Educational Media Reviews Online

“Street astronomers” are like “street musicians” or “street magicians;” people who enjoy showing their interests to the average person on the street. John Dobson is an enthusiastic astronomer whose invention, the Dobsonian telescope is well-known throughout the world by anyone who has an interest in seeing the universe.

Dobson not only invented the “telescope for the rest of us,” that put large-size, affordable telescopes into the hands of the average individual, he also started the “Street Astronomers,” an organization with the main purpose of bringing the wonders of the Universe to the average person. Both the telescope and the “street astronomy” are John’s gifts to us all; he gave his invention away to all to use it, just as he shares his knowledge, with no strings attached.

This video documents the essence of John Dobson and his work, and provides a look at the man, his philosophy, and his efforts to open the eyes of his fellow earthlings.

The film is a compilation of snippets of lectures, interviews, and on-the-street moments (interspersed with images, animations, and film clips from NASA), that show much more about the man and his life, than a biography could. In fact, the opening sequence shows Mr. Dobson at his usual night-time activity, standing on a street corner, beside his telescope, inviting passers-by to see the Moon, or Saturn, the Sun, or a number of other heavenly bodies.

The viewer gets a very good idea of John Dobson’s unusual thoughts on cosmology, philosophy of life, and his strong presence as a speaker and teacher. Dobson, whose first career was as a Vedanta monk, is a deep-thinker, whose message is that the universe is something that we should see, and that this will help us better comprehend our connection with rest of existence.

Using a series of short segments, the film shows John Dobson speaking to groups of people, to individuals on the street, and to students, on a variety of topics relating to cosmology. His wit and sense of humor, along with his evangelistic spirit is engaging to those in the film, as it is to the viewer. Dobson’s questing mind, positive nature, and spiritual temperament come across and truly give the viewer a strong feeling of his presence. The filming was done when he was 89 years-old, but the man shows his great gift for engaging with people of all ages.

The production is loaded with impressive images of the planets, the Sun, and space, and the motion picture images of bodies, such as the Sun during solar activity, are incredible. The images and film clips are well-arranged and beautiful to view (the NASA footage of man on the Moon is most impressive too). Music is used in transitions and other places where it keeps the pace interesting for viewers.

In addition, there is a webography and bibliography for those wishing to learn more. Of the most interesting relating to this film is The Sidewalk Astronomer website.

This film will thrill astronomers and astronomy enthusiasts. It provides a look into the life and accomplishments of a folk-hero among astronomers, and gives much to ponder about the universe and the nature of time and space. Non-astronomers should find enough to inspire an interest in the universe and its wonders. At the least, a non-astronomy viewer will enjoy the dialog and imagery that is presented.