The Dangers Of Amateur Astronomy In Afghanistan

Nancy_A writes "Most amateur astronomers take for granted that they can just go outside and enjoy viewing the night sky without encountering many problems. But in order for amateur astronomers in Afghanistan to simply set up a telescope in a dark region, they have to deal with more serious complications, such as making sure the area is clear of land mines, not arousing the suspicions the Taliban or the local police, and watching out for potential bombing raids by the US/UK/Afghan military alliance."

Comments

Wow such insight!

[Lunix Nutcase]

Wow such an insightful article. Who would have thought that it would be dangerous in a country that has been a war zone for over 2 decades?

Actually Islam is pro astronomy

[perpenso]

... where the Koran-thumpers cut people's heads off ...

In the middle ages muslims thought very highly of astronomy, so why would the guys wanting to base their society on that era be against astronomy?

Some of the scientific work was done in central asia, if not Afghanistan then next door. Perhaps you've noticed that some stars and astronomical terms are arabic in origin.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronomy_in_medieval_Islam

Re:Actually Islam is pro astronomy

[royallthefourth]

And don't forget that before the CIA created the Afghan Mujahideen 30 years ago, Afghanistan was a normal society with things like education, electricity, sanitation and equal rights for women (at least in the urban areas). Now those cities and the infrastructure that supported them have been bombed beyond recognition. But of course, none of that matters nearly as much as anticommunism and counterterrorism.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Afghan_Crowd_Circa_1980.png

...just not this particular flavor of it.

[Penguinisto]

In the middle ages muslims thought very highly of astronomy, so why would the guys wanting to base their society on that era be against astronomy?
 

...because Wahabbism (the sect of Islam from which the likes of AQ and Taliban are based) isn't exactly out to bring back the days of classical scientific inquiry. The Wahhabist concept of Islam is a lot like Pol Pot's concept of Communism... skewed all to hell and not exactly what you would think, yet will claim to be the mantle and keeper of it.

Re:The can see the moon!

[DigiShaman]

Assuming this Afghani wasn't yanking your chain for laughs, that's a serious issue. I'm speaking of the ignorance and hopelessness entrenched in this mans head. I don't blame him either. Conflict is part of their culture. It was there from the moment he was born, and perhaps long after he's dead. Hell, may last another thousand years. Maybe a million. No, what these people need are a bunch of terminals air-dropped into villages with SATCOM uplinks. Hell, it might even be cheaper that the money we've spend so far on this theater of war. Shower them with knowledge, and let God sort it out. It sure wont stop the immediate violence, but I'd bet the ROI would be better in helping them help themselves.