Hobbies And Interests
Studying Basic Astronomy
Not everybody needs a gigantic, reflecting telescope to learn about astronomy. For elementary and even some secondary levels of education a simple backyard device can suffice as an efficient teaching tool. Just pick a cloudless, clear night and an area that is located away from the maze of city lights, and you can give novice astronomers a chance to glance at the planets, a larger nebula or another galaxy from the nearby proximity of a grassy field or an empty parking lot.
A Hobby
Amateur astronomers who wish to keep abreast of the latest astronomical events can keep a reflective telescope in their closet or living room and then simply transport the observation device outdoors whenever there is an important event such as a partial eclipse, a planet conjunction or the appearance of a comet. Astronomy is not a static science. Celestial objects are on the move, or at least the planet Earth is, so investing in a simple reflecting scope is a way to keep up on heavenly events.
Professional Astronomical Observation and Research
The large space observatories that are scattered around the planet are incredibly amazing and complex structures. Many are larger than a two-story house and astronomically more expensive, but the information that is extracted from these gigantic, mirrored contraptions is mind-boggling. Not only can minute observations of our own solar system be made, but these instruments can "see" far into the heavens to reveal distant stars and galaxies in minute and colorful detail that was not possible even a few years ago.
Space Probes
The Hubble telescope is famous for providing the penetrating views that are possible from outside the Earth's atmosphere. Mounted on this orbiting spacecraft are several reflecting telescopes that are always transmitting back to Earth. The incredible imagery is often quite clear, because the Hubble craft is located beyond the atmosphere and is thus not subject to atmospheric distortion that so often hinders earthly observations.
Hubble and the Field of Graphic Arts
Thanks to Hubble, graphic artists and web designers are now presented with a whole new set of pictures that are, in their own little way, changing the manner in which we view the world. As a result, the visual imagery that we use to create our graphics in commercial and fine art are also evolving. Just like the manned space ventures that provided unique views of Earth from the moon, the Hubble craft is doing the same to the many strange and wonderful objects that we are now discovering throughout the universe. Although these images have not found the popularity of the "Earth rise" photograph taken from the moon, they are still wonderfully serene and beautiful.