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FOCAL POINTIn Defense of Casual AstronomyThe press has run a lot of stories lately about the "serious" side of amateur astronomy. There seems to be growing respect for the quality of amateurs' work, and that's good. But is the emphasis on promoting amateur research good for astronomy as a hobby? Speaking as an amateur, I'm not so sure.Now don't misunderstand. I'm happy to see more amateurs engaging in systematic observing programs. Without question, if we can help astronomers uncover some small secret of the universe, we should, thoroughly and professionally.Still, let's be reaUstic. Few amateur astronomers will ever get that serious about their hobby and methodically record observations night after night. For most, organized astronomy is intimidating and too much work. That's not what attracts them. Instead, these amateurs are content to explore the sky as tourists, casually sightseeing on the occasional quiet evening their busy schedule allows.Is this really so bad? After all, even that level of participation takes dedication and often a large investment in equipment. Remaining a couch potato is a lot easier than driving dozens of miles to gaze at fuzzy spots in the cold dark night. Anyone who takes the time and makes the effort to observe the sky at all should be congratulated.There's certainly nothing wrong with encouraging people already well established in the hobby to do serious research. Obviously, many skilled amateurs find the endeavor very satisfying. But all too often veteran observers give newcomers the impression that somehow you're just not a full-fledged amateur astronomer unless you report data to some central organization. Out of their well-meaning zeal for the hobby, they seem to promote "serious observing" as something to which everyone should eventually graduate. It is not. It's a small part of the spectrum of amateur astronomy, and one with only limited appeal.Observing doesn't need to produce scientific data to be enriching; seeing the beauty of the night sky is reward enough. In any case, amateur astronomy has one other very important selling point: it can be fun! By emphasizing casual, "no-guilt" astronomy, we can better attract new people to the hobby and retain their interest. A larger community of amateurs is to everyone's benefit. It means more members for clubs, more business for equipment suppliers, and more political support for astronomical research.All of us should do more to publicize the simpler side of the hobby, the side that doesn't demand time-consuming dedication to meticulous observations. We should tout astronomy as an entertaining pastime that anyone with a sense of wonder can enjoy.But it may not be easy. Editors of general-interest magazines, newspapers, and radio and television shows often want to give just the opposite impression. They prefer features about "eccentric" amateurs who devote their lives to discovering novae or monitoring variable stars. The tale of the mild-mannered clerk by day who forsakes all else to hunt comets by night makes for a lively and interesting story. Unfortunately it's far from typical of what most amateurs do, and therefore gives people the wrong idea about the hobby.Despite our culture's collective suspicion of science, amateur astronomy has grown tremendously in the last couple of decades. I think this popularity is due in part to an eroding of the stuffy attitudes of the past, making the hobby less formal, more accessible, and downright more fun than it used to be.I remember a time not so long ago when astronomy club meetings consistedof learned elderly gentlemen presenting "papers" as if they were at a professional symposium. Club newsletters were pompously called "journals." It was all quite boring. Thank goodness those days are gone. Or are they?I can see a trend developing once again to push serious astronomy as the only legitimate form of amateur observing. If this happens, we could find ourselves with a lot of disenchanted beginners. To keep the hobby growing into the I990's, we shouldn't neglect casual astronomy, astronomy that says you need come away from your session under the stars with no more than pleasant memories.Those who wish to delve into the very demanding fields of amateur research should be encouraged to do so. Through specialized pubhcations they can learn how to properly conduct a formal observing program. But the organizers of club meetings and star parties, plus the editors of magazines and local club newsletters, need to keep in mind that most amateurs aren't interested in doing research. They're in astronomy for fun and recreation. Let's not forget to respect their interests.ALAN DYERThe author is a Canadian science writer and amateur astronomer who has been involved with astronomy education for 15 years.Focal Point invites contributions from readers who wish to comment on contemporary issues in astronomy and space science.580 Sky & Telescope, June, !989