But if that creature (or creatures... gasp!) hissing in the distance is scurrying as quickly as possible from all of the lights in the area, carrying any number of possible types of equipment, is still causing you nightmares, let this blog put your mind at ease. You have just stumbled upon one, or maybe some, of the often most vampiric members of the world, known as astronomers. What to do, you ask? Well, that's an easy one! Turn off any and all lights that you can as a token of your sincerity, and see if you can join their gazing rituals of the night sky - but be warned, their mysterious culture often assimilates the curious quicker than the Borg.
So, you've conquered your fears of the misunderstood astronomer, and been assimilated into their culture, but your still not sure what it is these astronomers do besides point their eyes (and any cool instruments that increase their viewing pleasure) to the sky? That too, is a fairly simple question to answer; however, the answer you receive depends on the kind of astronomer you question and the kind of research you do on your own about the subject. Perhaps the first (and maybe most important) piece of information that you should become acquainted with is the difference between an astronomer and an astrologist. Many people within the general public do not know the difference, and to the frustration of many astronomers, lump them all together in general with "the people who do the horoscope things." The only real similarity between these groups is the fact that they both look to the stars for answers about life in some respect. Informing the populous of the numerous differences (especially the fact that astronomers are curious scientists at heart, not people looking to predict the future of individuals based on the constellations present at the time of birth) is an incredibly important and continuous component of what astronomers actually do.
And, you ask, what about the rest of the time? There has to be more to it than looking out into the night sky night after night, right? You're right, there is more to it than that, even though some amateur astronomers are only in it for the peaceful tranquility of stargazing in general. For those who are serious about the subject, whether they are amateur or professional astronomers, they are still curious children at heart that seek to learn the secrets of the universe and/or the world around them. Most become enchanted on a deep level with some small aspect of astronomy and pursue that specific topic in great depth, trying to increase their own knowledge of the subject - how lucky for the rest of the world! It is the great discoveries of these steadfast observers and curious minds that have led to much of what we know about the universe, because like any true scientist, they seek to find the best possible answer and then let everyone else in on the secret. Much of what our astronomer ancestors discovered have aided us in developing a number of technological advances that would be otherwise impossible to develop - try googling for the side benefits of NASA's research for some examples - and modern astronomers are using that background to look further into the universe for even more great discoveries. One quick example of what has been accomplished in recent years (for those of you who don't want to look up these side benefits of astronomy) is the advent of GPS. So, the next time you need to use your navigation devices that depend on GPS, thank an astronomer!
What will they find or figure out next? Who knows, but you can be sure that it will be fantastic!
