And there are those who glory in the sheer wealth of technology that has become an inseparable part of the amateur astronomy scene. Everyone who pursues the hobby of astronomy has a right to enjoy it at whatever level he or she chooses. What is of some concern is that we may be losing one of the keystones of amateur astronomy - feeling really at home under the night sky. My contacts with professional astronomers have confirmed what I've heard elsewhere. It is those who pursue astronomy as a hobby who really know their way around the night sky.
Professionals are concerned about the lofty problems of astrophysics.
When they set eye to eyepiece, it is with a very limited and specific goal in mind. Time in the observatory chamber is scrupulously allocated. Professionals do not have the freedom to roam aimlessly. That's why observatory instruments are computer-guided. In fact, the professional need only know the coordinates of the object of interest, not the fact that it's located in the constellation Cygnus.