Re: star gazers

[Tompaleo@aol.com]

In a message dated 96-01-17 06:58:56 EST, you write:

>> There may be a few astronomers reading this list
>
>

I've been into astronomy  since I was 9 years old, ca.71'

Scientists of ALL fields, subfields and disciplines had better stop being so
provincial about their particular field of work. Valuable contributions to
ones particular field of study may come from without as well as within!

The en vogue thing today is to "specialize"  in some subfield of some
subdivision of some ' _ology'. The trend yields alot of highly specialized
experts but what happens when your work carries you in directions not in your
area of specialisation?  The obvious answer is collaboration but how much?
 Many famous scientists of olden times were "broad spectrum", multi-talented
scientists who have made significant contributions to seemingly unrelated
fields of expertise.  As an example Alfred Wegener was a meteorologist but is
best remembered for his theory of Continental Drift. There are others who
escape me at the moment but I think you all get the picture. Diversify!

Personally, I am intensely interetesd in just about anything 'geo' or 'paleo'
related. I also try to keep up with anything related to Astronomy, to include
planetary geology, I like military history, ancient history, natural history,
and anything ending in -physics! 

So Hoyle is way off this time. That does not make all star  gazers way off
too ;-)

Regards,
Thomas R. Lipka
Paleontological/Geological Studies