Astronomy

What are the best things about being an astronomer?

It's told to be the most enjoyable hobby. There's always something new happening in the sky. The sky is never the same two nights running; there is always something new to see. It's safe to say that the fun of trying to find out what is out there, we see it. Do we understand it? How far does it go? What's it like? Is there life out there? It's a never-ending quest, and I never tire of it.

What has astronomy given to the world?

You know, people ask about, what's the use of astronomy. Well to start with, all timekeeping and navigation is based entirely upon astronomy. Got that? No timekeeping, no navigation, and that we do need. Also, bear in mind that astronomy is not a science on its own. It's linked with all other sciences - biology, chemistry, physics - again, everything. You can't separate them anymore than you can split arithmetic away from algebra. You can't do it. So astronomy is linked with them all. Also, it gives you a lovely sense of where we are, what we're about, and a sense of history.

How would you define astronomy?

Astronomy, I would define as the study of the sky, the earth and really everything, the entire universe, and people still mix it up with astrology, which is ridulous, it is total rubbish, so don't mix astronomy and astrology

Are there divisions between amateurs and professionals in astronomy?

One thing about astronomy is where amateurs and professionals meet. Just about one of the very few sciences where professional-amateur collaboration really means something. Amateurs carry out very valuable work and it is valued by professionals. So be glad we have the Privileged Astronomical Association made of amateurs and professionals and the Royal Astronomers Society professionals and amateurs; its all mixed up. And then there are things where amateurs and professionals meet. Its very valued pledge.

What do you think of astrology?

It's all confided to circus tents and their end of seaside pier. But don't piss on in to the rounds on this, it's great fun. Obviously a long time ago I looked on my astrological forecast in the newspaper. That day, I did have some outstanding athletic feat. I was playing cricket and took north 64, I couldn't hit a length.