Why Get Into Astronomy?

Why get into amateur astronomy? While every stargazing enthusiast has their own story, there are so many positive benefits in learning about the universe that surrounds us that it’s worth more discussion!

Psychologist Dr. Carrie Barron recommends the following six prescriptions for a happier life (article linked below), I’ve taken the liberty of adding some personal comments on how I’ve found these relevant to stargazing:

Gratitude

There’s nothing quite like looking through a telescope and studying our cosmic surroundings to gain an appreciation for how small we are, it helps put everything in context and lends a sense of priorities in life

Savoring

Nothing in the sky moves fast, and the tranquility and solitude experienced under the stars are some of the most powerful experiences you can ever find

Random Acts of Kindness

Amateur astronomy is full of people seeking to learn more, and sharing experiences and knowledge with people is incredibly rewarding

Engage in a Beloved Activity

The night sky is persistent, your understanding and skill will grow over the years, but it’s something you can always come back to wherever you live, and there’s always a way to engage whether it be lying on the grass looking at stars or an all-nighter with a telescope

Social Connection

The astronomy community is a tight knit group of people eager to learn, and who also have a deep appreciation, awe and wonder for the universe. There are several major national star parties (in a typical year) where beginners and sages alike gather, all drawn in by the night sky for the same reason. Locally it’s a great way to meet new people with similar interests, who likely have a profound sense of curiosity about the world and lots to share both in and outside the hobby

Meaning and Purpose

To quote Carl Sagan “It has been said that astronomy is a humbling and character-building experience. There is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another, and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known.”

6 Positive Psychology Prescriptions to Improve Health

Positive psychology and the concept of human flourishing, researched and popularized by Dr. Martin Seligman, have been around for a long time but they have recently become a hot topic in the medical field. The scientific study of "what makes life worth living," (Chris Peterson, 2008) is applicable to people seeking medical care.

With a clear weekend ahead of us, here’s Sky & Telescope’s weekly observing guide:

This Week's Sky at a Glance, September 4 - 12 - Sky & Telescope

■ Jupiter and Saturn, shining in the south, turn horizontal in twilight. Every evening they get this way a few minutes earlier. The pair tilts to the right as evening advances. ■ The waning gibbous Moon rises around the end of twilight this evening.

Join us Wednesday 9/9 @ 6:00 PM for our virtual program “Tour of the Solar System.” Email LBmartin@cityofwestminster.us to register for this free virtual program.

Check back each weekday @ 5:00 pm for more observing guides and science news!

Learn more at: www.StandleyLakeStargazing.com and on Facebook www.facebook.com/StandleyLakeStargazing

If you'd like to support us, visit www.patreon.com/StandleyLakeStargazing

Leave comments and questions on our page and feel free to reach us directly at contact@standleylakestargazing.com. As always-

Stay well, and clear skies!