Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Nov 8, 2010 2:18:50 GMT -6
At a recent star party, I met a goof who was waiting to come up to a scope I was working and was hung up on himself, suffering from pitiful delusions of grandeur.
Attempting to sound authoritative, we debated slightly on the number of Earths that could fit side by side on Jupiter. It's 11.2 but I like 12. He insisted it was 10. I let it alone and continued with showing others Jupiter.
When it was his turn, he was all-knowing on the views and controls on the scope....not asking if he could manipulate. Really, I just wanted him gone, but what got me was that he knew me, as the Chicago Astronomer and wanted my card. Never met him before.
So, I give him one and he mentions his name to me - Pausing - stating that I most likely have heard of him, as he is all over the place.
Nope...I never heard of him before.
Sorry dude.
And off he went.
I don't dig these types of astronomers and avoid them as much as I can. Gives the field a bad rep with representatives like this and so much not Chicago Astronomer material.
But, for the most part...my encounters with fellow astronomers have been positive, enriching and welcoming...but beware of the know-it-all curmudgeon...
