Astronomy doesn't only ask, "what happened to make things look like that?" but, more importantly to this generation, "what is happening now?", and "what can we expect in the future?" Make astronomy relevant today by promoting interest in this fascinating educational hobby.
We need to encourage our kids to ask the questions that will keep them looking up. We need them to wonder, "what caused a black hole?" We need them to know why NASA is putting men and women into space. Grown-ups aren't just playing around, we have real-time questions about energy and communication, and those answers may exist in the universe itself.
Curious About Astronomy?
The universe is fascinating, but not only for its beauty and splendor. That will pull them in, and it needs to, but there's more. Pose these questions about astronomy to your teenagers for a deeper reason to study:
- What is a spectroscope?
- How can the size of an asteroid be measured?
- What is the importance of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory?
- How do you explain a nebula?
- What is solar wind?
Is Astronomy Expensive?
"Naked-Eye" astronomy is rewarding, relaxing, and educational, but to keep them interested on the next level requires a minimal expense. A modest telescope kit can run you $150 - $250 or so, and it's possible to spend much more. Putting a telescope together is a learning experience in itself! Make certain that if you choose to put one together instead of purchasing one already assembled, you do it correctly. The odds that you will take it back apart to do it over are slim, and many closets are haunted by incomplete telescopes of the past.
If you decide to get into a local astronomy club, you may run across an inexpensive used model that is already assembled. Astro-Mart Used Equipment, ebay, and Craigslist may all list assembled varieties that have been previously used at a good price.
Enjoy making astronomy one of your favorite educational hobbies!
Copyright 2008 Zero To Sixty Marketing, LLC
Susan Hamilton is the newest member of the copy writing team at http://ZeroToSixtyMarketing.com/ Susan believes that the opportunity for education and skill development that hobbies provide is a fun and engaging alternative to television and video gaming for family interaction. http://myhobbyfun.net/ is your resource for articles, videos, and photos covering a wide variety of hobby interests like remote control vehicles, model railroading, die cast and general interest hobbies.
