Astronomy questions

as far as astronomy goes, it all fascinates me- however, i did go to a rather interesting cosmology lecture whilst on my first OU summer school. how and when the first stars formed, what they were made of…the whole early universe. great stuff. Teaching? maybe. if i thought i could make the level of a lecturer…probably would find older kids easier to handle. whatever happens, i’d rather be making tea for Stephen Hawking than doing what i’m doing now!!
so, everybody- what do you find are people’s opinions on the subject? do you find other people didn’t, or don’t, treat astronomy as a serious science? is the reaction of the media to the latest discoveries helpful or unhelpful? does this hinder progress or not? hmmm…this could include people’s/the public attitudes to the world’s space programs in general…let us know your views! [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]