Field of view
While astronomy and astrology are clearly poles apart, Jonathan Powell discovers a shared passion for the stars
Ask me to talk about astronomy to anyone showing an interest, and I immediately download the classic Patrick Moore delivery technique, high-speed, detailed and wonderfully passionate. My interest in astronomy began at such a young age that no one else was into it, they all preferred football and cricket. And while I followed these sports and still do, I’ve developed the habit of talking to anyone showing even the slightest interest in the stars as if I was a missionary, enlightening those with time to listen about the stars and planets, and attempting to match my output with anything currently on view in the night sky. A chance to show rather than just talk about astronomy.
Therefore, when a friend of mine said that a newly found mutual friend didn’t realise I had such a passion for the stars, I was understandably keen to impart all I could; not to impress, but to show that astronomy is very accessible.
When I’ve talked to others about the subject over the years, it’s been a surprise exactly how many people, of all ages, have an interest in astronomy but have never taken it beyond the point of it just being a casual affair. Their enthusiasm intermittently rekindles upon the arrival of a bright comet in our skies, a supermoon perhaps, or just sighting Venus in the morning or evening sky. One only has to look at the interest shown UK-wide during the last return of Halley’s Comet to see how people react to something they can see, rather than just be told about it. It makes a world of difference.
As soon as possible, my newly discovered friend and I met up and, bubbling with excitement, I reeled off a summary of my involvement in astronomy since prehistoric times. As I delivered my keenly expressed words, her eyes lit up and were accompanied by a broad smile – it appeared as if common ground had been reached. Indeed, I thought ‘frst contact’ had been established.
When I had fnished delivering my verbal barrage, she replied positively but with a dialogue that included words such as ‘zodiac’ and ‘spiritual’. I realised quickly I had followed the right rabbit but down the wrong hole, as it was astrology she was interested in, not astronomy. Having quickly returned up and out of the hole I’d gone down, the conversation from that point remained pleasant and civilised, but at cross-purposes.
The stars to some mean something completely different to the science of astronomy. However, one must respect the chosen passion, pursuit, and interest that others have, as to them, it is held in the same regard as that which we astronomers invest in our own feld.
History tells us that for many ancient civilisations, the two subjects of astrology and astronomy were once very much intertwined, with a great deal of time, care, and attention taken to recording events in the night sky. Coupled with a belief system, this early approach resonated throughout many cultures across the globe.
However, I do recall Sir Patrick’s lead weight defnition of astrology – “Bunkum!”