Telescope Reviews: From the Editor's Desk: Astronomy Biz Shakeout

I really like the way this thread is treating the question. Too many times I see a post about the lack of new comers to astro obsession turn into a continuous round of bashing the young and society in general just because they don’t share our particular form of madness. I too worry and wonder about why more people aren’t mesmerized as I am.

A few thoughts to go with the excellent posts so far.

The consensus is that there is a downturn in the hobby since the vendors are experiencing slower and declining sales. I can see how the general economic picture would lead to this – more jobs but less pay, more millionaires but tighter budgets for the middle class. I also wonder if there is a decline in overall sales. Is it possible that the astro pie is being divided up a little more? I sort of divvy up my purchases between the few brick and mortar stores around and the large web site establishments. I’m one of the newcomers that you guys are hoping for, so I don’t know. Are there more of the large web dealers now or fewer. Are they taking spreading sales between a larger number of vendors?

And I agree with both points voiced about mentoring and doing outreach. It is one of my favorite astro pastimes. But then I was a teacher for a couple of decades. However, if it isn’t your cup of tea, don’t do it. I used to tell my teachers if they didn’t like poetry, don’t teach it. It will ruin it for the kids. Some of us like explaining and having a crowd around sometimes. Some don’t, and not only shouldn’t they feel bad about it, they shouldn’t try to do it if they don’t enjoy it. It probably wouldn’t turn out well. Folks are different.

Another thing I agree with is that darkness is required. We can’t live by the moon and planets alone. We need to add that consideration to the equation when we recommend a first scope. The ubiquitous answer to that frequent question is an 8” dob, but if the subject isn’t viewing from his or her yard in a fairly dark setting, what they see won’t inspire them much. Maybe we need to throw the 3 to 4 inch refractor into the mix as a possibility. They can more easily be transported to a dark location without having to use up most of the back seat. Once at the dark site, the dob would be more valuable, but packing and unpacking the big tube would cut down on the trips. From a good site almost all of the Messier’s can be found with a 3 inch refractor. That would keep a beginner busy for quite some time. Time to build skills and decide what might be the best way to quell the inevitable aperture fever. Many of CN’s guiding lights have told how their first light came through a narrow little refractor on spindly legs. The main virtue of a dob here is its stable mount. Perhaps dealers could make inexpensive but stable alt-az mounts available. If not, we need ATM solutions.

The lack of good skies and guidance may be the two biggest hindrances to the new astronomer. I often wonder what direction those two or three eager youngsters who ask all the questions at a star party have if they want to take up the hobby. Maybe clubs and vendors should offer not only viewing parties, but sessions on choosing a first scope and how to use them. Woodworking and other hobbies support trade shows that travel around the country. How about a tour of multiple cities by a vendor or trade grouping. Maybe a one day expo followed by a night’s viewing.

I’m all for having more people who buy equipment and politic for dark skies. In my golf days or canoeing days, I often wished that the venues were not so crowded with other enthusiasts. Ours is one hobby that is not overcrowded yet.

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Jim in Texas
NS11GPS (Celeste)
C6S-GT (Celia)
SV 85S (Stella)
SV66 (Red)
Pentax Binoculars (the Twins)