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My
interest in astronomy dates far back to my childhood
with having a profound interest in science fiction and
the basic sciences. My greatest pleasures were experienced
not from looking up, but instead, from burying my head
in an Arthur C. Clarke or Isaac Asimov sci-fi novel.
I enjoyed profoundly letting my mind wander into space
following whatever fantastic adventures lie within the
pages.
It was not until many years later, when by chance, I
visited the Griffith Observatory in LA that a deep interest
in astronomy science was awakened. I was in LA for a
short business trip. One evening, after work, I went
for a drive with no particular destination in mind.
It was a cool night, I remember, and somehow, I found
myself following a winding road up a hill. And there
atop the hill was an observatory. I saw many people
standing in line, waiting to go inside. With nothing
better to do, I followed suit, not knowing in the least
what they were waiting for. As the line trickled into
the observatory I saw each person stepping up to a large
telescope and peering within. I still had no idea what
spectacle lay in wait. When it was my turn I looked
through the lens and lo, and behold, there was this
enormous view of Jupiter, its clouds sharp and crisp
looking. And there standing in the foreground was the
little moon, Io, with its shadow projected on the gassy
surface of Jupiter! That was all it took. Since then,
I have read voraciously all that I can about astronomical
events, including Sky and Telescope magazine, various
newsgroups, and the NASA websites. I think I inhale
astro news as much as I do oxygen sometimes! And having
experienced this wonderful joy, I try to encourage others,
through the Ambassador program, to do the same.
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