03 What are the sci.astro newsgroups about?
Description
This article is from the Astronomy FAQ, by Joseph Lazio (jlazio@patriot.net) with numerous contributions by others.
03 What are the sci.astro newsgroups about?
Author: Philippe Brieu <philippeumich.edu>,
Walter I. Nissen Jr. CDP <dk058@cleveland.freenet.edu>,
Steven Willner <swillner@cfa.harvard.edu>
There are eight groups in the *sci.astro* hierarchy:
*sci.astro*
Astronomy discussions and information
*sci.astro.amateur*
Amateur astronomy equipment, techniques, info, etc.
*sci.astro.seti*
The Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence (SETI)
*sci.astro.fits*
Issues related to the Flexible Image Transport System
*sci.astro.hubble*
Processing Hubble Space Telescope data. (Moderated)
*sci.astro.planetarium*
Discussion of planetariums
*sci.astro.research*
Forum in astronomy/astrophysics research. (Moderated)
*sci.astro.satellites.visual-observe*
Visual observing of artificial satellites
Each group except *sci.astro* has a charter that defines appropriate
postings. You can get the full charters via _anonymous ftp_,
<URL:ftp://ftp.uu.net/usenet/news.announce.newgroups/sci/>.
By default, everything that is related to astronomy/astrophysics and is
NOT covered by one of the other *sci.astro.** groups is acceptable for
posting in *sci.astro*. If something belongs in one of those groups, then
it does NOT belong in *sci.astro* and should NOT be (cross)posted there.
In particular, this includes all amateur observations, hardware, software,
and trade (see *sci.astro.amateur*).
The *sci.astro* hierarchy is NOT the appropriate forum for metaphysical
discussions. There are other groups for that (e.g.
*alt.paranet.metaphysics*). Neither is it the right group to discuss
astrology (*alt.astrology* is), which has nothing to do with astronomy, or
topics such as creationism (*talk.origins* for that). This is a science
group, not one for religion, sociology, or philosophy (even of science).
In addition, a number of topics related to astrophysics are better suited
for other groups. For instance, elementary particle physics should be
discussed in *sci.physics.particle* (but discussions of astronomical
consequences are welcome in astro groups). Likewise for photons and the
speed of light (*sci.physics*). Finally, all space related issues (e.g.
spacecraft and faster than light/time travel) have a home in the
*sci.space.** hierarchy (but astronomical results from space missions are
welcome).
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