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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