This is somewhat of a philosophical question: why is amateur astronomy so much more popular than microscopy? Here in my area, there are dozens of astronomy clubs and several stores selling telescopes and equipment. There’s practically nothing for microscopy—no clubs, no stores, no popular magazines, no nothing.
Why is this? I can think of lots of reasons why microscopy should be the more popular hobby. It’s not subject to the whims of the weather and phase of the moon. You can do it day or night in the comfort of your home. The equipment is much smaller and easier to handle. No need to freeze in the winter and sweat on hot, mosquito infested summer nights. Photography is much simpler—no need for hours long exposures.
So why is amateur astronomy so much more popular than our hobby?
Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
In my opinion and personal experience it all comes down to complexity, pop culture and affordability. From a young age we are exposed to movies and tv shows where the depiction of astronomy is seen as a father son and or family activity; how many kids movies do you remember having a microscope in it? . An entry level refractor could be purchased even at clothing stores like Burlington or Sears for under $100, there is literally one focus knob to worry about, no preparation is needed ( like slide sample, staining) and unlike protists, bacteria, crystals or plants etc..... Planets and moons are part of pop culture, most 5-10 year olds can probably name most if not all of the planets in the solar system compared to only a few that could tell you what a tardigrade is. Additionally theres very little awareness about microscopy out there, with most people's introduction being very limited setting in middle school and or college; even then, most of the things covered are bacteria and bacterial stains ( which can be very visually boring) Lastly microscopy can be intimidating, lots of controls and techniques to learn and its not really an activity that can be performed in a group, add to that a slightly higher entry level cost when compared to astronomy , and I can see why the latter is more popular.
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
I wasn’t thinking about the low end of the market (refractor from Sears), but the medium to high end of the amateur market. Lots of guys have $5000-$20000 invested in big scopes with elaborate imaging and guiding setups.
You mentioned that no preparation is needed vs slide preparation, but for the typical amateur astronomer, this isn’t true. Setting up a big telescope can take a lot of time, and imaging a faint galaxy, for example, can take 10 to 20 hours (or more) of exposure time, not to mention the work on a computer to stack the images, etc. Compare that to putting a drop of pond water on a slide and dropping a cover slip over it.
You mentioned that no preparation is needed vs slide preparation, but for the typical amateur astronomer, this isn’t true. Setting up a big telescope can take a lot of time, and imaging a faint galaxy, for example, can take 10 to 20 hours (or more) of exposure time, not to mention the work on a computer to stack the images, etc. Compare that to putting a drop of pond water on a slide and dropping a cover slip over it.
Last edited by JGardner on Sun Jan 31, 2021 9:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
JGardner wrote: ↑Sun Jan 31, 2021 9:18 amI wasn’t thinking about the low end of the market (refractor from Sears), but the medium to high end of the amateur market. Lots of guys have $5000-$20000 invested in big scopes with elaborate imaging and guiding setups.
Oh I see, ..I think those guys started with a much cheaper beginner telescope at some point, just like some microscopist start with a $100 monocular and end up with a 10K Axiolab. I still think that there are more people being introduced or exposed to astronomy than there are to microscopy.
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HowardHopkinson
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Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
I do astrophotography and have been interested in astronomy for many many years. The universe is huge and contains an endless supply of interesting objects ranging from stars, start clusters both open and globular, galaxies and nebulae.To me it certainly makes me realise just how insignificant myself, planet earth and our solarsystem is in the vastness of the universe.
I currently have an Explore Scientific 80mm short tube APO triplet telescope mounted on a Synscan equipped EQ3 equatorial mount coupled with a Canon 60D camera. I used to have a large 8" reflector telescope on an EQ5 Sysnscan mount, but my health, age and just the sheer weight of the kit was a real burden, so I reluctantly had to get rid of it for something smaller, less cumbersome and more lightweight.
Why astrononomy appears to be more popular than microscopy is possibly because microscopy is more of a specialised and niche hobby. Microscopy is certainly a lot easier, cheaper and a lot easier to do from the comfort of home, rather than having the lug heavy and cumbersome astronomy equipment around and is not weather, cloud or Moon dependant.
Having only very recently started doing microscopy/micrography I am just as enthralled by it as I am with astronomy, perhaps even more so.
Both hobbies require an enquiring mind and a will to learn and discover. However, it is far far easier to discover what one is looking at through a telescope than it is through a microscope as I'm finding out very rapidly. Identifying objects in space is simplicity itself, whereas identifying what one sees under the microscope is anything but easy, especially for a beginner like myself. Also, there are many more books, videos and tutorials readily available for the amateur astronomer that the amateur microscopist.
From my personal point of view, I think both hobbies are of equal benefit and I enjoy doing both.
I currently have an Explore Scientific 80mm short tube APO triplet telescope mounted on a Synscan equipped EQ3 equatorial mount coupled with a Canon 60D camera. I used to have a large 8" reflector telescope on an EQ5 Sysnscan mount, but my health, age and just the sheer weight of the kit was a real burden, so I reluctantly had to get rid of it for something smaller, less cumbersome and more lightweight.
Why astrononomy appears to be more popular than microscopy is possibly because microscopy is more of a specialised and niche hobby. Microscopy is certainly a lot easier, cheaper and a lot easier to do from the comfort of home, rather than having the lug heavy and cumbersome astronomy equipment around and is not weather, cloud or Moon dependant.
Having only very recently started doing microscopy/micrography I am just as enthralled by it as I am with astronomy, perhaps even more so.
Both hobbies require an enquiring mind and a will to learn and discover. However, it is far far easier to discover what one is looking at through a telescope than it is through a microscope as I'm finding out very rapidly. Identifying objects in space is simplicity itself, whereas identifying what one sees under the microscope is anything but easy, especially for a beginner like myself. Also, there are many more books, videos and tutorials readily available for the amateur astronomer that the amateur microscopist.
From my personal point of view, I think both hobbies are of equal benefit and I enjoy doing both.
Swift SW380T compound microscope.
Swiftcam 18MP SC1803R camera.
Amscope SM-1TSZ-V203 stereo microscope.
Swiftcam 18MP SC1803R camera.
Amscope SM-1TSZ-V203 stereo microscope.
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DonSchaeffer
- Posts: 3349
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- Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
Astronomy is regarded as the real world. Microscopy is alien. Everyone is exposed to the idea of the stars from infancy. You can travel to the planets in a real space ship. You can't actually visit the world of the very small. It's all image and illusion.
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
Though I started as an adult, I've been an amateur astronomer for many years (that makes me an old adult). I have a technical background and worked in aerospace for many years, but the attraction of astronomy has always been naturalistic. While I can obsess technically about optics or atmospheric turbulence, I primarily enjoy learning to see more and learning to pay more attention to things I that I had either barely noticed or had taken for granted. Over 35 years, while there are short bursts of interest, I would say that amateur astronomy has aged and has fewer participants. My club and other local clubs, have members that tend to be fewer in number, older and more affluent than in the past. It is also more difficult to get to dark sky sites than years ago. Where I live, in Southern California, that is a matter of both spreading light pollution, and increase in travel time due to traffic seemingly at any time of night or day. And on a personal note, as I get older, it is simply more difficult to travel to a dark site, set up and tear down the equipment, and rough it for a night or two.
It appears to me that microscopy has the potential to scratch the same naturalistic itch of discovery and developing new seeing skills, and that is the appeal to me. It does seem like there are more entry barriers to astronomy than for microscopy. And while astronomy clubs do provide some camaraderie and an outlet for geeky discussion that would alienate friends and family, in my experience astronomy is a fairly individual endeavor. I enjoy outreach and star parties, but it's the observing that is the thing for me. It appears that the entry level cost for microscopy is no worse or even perhaps better than for starting out with a reasonable telescope or pair of binoculars. Of course, in principle you can spend vast amounts on any hobby, but for me the only recurring costs of astronomy are gasoline to travel (or travel costs for an extended trip), and dues for an observing society that has a dark sky site. I also presume that microscopy is similarly low in recurring costs if one ever stops upgrading.
Speaking of spending, I am trying to figure out where to start. On the one hand I am a cheapskate and would like to test the waters, but on the other hand I am reminded of the advice I read from a photographer. It was an article titled something like, "How to Purchase a Premium Tripod at Half the Cost." The advice was, just buy the $900 tripod, rather than first buying the $100 tripod, then upgrading to the $300 tripod, then trying the $500 tripod.
It appears to me that microscopy has the potential to scratch the same naturalistic itch of discovery and developing new seeing skills, and that is the appeal to me. It does seem like there are more entry barriers to astronomy than for microscopy. And while astronomy clubs do provide some camaraderie and an outlet for geeky discussion that would alienate friends and family, in my experience astronomy is a fairly individual endeavor. I enjoy outreach and star parties, but it's the observing that is the thing for me. It appears that the entry level cost for microscopy is no worse or even perhaps better than for starting out with a reasonable telescope or pair of binoculars. Of course, in principle you can spend vast amounts on any hobby, but for me the only recurring costs of astronomy are gasoline to travel (or travel costs for an extended trip), and dues for an observing society that has a dark sky site. I also presume that microscopy is similarly low in recurring costs if one ever stops upgrading.
Speaking of spending, I am trying to figure out where to start. On the one hand I am a cheapskate and would like to test the waters, but on the other hand I am reminded of the advice I read from a photographer. It was an article titled something like, "How to Purchase a Premium Tripod at Half the Cost." The advice was, just buy the $900 tripod, rather than first buying the $100 tripod, then upgrading to the $300 tripod, then trying the $500 tripod.
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
Seems to me the "environment" has something to do with it.
Microscopy is seen as a solitary avocation, done off in some corner of a room.
Astronomy is in the great outdoors, and often done in groups. One can image going on a date to see the rings of Saturn. Harder to image a date to see onion cells split.
I've been trying with our "Micronauts" to introduce a bit of a group element to it (an image of one of my events below) -- but all that has been put pretty much on hold due to the pandemic. I'd think most any avocation (or research project) is more fun if two or more can share their discoveries.
As for the intrinsic merits of microscopy, almost everything of early science was originally encountered life size, through unaided eyes. These days the "next big thing" - and its understanding -- in science and technology is typically too small to see with those unaided eyes.
Microscopy is seen as a solitary avocation, done off in some corner of a room.
Astronomy is in the great outdoors, and often done in groups. One can image going on a date to see the rings of Saturn. Harder to image a date to see onion cells split.
I've been trying with our "Micronauts" to introduce a bit of a group element to it (an image of one of my events below) -- but all that has been put pretty much on hold due to the pandemic. I'd think most any avocation (or research project) is more fun if two or more can share their discoveries.
- BobAndMicronauts.jpg (83.9 KiB) Viewed 7881 times
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apochronaut
- Posts: 6327
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Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
I think the answers are very evident 1) the equipment is more glamourous 2) the subject isn't so yucky. 3) the moon is obvious 4) Humans are very simple creatures.JGardner wrote: ↑Sun Jan 31, 2021 7:12 amThis is somewhat of a philosophical question: why is amateur astronomy so much more popular than microscopy? Here in my area, there are dozens of astronomy clubs and several stores selling telescopes and equipment. There’s practically nothing for microscopy—no clubs, no stores, no popular magazines, no nothing.
Why is this? I can think of lots of reasons why microscopy should be the more popular hobby. It’s not subject to the whims of the weather and phase of the moon. You can do it day or night in the comfort of your home. The equipment is much smaller and easier to handle. No need to freeze in the winter and sweat on hot, mosquito infested summer nights. Photography is much simpler—no need for hours long exposures.
So why is amateur astronomy so much more popular than our hobby?
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
Interesting topic.
On top of what has been said, I can think of some reasons why astronomy is more popular than microscopy:
- You can't do microscopy without a microscope, but you certainly can do astronomy with the naked eye. In fact, humanity has been doing astronomy for centuries without any optical aid.
- Astronomy has been used for a very long time for practical purposes such as agriculture, time measuring, sailing, and more.
- People get captivated by the philosophical and existential question that astronomy brings: where did we come from? Is there life in other places of the universe? What are time and space? Of course microscopy can share those same questions with astronomy, but it's not that straightforward.
- Some people are disgusted by bugs. I myself find every single night sky view beautiful, but sometimes I'm disgusted by the views I get on the microscope -I hate Nematodes for example- and even though I'm quite curious, and I love optics and to learn new things, I'm still not convinced that microscopy will be a long term hobby form me.
On top of what has been said, I can think of some reasons why astronomy is more popular than microscopy:
- You can't do microscopy without a microscope, but you certainly can do astronomy with the naked eye. In fact, humanity has been doing astronomy for centuries without any optical aid.
- Astronomy has been used for a very long time for practical purposes such as agriculture, time measuring, sailing, and more.
- People get captivated by the philosophical and existential question that astronomy brings: where did we come from? Is there life in other places of the universe? What are time and space? Of course microscopy can share those same questions with astronomy, but it's not that straightforward.
- Some people are disgusted by bugs. I myself find every single night sky view beautiful, but sometimes I'm disgusted by the views I get on the microscope -I hate Nematodes for example- and even though I'm quite curious, and I love optics and to learn new things, I'm still not convinced that microscopy will be a long term hobby form me.
Last edited by Javier on Mon Feb 01, 2021 1:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
I studied medical lab technology in college many years ago. It was fascinating then as now. I was already a long time amateur astronomer/astrophotographer. It's hard to compare the grandeur of a night under a clear dark sky to anything else. I feel sorry for city dwellers who have never witnessed this. Microscopy is equally fascinating in different ways but IMHO will never have the "punch" of astronomy. And yes there is a LOT of fiddling and expensive gear with astronomy though just having access to a non light polluted sky, a moonless night and a decent pair of eyes is a perfectly viable price of admission! https://photos.app.goo.gl/3U2jcJKWDmQvQnRg8
https://photos.app.goo.gl/oYwGmQP8irYYpn578
https://photos.app.goo.gl/oYwGmQP8irYYpn578
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
Hi together,
interesting question!
Here a couple of my thoughts:
- The start and beginning steps into astronomy might be simpler and more rewarding - just point the thing with the fatter end towards on of the bright dots in the sky...
- In the beginning of the scientific development astronomy was seen as much more important as it helped with navigation
- The preference of the big things is among our biggest problems: Species extinction happens to a large extent in the microscopic size range
- Whether microscopy is a solitary occupation depends: In Germany and England there are a lot of very active clubs. I do most of my microscopy stuff in close connection with others (e.g. by discussions in this forum)
- In microscopy one soon needs special accessories like plancton nets, mountants and stains and that poses a hurdle that often stops beginners right at the start, perhaps just a bit too early to really become interested enough.
Bob
interesting question!
Here a couple of my thoughts:
- The start and beginning steps into astronomy might be simpler and more rewarding - just point the thing with the fatter end towards on of the bright dots in the sky...
- In the beginning of the scientific development astronomy was seen as much more important as it helped with navigation
- The preference of the big things is among our biggest problems: Species extinction happens to a large extent in the microscopic size range
- Whether microscopy is a solitary occupation depends: In Germany and England there are a lot of very active clubs. I do most of my microscopy stuff in close connection with others (e.g. by discussions in this forum)
- In microscopy one soon needs special accessories like plancton nets, mountants and stains and that poses a hurdle that often stops beginners right at the start, perhaps just a bit too early to really become interested enough.
Bob
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
Also, electronics and software have made many tedious processes in both pursuits sooooooo much easier (polar aligning, guiding, stacking images etc etc) That's one thing you don't have to account for in microscopy............the earths rotation! 
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
JGardner wrote: ↑Sun Jan 31, 2021 7:12 amThis is somewhat of a philosophical question: why is amateur astronomy so much more popular than microscopy? Here in my area, there are dozens of astronomy clubs and several stores selling telescopes and equipment. There’s practically nothing for microscopy—no clubs, no stores, no popular magazines, no nothing.
Why is this? I can think of lots of reasons why microscopy should be the more popular hobby. It’s not subject to the whims of the weather and phase of the moon. You can do it day or night in the comfort of your home. The equipment is much smaller and easier to handle. No need to freeze in the winter and sweat on hot, mosquito infested summer nights. Photography is much simpler—no need for hours long exposures.
So why is amateur astronomy so much more popular than our hobby?
All these hobbies, particularly astronomy, wax and wane over the years.... See what I did there? Also, astronomy is more glamorous? Think Daryl Hannah and Natalie Portman...
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
How is astronomy gear more glamorous? I think most microscopes look amazing. Some telescopes, not so much...
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
A joke, did you not see Daryl Hannah and Natalie Portman (Both in movies involving astronomy/telescopes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=EoR6GKUCQyg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=EoR6GKUCQygRe: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
Hi Stomias,
Yeah, I got that. I was referring to a previous post. I did not see those you are mentioning, but I have had good laughs with movie scenes involving astronomy equipment. I love how every clever scientific guy has the cheapest store refractor in their living room.
Yeah, I got that. I was referring to a previous post. I did not see those you are mentioning, but I have had good laughs with movie scenes involving astronomy equipment. I love how every clever scientific guy has the cheapest store refractor in their living room.
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
Yes!!!! Or a newtonian with the eyepiece at the bottom!!!! (pointing at the floor) This ones pretty sexy though! Questar! http://www.derekwinnert.com/body-double ... view-2931/
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
Questar is a very high quality telescope, not a toy.
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
I have been into astronomy for about 25 years now and in that time have owned numerous scopes including a 16" dobsonian and some APO refractor scopes. At the moment I have a Clave' refractor and eyepieces, a fullerscope IV mount and a 5" APO scope. I have even made my own mounts and they can be seen in on my Flickr site in the album section on page 2.
I have been ill in the past with heart problems and am starting to find it difficult setting up as they do weigh quite a lot and of course it's all at night and the cold is annoying me. So this is why I've took up microscopy.
Here in the UK we have a stargazing show on television once a year hosted by Brian Cox which really gets the public interested in astronomy, there are also numerous shows and trade fairs throughout the year which can draw large numbers. Even scouts and girl guides have badges for astronomy. You don't get this with microscopy.
I personally like them both and one day will invest in microscopy by selling my astro gear and buying a nice microscope
I have been ill in the past with heart problems and am starting to find it difficult setting up as they do weigh quite a lot and of course it's all at night and the cold is annoying me. So this is why I've took up microscopy.
Here in the UK we have a stargazing show on television once a year hosted by Brian Cox which really gets the public interested in astronomy, there are also numerous shows and trade fairs throughout the year which can draw large numbers. Even scouts and girl guides have badges for astronomy. You don't get this with microscopy.
I personally like them both and one day will invest in microscopy by selling my astro gear and buying a nice microscope
Leitz SM-Lux
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
Yes, as I get older, the setting up and tearing down and all night in the cold and sore neck and....and....and ....is wearying. Stewing over whether or not it will be cloudy for a major astronomical event....blah, blah blah.....I know, 50 years of it for me....But when it all comes together.................sublime...........Of course for THIS, it was daytime and 98 degrees...https://photos.app.goo.gl/pYFwmVQm8q8TuAHw9 And until you've witnessed THIS, you 'aint seen nuthn' :O https://photos.app.goo.gl/tSnPhAkHhxvd96DX8
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
You should have been with us in Missouri, clear skies for the whole thing! For those who haven't seen one, no picture I have seen really captures it; I could completely understand why ancient peoples thought it magical.Stomias wrote: ↑Mon Feb 01, 2021 4:33 pmYes, as I get older, the setting up and tearing down and all night in the cold and sore neck and....and....and ....is wearying. Stewing over whether or not it will be cloudy for a major astronomical event....blah, blah blah.....I know, 50 years of it for me....But when it all comes together.................sublime...........Of course for THIS, it was daytime and 98 degrees...https://photos.app.goo.gl/pYFwmVQm8q8TuAHw9 And until you've witnessed THIS, you 'aint seen nuthn' :O https://photos.app.goo.gl/tSnPhAkHhxvd96DX8
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
I was pretty close to Missouri (Southern IL) It was my 3rd.....And I thought the clouds added to that shot, Was almost totally clear!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/kjwfKaui6TXapSeL9
https://photos.app.goo.gl/1DCAmdGVvRV71wS18
https://photos.app.goo.gl/kjwfKaui6TXapSeL9
https://photos.app.goo.gl/1DCAmdGVvRV71wS18
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
I traveled to Oregon for the 2017 eclipse. That was definitely a group experience. It was my first total eclipse.
Alan
Alan
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
Just to stir the pot a bit, could be that astronomy really isn't more popular than microscopy - either as a hobby or an industrial tool.
The global telescope market is apparently now around $180 million per year and expected to grow briskly. FWIW, market estimators almost always predict growth - which is what subscribers to their reports mostly want to hear. This market includes some pretty expensive telescopes for colleges etc.; but maybe not the $1.5 billion (over all these years) Hubble space telescope.
The global microscope market is now around $10 billion. Over 50x larger than the telescope market -- and expected to grow to $16.2 billion in 2027. A big chunk of this is for medical uses, research, materials science, education etc. But there are lots and lots of cheap microscopes being sold each Christmas, for home-schooling, and hobbyists like ourselves. Most everyone has used a microscope sometime in school, I'd think. Fewer, a telescope. Amazon search seems a bit flaky to use as a market reference, but it seems it has under a 1000 listings for telescopes over $200 and over 4000 listings for compound microscopes costing over $200.
As another point about why some things are popular -- metalworking enthusiasts often ask a similar question - how come woodworking is so much more popular than metalworking?
It could be the enthusiasm for -- and ease of use of the tools is a big factor as Bob suggested earlier. The global table saw market - from carpenters and cabinet shops to hobbyists was around 640 million in 2019, with growth to 823 million expected by 2025. One might guess home owners and hobbyists might be as much as half the market, at least in terms of units rather than dollars. The metalworking hobbyists (with a lathe or milling machine a near universal starting point, much like a table saw) tend to buy great old machines (like many microscope users). It's a relatively small market. BUT the global 3D printing market is already around 12 billion dollars (around 18 times larger than "table saws" and about the same size as the microscope market - with perhaps a similar mix of pro and hobby users) and expected to grow from around 2 million units this year to over 8 million units in 2027. Turns out making stuff with a bit of software and plastic is becoming more popular than cutting either wood or metal.
The global telescope market is apparently now around $180 million per year and expected to grow briskly. FWIW, market estimators almost always predict growth - which is what subscribers to their reports mostly want to hear. This market includes some pretty expensive telescopes for colleges etc.; but maybe not the $1.5 billion (over all these years) Hubble space telescope.
The global microscope market is now around $10 billion. Over 50x larger than the telescope market -- and expected to grow to $16.2 billion in 2027. A big chunk of this is for medical uses, research, materials science, education etc. But there are lots and lots of cheap microscopes being sold each Christmas, for home-schooling, and hobbyists like ourselves. Most everyone has used a microscope sometime in school, I'd think. Fewer, a telescope. Amazon search seems a bit flaky to use as a market reference, but it seems it has under a 1000 listings for telescopes over $200 and over 4000 listings for compound microscopes costing over $200.
As another point about why some things are popular -- metalworking enthusiasts often ask a similar question - how come woodworking is so much more popular than metalworking?
It could be the enthusiasm for -- and ease of use of the tools is a big factor as Bob suggested earlier. The global table saw market - from carpenters and cabinet shops to hobbyists was around 640 million in 2019, with growth to 823 million expected by 2025. One might guess home owners and hobbyists might be as much as half the market, at least in terms of units rather than dollars. The metalworking hobbyists (with a lathe or milling machine a near universal starting point, much like a table saw) tend to buy great old machines (like many microscope users). It's a relatively small market. BUT the global 3D printing market is already around 12 billion dollars (around 18 times larger than "table saws" and about the same size as the microscope market - with perhaps a similar mix of pro and hobby users) and expected to grow from around 2 million units this year to over 8 million units in 2027. Turns out making stuff with a bit of software and plastic is becoming more popular than cutting either wood or metal.
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
I was specifically referring to hobby microscopy, hence the word "amateur" in the title of the thread. Based on my own personal observations, the amateur telescope market is much much larger than the hobby microscope market. By far. We have two stores in my area catering to amateur astronomers. Ditto for many other metropolitan areas. I don't know of a singe retail store dedicated to amateur microscopy anywhere in the country. What dealers there are (Munday Microscope, Microscope Central, etc.) cater to professionals. There's Brunel in the UK, but we don't have any equivalents over here (someone please correct me if I'm wrong!)
It's certainly true that there's a much bigger professional market for microscopes than there is for telescopes. Just about every clinical facility in the country needs microscopes, and there are a lot of labs. Professional users of telescopes are generally universities, and there are relatively few of them by comparison. In dollar value, things shift--an average clinical microscope costs perhaps $5000, and an average research microscope is perhaps $20,000, but large telescopes are in the multimillion dollar range.
Perhaps one reason why amateur astronomy is more popular is exposure. An average person is far more likely to encounter a group of astronomers who have set up their telescopes in a public park offering viewing to the general public than they are to encounter a group offering views through microscopes. Just about every big city has a planetarium and many have public observatories (Griffith Observatory, for example). There are several popular amateur astronomy magazines available at bookstores and news stands, and nothing for microscopy. There are several astronomy news programs on the radio, but I've never heard anything similar for microscopy.
It's certainly true that there's a much bigger professional market for microscopes than there is for telescopes. Just about every clinical facility in the country needs microscopes, and there are a lot of labs. Professional users of telescopes are generally universities, and there are relatively few of them by comparison. In dollar value, things shift--an average clinical microscope costs perhaps $5000, and an average research microscope is perhaps $20,000, but large telescopes are in the multimillion dollar range.
Perhaps one reason why amateur astronomy is more popular is exposure. An average person is far more likely to encounter a group of astronomers who have set up their telescopes in a public park offering viewing to the general public than they are to encounter a group offering views through microscopes. Just about every big city has a planetarium and many have public observatories (Griffith Observatory, for example). There are several popular amateur astronomy magazines available at bookstores and news stands, and nothing for microscopy. There are several astronomy news programs on the radio, but I've never heard anything similar for microscopy.
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
The suggestion was that while there are likely more amateur groups dedicated to astronomy - perhaps because it has developed more of a social aspect (owners of massive instruments get to show off the rings of Saturn etc.) - the market size (sales of microscopes to amateurs vs sales to telescopes to amateurs) might actually be larger for amateur microscopy. Especially if all those school kids looking through microscopes are counted as amateurs.
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
Like most things, I don't think there's a simple explanation, but I do believe that public exposure is an important part of it. For my entire life there have been many television programs dedicated to astronomy, but far, far fewer dedicated to microscopy. I tend to think these programs (and internet videos these days) have helped kindle an interest in exploration in astronomy and I think if there were more for microscopy, we would see an uptick in interest there, too. Many schools don't seem to have the equipment for exploration of either, at least around here, so hands-on exposure is much more limited.
I have been into both for many years, though astronomy to a greater degree until relatively recently. For both, the perceived high cost of entry is often a barrier, but I think the bigger barrier is knowing how to get started. So many people believe that one needs thousands and thousands of dollars worth of equipment to get started, but for both one really only needs a curious mind and their eyes; sure the view is limited, but it is a start, easier I believe with astronomy.
For astronomy, I have made it a habit of keeping "loaners" on hand and actively talking to coworkers, friends, etc about borrowing them. Most are hessitant, worried about accidentally destroying a very valuable instrument, but I don't loan anything I'm not willing to abandon entirely without remorse; that I may lose a few dollars here and there in the attempt at enrichment of my fellows is an acceptable price. For the first discoveries and early exposure, one doesn't need the finest instrument, just something good enough. I am starting to do that with microscopy, but it takes time (and money) which is sometimes in short supply. Plus as others have indicated it's more visible to see a person out with a telescope, whereas a microscope one nearly always uses indoors, out of sight.
I have been into both for many years, though astronomy to a greater degree until relatively recently. For both, the perceived high cost of entry is often a barrier, but I think the bigger barrier is knowing how to get started. So many people believe that one needs thousands and thousands of dollars worth of equipment to get started, but for both one really only needs a curious mind and their eyes; sure the view is limited, but it is a start, easier I believe with astronomy.
For astronomy, I have made it a habit of keeping "loaners" on hand and actively talking to coworkers, friends, etc about borrowing them. Most are hessitant, worried about accidentally destroying a very valuable instrument, but I don't loan anything I'm not willing to abandon entirely without remorse; that I may lose a few dollars here and there in the attempt at enrichment of my fellows is an acceptable price. For the first discoveries and early exposure, one doesn't need the finest instrument, just something good enough. I am starting to do that with microscopy, but it takes time (and money) which is sometimes in short supply. Plus as others have indicated it's more visible to see a person out with a telescope, whereas a microscope one nearly always uses indoors, out of sight.
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
Another interesting question - at least to me - is which hobby is more likely to "stick" and why? I know many families that have bought both cheap telescopes and cheap microscopes, used them a bit, and then stashed them away in a closet for decades or until a massive home cleaning. I'd think only exercise machines start with better intentions and end up being used less?
Another interesting phenomenon is how many people had a microscope as a kid, mostly abandoned it for decades, and then came back to it in older age.
Another interesting phenomenon is how many people had a microscope as a kid, mostly abandoned it for decades, and then came back to it in older age.
Re: Amateur Microscopy vs Astronomy
I think astronomy is more likely to stick as a hobby since astronomy is often in the news (2017 solar eclipse, comet NEOWISE, etc.), which has no parallel in the microscopy hobby. The general public is also much more likely to be exposed to astronomical images from Hubble and other sources than they are to images of the micro world.
Astronomical events are much more discoverable. I still vividly remember the night in March 1996 when I "discovered" Comet Hyakutake. I was outside in my garden reading my weather instruments when I happened to look up at the eastern sky and said "holy crap!, a naked eye comet!" Of course, I didn't actually discover the comet, but I didn't hear any news stories about it prior to seeing it for the first time, so it did seem like a personal discovery. This type of thing probably doesn't happen very often, if ever, with microscopy.
Astronomical events are much more discoverable. I still vividly remember the night in March 1996 when I "discovered" Comet Hyakutake. I was outside in my garden reading my weather instruments when I happened to look up at the eastern sky and said "holy crap!, a naked eye comet!" Of course, I didn't actually discover the comet, but I didn't hear any news stories about it prior to seeing it for the first time, so it did seem like a personal discovery. This type of thing probably doesn't happen very often, if ever, with microscopy.