The REAL Magic of Astronomy

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Apr 12

2011

by GAMBlog

Too often, when others learn of my passion for the night sky, they mistake my astronomy for their astrology. Although I’m often frustrated by this confusion, I am not surprised. How can we expect the general population to know the difference between astrology and astronomy, when horoscopes are prevalent in nearly every print media and the stars are invisible behind the glare of light pollution?

Just as science promises to break the chains of superstition, technology now threatens to enshroud us beneath its pollution. Where once we saw the stars as a common backdrop, but had not the knowledge to understand them, we now have an education of the universe, but not the habit of seeing it. That metaphorical blindfold of ignorance has become a very real cloak of smog and light. So, when someone asks me to “read their horoscope,” rather than snicker or roll my eyes at their superstition, I rejoice in the opportunity to share a little celestial science.

Global Astronomy Month is exactly one of those opportunities. As we celebrate the beauty of the night sky, we have a chance, even a responsibility, to burst through the bubbles of ignorance and atmosphere to expand the horizons of wonder. As it happens, both the zodiac and light pollution are perfect places to start!

While too many people have little original interest in the science of planets and stars, many of them seem eager to hear more about the influence of the heavens. Likewise, most who are loathe to read and research are, nonetheless, keen for mystery and secrets. With a learned understanding of the stars, and a few tools of the trade, astronomers are in a unique position to pique interests, reveal secrets, and enlighten minds. And Global Astronomy Month provides an excellent platform from which to perform that “magic.”

This month, I will take-up the outreach challenge of Global Astronomy Month with an A Sky Full of Stars series entitled, “What’s Your Sign?” Through this series, I will actually embrace astrology (okay, maybe just use it as a hook) to encourage people away from those superstitions of the past and towards the real science and beauty of the night sky. “What’s Your Sign?” will feature each of the “signs” of the zodiac with a fun focus on the true secrets – those hidden gems – of each of the corresponding constellations. Hopefully, readers who are seeking the secrets of tomorrow will find themselves looking up at the beauty of tonight. A Sky Full of Stars will also participate in 30 Nights of Star Peace and SunDay (17 April), by hosting events and outreach in our (Tavi’s and Rob’s) local communities.

Image credit: Valentin Grigore (SARM)

Now, and in the future, as we gather beneath darker skies, let us all remember to be as sensitive with our insight as we are generous with our telescopes. Respect the old-fashioned misconceptions of human history, and even acknowledge the modern sophism of profiteers. Use these common fallacies and fairy tales as foundations to educate, rather than as reason to mock and despair. Not least of all, as we steadfastly march over this threshold, that essential moment where past superstitions finally, fully give way to modern science, let us not neglect the in-between – a genuinely sympathetic understanding of why people believe what they do and a continued encouragement to preserve the original simple beauty of our natural world along-side the technological complexities of our industrialized lives.

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Blogger:
Tavi Greiner is an amateur astronomer who devotes much of her time to astronomy outreach, most recently as an astronomy column writer for a local weekly newspaper article and as co-producer and host of A Sky Full of Stars internet radio programs and podcasts with colleague Rob Keown. She has held previous director and producer positions with SLOOH, Astrocast.TV, and Astronomy.FM.