How I became an Amateur Astronomer
May 2006 :
I grew up, the oldest of nine children in a rustic neighborhood in Cumberland, RI. As a tomboy, I hiked in the woods and dreamed of living as an Indian with nature. I was a voracious reader and read primarily, ancient history, biographies, historical accounts of Indians, and anything having to do with science. When I was twelve, I wrote to President Nixon about my feelings about the mistreatment of Indians. I received a response from the Bureau of Indian Affairs! What a shocker for a twelve year old kid! I planned on a future as an archaeologist, geologist, anthropologist, a teacher of Indians on a reservation, or a scientist. I had BIG dreams.
Surrounding a small black and white television, my parents, sisters and brothers and I watched as Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong make their historic landing on the moon. It was my twelfth year and it was at that moment that I added astronomer and astronaut to my list of future occupations. My interest in astronomy was piqued and I added a telescope in addition to my microscope in my scientific arsenal. Unfortunately, I did not know anyone who shared my interest so I traded my telescope for a bicycle.
While camping each summer with my family throughout my childhood, I was fascinated with the stars in the night sky. From reading, I had some familiarity with constellations and planets in the sky, but I did not pursue this study…I would just look in wonder at the sparkling gems.
Lying on the cool ground in an apple orchard with a friend in August one year, I had my first experience with a meteor shower__ the Perseids. I looked in awe at the bright streaks of white light radiating out from one area of the sky! I delved deeper into my study of astronomy through reading.
My life became more settled as my daughter matured and I ordered Astronomy Magazine. It was by reading this magazine that I bought my first pair of Orion binoculars. Along with my first glow-in-the-dark star map and my binoculars, I began my study of deep sky objects and the constellations. My family was hounded by me to see Andromeda’s galaxy, star clusters, the nebula in Orion, and a host of other ‘discoveries’. Unfortunately, they did not share my interest until the year of the comets. In 1997, when Comet Hale-Bopp graced the night skies, my husband, daughter, son and many of my neighbors were transfixed when I pointed my binoculars at the comet showing a split tail. This actually convinced my neighbors to turn off their lights when I observed!
My independent study must have been adequate as evidenced when I took my first course, Highlights of Astronomy at CCRI. I was so excited about taking the course that I bombarded the professor with questions which she did not appreciate. At one point, after practicing astrophotography at the observatory, I walked with my professor to her car to ask a question that I had held during the class. In an irritated voice she replied sharply, “You need to take a more advanced course. This course is not for you!” I kept quiet after that.
It was while reading my Astronomy magazine that I saw a listing of amateur Astronomy Clubs. There was one in Scituate, RI! I was at the next monthly meeting with my husband… and I joined. Finally I could be with people who were knowledgeable and had a passion about the cosmos! I was actually shy the first few years being among mostly men and driving alone to the club, so I wasn’t very active.
My yearly Star Parties at Metcalf School began when I exposed my enthusiasm for astronomy to my third grade students. Even though it was not part of our curriculum the superintendent gave me permission and financing for the books I needed to teach the subject through literature. Along with the Star Parties, I became involved with the Space Grant at Brown University and had yearly speakers to further amaze my students. One of these speakers, Clara Eberhardy, was involved with the Deep Impact Mission with Comet Temple and is currently at the JPL analyzing the data received. She was also a speaker at the Skyscraper monthly meeting in April, 2006!
Last year my self-confidence grew with my increasing age. I became a more active member of the club. I have enjoyed and learned so much at the monthly meetings while listening to the incredible speakers. At the Astro-Assembly last year, I had the pleasure to sit beside Story Musgrave during dinner and hear his inspiring presentation. I went to a function with other club members where again I was spellbound watching the moving presentation by Alan Bean, the fourth man on the moon!
Observing the transit of Venus at Point Judith was a once in a lifetime experience! I was lucky enough to attend workshops presented by Dr. Peter Shultz concerning the up-coming Deep Impact mission, became certified for using moon rocks in my class, and spent three days at Brown University learning about the sun-earth connection from NASA scientists. Hopefully, when life slows down, I will go along one of the Skyscraper trips. I can’t even imagine the surprises in store for me in the future.
