingly simple, many are deeply involved and technical; the sky is the limit when it comes to the complexity you wish to incorporate, but you get out what you put in. The steeper you take the learning curve, the more likely you will be to waste whole nights learning what not to do.

What is the community like?

         In all hobbies I’ve engaged with, astrophotography and amateur astronomy has one of the most involved, resourceful, helpful, and international communities that I’ve seen.

Is there any goal to this aside from making pretty images?

         There doesn’t have to be, but there certainly can be. It is an integral part of astronomy, and astrophotographers/amateur astronomers can incorporate actual research, including “pro-am” collaboration with actual space agencies. It also plays a valuable role in community outreach, science popularization, and can even become a gig!

My pictures aren’t coming out right; WHY?

         This is a possibly the most common question, and can have to do with any number of steps and components. If you search and ask the right questions, the answers are out there. Double and triple check each step; at more advanced levels, it becomes that much easier to skip something by accident. Recording and referencing the steps in your process is invaluable.

Is this hobby a good way to meet people?

         Totally! Most locales have astronomy clubs at least within a few hours drive, and you will certainly pique the interest of your neighbors.

Isn't this hobby dangerous?

         Ok, in all fairness, nobody ever actually asks this, but it’s important to note: incautious hobbyists can loose very valuable equipment to carelessness with weather, storage, handling, or theft. It’s also important to dress for the weather, bring adequate supplies to remote sites, and never ever, ever point a telescope at the sun that is not designed or securely filtered for that specific purpose. People have lit things on fire in this way, and less fortunate people have instantly and permanently blinded an eye. I've also heard of at least one person breaking a toe by accidentally dropping the counterweight for a German Equatorial Mount (or GEM).