listen to the question

Was replaying a conversation in my head. The new amateur astronomy in Gary's talk on Saturday had, when a slide appeared with some targets in the sky noted, asked a question (and I paraphrase slightly):

"Why there were several lambda and gamma labels in the star chart?"

And I think we all answered his query incorrectly at the time.We told him that's one of the ways stars are labelled.

Now that I think about it, his question was really about constellations! The correct answer should have been: the same reason that towns and cities have named some of their streets the same way, like King, or Queen.

We were so focused on the Greek aspect, and brightnesses, and sequencing, that we missed his point. And, interestingly, this guy knew the alphabet and was very good at math. It was subtle but we didn't really think about this question correctly.

Another better answer would have been: this lambda belongs to Sagittarius and this one belongs to Scorpius. We should have shown the dividing line. The border of the constellations. Which would be very appropriate... For it is, technically, the borders that define the constellation.

Regardless. It is a good reminder to listen carefully to questions. Say them back. Ask the questioner, is this what you mean? And think about why they're asking.

It also reminded me that knowledge of astronomy is rich, deep, and multi-faceted. I've had star charts for years. Long before I had a telescope. And I'm a map "junkie." Love maps. And, I guess, I know how to read them. Perhaps, for some, it is not so easy.