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View Full Version here: : Call for some scopes for astro night at Wiley Park Girls' High, Oct 9


mental4astro
19-09-2013, 08:36 PM
Hi all,

Earlier this year in June, myself and three other IIS'ers took our scopes along to Wiley Park Girls' High (in Sydney) for their first ever astro viewing night. We had scopes from 8" to 12", and my little video rig. It was the first time that most of the wonderful students of this little high school had ever seen a scope, let lone looked through one. We were blessed that night with the clouds parting just in time to be able to show some wonderful jewels - Saturn, Omega Centauri, Eta Carina, The Jewel Box, and thanks to a little video camera, Centaurus A & M104.

We've been invited again to Wiley Park Girls' High for their second astro night, to be held on October 9. Alas most of the fellows who came the first time are not able to come for this second event. I've been asked to put the word out for some other willing folks to bring their scopes, knowledge and enthusiasm to share learning.

The night's event is due to formally start for the students and their families from sunset, with the school's oval open to us from much earlier to set up.

After my experience with the school's first viewing night, I did not hesitate to accept their invitation. The cultural mix of students was a great experience for me, and a wonderful example of how people from very diverse backgrounds can get along. I think the exotic cakes we were plugged with during the night may have had a lot to do with that! :D

Please let me know if you can come and help.

Oh, and expect A LOT of challenging questions to come thick and fast! :thumbsup:

Alex.

The pic below is of the video rig I'll be bringing.

Wavytone
20-09-2013, 09:18 AM
Hi Alex,

I should be able to come, bringing the twin 7" maks which will accommodate the littlies and the taller ones.

What time ?

Cheers !

AG Hybrid
20-09-2013, 03:10 PM
Actually I should be able to come again on Oct 9. I'll bring my 12" like last time.Or maybe my 4" and can just focus on a bright star cluster or something.

GeoffW1
20-09-2013, 05:30 PM
Hi,

As advised I'll be there

Cheers

killswitch
20-09-2013, 10:47 PM
Will a non goto ED100 suffice?

AG Hybrid
21-09-2013, 08:31 AM
Should be good ! I can Definetly bring my 12" then.

mental4astro
25-09-2013, 08:57 AM
Thanks for the hands up Geoff, Nick, Ed & Adrain. There's still plenty of room for anyone else who would like to join us.

I've asked the school's contact, Murray Henstock, on the details for the night. Sunet is at 6pm. The Moon's phase will be young, but there is a tall tree line along the school's western boundary. I've suggested a 4:00, 4:30 arrival time for anyone who can make it that early to be able to start proceedings early with the Moon. Venus will be very prominent too, & visible during daylight.

I set up my video rig a few nights ago at home to see if the Grus Quartet would be visible. They are! Just visible above the bright skyglow, but visible on screen all the same. I've been hoping to be able to show the students this group of galaxies as their average distance is 64million light years, giving us a direct & LIVE contact with the time when the dinosaurs were wiped out. This still gives me a thrill to consider. I'm hoping this will excite the kids too.

AstroJason
08-10-2013, 08:31 AM
Hey Alex,

Spoke to the boys while we were up at Hargraves on Sunday night, didn't realise this thread existed. I can bring my 10" Goto Dob. Just not sure what time I can get there, might try leave work early tomorrow.

Cheers,

Jason

AG Hybrid
08-10-2013, 08:46 AM
Yeah Im going to have to leave work an hour early. Ill hopefully get there by 5 pm

mental4astro
08-10-2013, 09:24 AM
Jason, Ed, Wavy, Adrian and Geoff,

Murray at the school has informed me that it is all OK for us to arrive and start setting up from 4:30, with the official proceedings to happen from 6:30. With day light saving this should help us with the Moon a little more.

I've attached a pic of the school and the route from Hillcrest St onto the School's oval.

I'll email Murray on the expected numbers of us who are to come along, and I'll PM you all about this post in case you don't come across it.

mental4astro
08-10-2013, 03:14 PM
Hi all,

I've just been advised that tomorrow night's event has had to be postponed to a date to be announced.

Murray apologies to those who had made time to attend the School's event & the subsequent short notice change if plans.

Mental.

AG Hybrid
09-10-2013, 09:47 PM
Kind of a shame this didnt go through. The moon, Venus and Scorpio all together right now is such a spectacle. Would have been a memorable night.