SKY_July2014.pdf

34 July 2014 sky & telescope

Astronomy with a Plan

In my 20 years of experience in the hobby of amateur

astronomy, I have seen almost as many ideas of what

it means to be an astronomer as there are participants

in the pastime. Some hobbyists focus on the technical

artistry of capturing extraordinary astrophotos. Oth-

ers favor participation in citizen-science projects. I have

learned, however, that most visual observers, regardless of

the kinds of objects they like to observe, can be classifi ed

either as freeform observers or as structured observers.

Freeform observers typically haul out their telescopes

when the mood strikes them. They don’t adhere to a

specifi c schedule or plan, don’t set particular observing

goals, and rarely keep observing logs. Freeform observers

are compelled by the Zenlike relaxation of the hobby and

Rigorous goals and methods can enhance your stargazing experience greatly.

the majesty of the night sky, eschewing rigid goals. Free-

form observing can be extremely relaxing, and there’s a

lot to be said for it.

Structured observers, by contrast, are astronomers

with a plan. They set specifi c goals with elaborate accom-

panying checklists. They keep extensive logs document-

ing the objects observed, equipment used, atmospheric

conditions, and other minutiae. Frequently these logs

include sketches of the views they see in the eyepiece.

Every facet of the experience is cataloged and archived.

For my fi rst 18 years as an amateur astronomer, I had

my fl ag planted fi rmly in the former camp. I wasn’t out to

impress anybody; I preferred to open my star atlas at ran-

dom and let the chips fall where they may. In the last two

Structured

ILLUSTRATION BY LEAH TISCIONE

Tris tan J.

Schwartz

Observing

The

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