djhartist

14 minutes ago, ollypenrice said:

On looking into this idea I found that I have, throughout the 50 years since I took a course in Phenomenology of Religion, misunderstood the term. I understood it to mean the grouping and studying of things according to the phenomena they present, so myths of flood, myths of creation, conceptions of an afterlife, etc. It seems, though, that the term is more concerned with looking at things in terms of the experience they elicit. I'm not sure where that leaves me regarding astronomy, though... 

Olly

In this context i'm working with the phenomenological idea of lived experience.. of being embedded within time and space, perhaps with 'primordial sense perception' (a state of consciousness before and without cultural taxonomies) . So rather than having specifically (and potentially contentious) 'religious' connotations, it's about living and being within a time and space rather than being 'detached'. In simple terms it's about being conscious and part of the fabric of things.

So in relation to astronomy, for me it's the experience of going out and studying and browsing the quiet night sky, getting a thrill at finding faint galaxies, PNs or globulars, and trying to understand them ; all the time sitting on the surface of the planet which is an active and living part of the fabric of the universe above, below and all around me. And I'm connected to the planet and the universe through biology, chemistry and consciousness.

So science, optics, experience, nature, creativity and perception potentially co-exist; but by its very nature this is qualitative rather than quantative. (I can see the potential pitfalls of applying a 'religious' dimension to this approach, but in a way it's ok to do that too). I understand though, that those with a more pragmatic scientific outlook would and should query this approach.

Friends may ask if i've been out stargazing ("Yes"), and whether I saw any UFOs ("No"). My wife isn't interested in astronomy, but is happy for me to go out, and she knows where I am . Generally most people aren't interested. I just enjoy the experience, being part of things; it's a time to reflect and learn. It's a bit of time out, sitting in the frost listening to owls. So I don't mind what I'm called..

When I'm 'observing' (currently and happily with a manual dob), I am involved in the science as I want to understand what i am looking at (what is this object or these objects, how are they formed, how do they function, how are they connected in time and space, etc).

But there is also the physical experiential qualities of being outside at night, in the stars, all being part of nature.

My background isn't science, it's in art and design (which often involves technical equipment and processes anyway), with years of involvement , and lots of research into philosophical concepts. So I do consider myself to be 'an artist '.

So I don't know if 'astronomer' or 'stargazer' is a suitable description for me; in the same way that I love gardening and working with plants, wildlife and landscape, but it's strictly amateur. I would reserve the term 'gardener' and related horticultural terms, for those with the relevant applicable skills and knowledge.

Ok, am now realising it gets complicated once taxonomies become involved! I just like getting my scope out. Maybe I could refer to this as being a "celestial phenomenologist".

(I don't know!)

It may be tricky trying to find one in stock in UK, 365astronomy are out and told me it maybe a few months before available. And I haven't found anywhere else that may have one. But you may have better luck finding one.

30 minutes ago, Ian McCallum said:

Believe it or not, losing my pet was worse than losing my mum (2021).  I was very close to my mum, but closer to my beloved pet.

Gorgeous pony. My wife lost her horse last summer and it took her a long time to get over it. But she now has a new one that keeps her happy and busy. Each horse and pony has their own unique character, foibles and charms and can be very healing company. Best wishes.

14 minutes ago, Stuart1971 said:

I’m sorry but losing a pet is awful, but to say it’s worse than losing a mother….we will disagree on that for sure,  I was devastated when my mum passed, and extremely upset when we lost a pet, absolutely no comparison…..sorry….

I don't think you should make a judgement like this. Depression can be immensely overwhelming and can have many sources or 'triggers'. It needs to be handled with respect, understanding and compassion. Clear skies to all.