We astronomers love what we do and we absolutely love to share our passion with everyone around. However, when we furiously talk about astronomy, we tend to forget about some unpleasant things that accompany our hobby. For example, we often do not warn people that from the first time they look in the telescope they risk turning into an astrogeek.
Over a couple of years, I made a short list of early manifestations that you are an astrogeek:
10. You can easily explain what Schiefspiegler is and you can spell it correctly.
9. You can easily estimate whether your telescope fits in the trunk of your new car. You make a decision to buy a car based on this observation.
John Nymark with 22UC loaded in his 2012 Corvette
8. You have a telescope… And another telescope.
7. The best holiday present from your perspective is nothing but a great Barlowed laser collimator.
6. Your car is a cheap accessory compared to your telescope.
5. The discussion over the nature of Pluto triggers you.
Image Credit: SnorgTees
4. You keep track of Universal Time on at least one device.
3. The interior of your car looks like a spaceship cabin and blinks with small red lights.
2. Your pet comes when you shout “Andromeda”.
1. You took your date out of town for a night-long stargazing… And you spent the whole night watching stars.
Image Credit: The Pioneer Woman
If you have any symptoms listed above, chances are you are an astrogeek. In this case, you need to be aware of health risks that come along. The vast majority of astrogeeks do not get enough sleep. Some of us are victims of vicious mosquitoes and experience anemia due to infinite hunger of these merciless animals. Those astrogeeks who live in Minnesota know this struggle very well.
Another big problem is hypothermia. Yes, when looking at the stars during cold periods, you will often freeze. However, you can try symptom management by dressing appropriately. While experienced astrogeeks are well aware of the dangers that nature presents, newbies may be less prepared.
Other potential health issues are caused by more mundane things like falling from a roof, hitting your knee against a tripod or hurting your muscles due to heavy lifting. These issues should concern every astrogeek. If we were physically better, we would have been sportgeeks instead!
Alongside actual physical dangers many face psychological disorders. For example, envy. Nothing eats you harder than telescope envy. You simply want a bigger one. The bigger your dream, the more money it costs. If this envy starts consuming an astrogeek, he may turn into an astroholic. This is a very concerning condition when nothing satisfies you anymore. A patient feels constant desire to get a bigger telescope to see farther… Astroholics and astrogeeks experience severe depression and irritation when they cannot look at the night sky due to bad weather or other inconveniences.