What sparked your interest in astronomy?

[spectre180]

For me, it was moving from the light polluted skies of southern England, to north central BC in Canada.

Although being ex army, we had been taught to navigate using the stars, my opinion at that time was "why use the stars when we have compasses?" and we used to pray for moonlit nights so we wouldn't trip over anything while on patrol LOL

Standing out on the deck one night, looking up and as I had been out for quite a while, my eyes were pretty dark adapted, then I started noticing things in my peripheral vision, a cluster of stars here, something flickering over there etc. Took me a few more years of gazing up, before I took the plunge and bought a scope, (wish I had done it sooner) and now, I am out there whenever there are clear skies - not had many of those this year in BC. My 7 year old son "wanted in" on the action, and soon it became just as much his hobby as mine, to which I have no complaints whatsoever. I think for a 7 year old to know where to find the M57, and know what it is, can never be a bad thing :-)

[Avarielle]

I don't recall what got me started in astronomy. All I can recall was that it was an big interest for me when I was around 5-6. Along with horses, like just about every other girl.

Somewhere along the way, I discovered history and went from an interest in ancient civilizations to maritime history. I still was interested in astronomy but it wasn't a major interest for me at that time.

Some time last December, I stumbled upon Wonders of the Solar System and my interest returned. And with a vengeance. Got my telescope in April and have been out observing as much as I can. Although I had to take a break some time in May and June due to school work.

Though I'm done with school now so I can observe as much as I can.