If we had this type of weather all year I'd be surprised if there was even minimal interest in amateur astronomy. Fortunately, clearer fall weather is just around the corner. Every longtime amateur has a story about what triggered his or her interest in this hobby. For me, it was a Christmas telescope and a couple of high-profile astronomical events about 35 years ago. I concede that it's tougher nowadays to spark an interest in astronomy.
Younger minds are more apt to move toward video and computer vistas than a star-filled sky.
And it seems we older people just don't have the time anymore. Telescope sales are strong, though. Baby boomers with disposable income are snatching up computerized telescopes, which cost thousands of dollars. These scopes seek out and lock on to any object you'd like to observe. You just key in the object.