Macquarie University Astronomy Open Night

[wavelandscott]

Thought you might be interested in the following...this would be a good chance for people to see a variety of scopes and things astronomic

MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY
FOUNDATION FOR ASTRONOMY
ASTRONOMY OPEN NIGHT

2 SEPTEMBER 2006

VENUE:
Building E7B, Main University Campus
Enter by Herring Road or Balaclava Road
Parking available (Directions at gates)

TIME:
Between 6.00 pm and 10.00 pm

TELESCOPES:
About 20 telescopes in operation
See the Moon, Planets, Stars, Nebulae and Clusters

LECTURE:
Joss Hawthorn, Anglo-Australian Observatory
An illustrated lecture entitled
"Our Astonishing Universe"

Starting at 7.45 pm - Venue under cover

DISPLAYS:
Displays of telescopes, books, maps, and posters
Videos, software and other material on sale

ENTRANCE:
$8 Adult $4 Child $20 Family

Proceeds for Astronomical Observatory and Planetarium at Macquarie University
THIS EVENING WILL NOT BE CANCELLED BECAUSE OF WEATHER
TELESCOPES WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE IF CLOUDY (Slide show instead)
TELEPHONE: (02) 9850 7111
WEB: www.astronomy.mq.edu.au

I'm hopeful on attending and setting up a scope...Happy Thoughts for good weather!

[iceman]

I think the weather is going to be good, will be a good opportunity for some lunar viewing.

I'd love to go, but the family is sick (again) so there's no chance at all of me getting a leave pass :)

Enjoy it Scott, have fun and spread the love :)

[wavelandscott]

It is precisely because of family sickness that I will likely attend...with all of the recent "family crisis" at my house my wife thought I might like to go to the viewing night to "escape" for a few hours...she also thought it might do me some good.

I had not realized how cranky I've been at home lately...I think she is a good wife/partner and that she is right on this point so I will try and attend (and enjoy)

[iceman]

That's great Scott, she sounds very understanding and it will be good for you to have a break.

I get a break when I go to work each day, my wife doesn't get any!

[g__day]

Sounds great - I'll try and go as I'm only 1km away so its an easy outing if the family behave!

Are bookings necessary?

[wavelandscott]

I do not think that bookings are necessary...I think that they will collect the entrance fee as you come onto the grounds but I am not 100% certain...

I am not a part of the program or anything just an "interested" person from the community...

[Greg Bryant]

Scott is right - you just turn up and pay at the gate.

These open nights began in 1988 (I was at the inaugural planning meeting - I was a Uni student there). Attendances vary between ~500 and ~1500 depending on the weather.

[netwolf]

Hey i might go to this, its close by to me, I know wish i had a Iceinspace t-shirt..

PS: how do i find other Iceinspace memebers? do we have a bird call or something? ;)

[wavelandscott]

I'll try and remember to wear a IIS t-shirt...otherwise just look for a fat American accented fellow with a telescope...:D

[wavelandscott]

Slight correction to my earlier post...both of my IIS T-shirts are in the dirty clothes "pile" and are not available for use tonight (good idea for everyone in attendance)...I'll have a different clean shirt but rest assured for those trying to find me, I'll still be "portly in size" and still have an American accent...:)

Hope to see some of your there!

[netwolf]

Website seems not to be working, oh well i will be there with my wife. I am the portly guy from India with a Aussie accent and who looks more like a wogboy. Note change in Avtar to make me more identifiable.

I am just wondering how good a view one would get from Maq uni given the proxminty to surrounding shopping Centre, comercial buildings etc.

Regards

[netwolf]

Well i am back from a great night out, was lots of fun. Amazed that i had not heard of this event before apparently its in itsh 37th year. The clouds were the only downside, but still got some good views of Jupiter, the Moon and the Jewel box. I got a view through my first SCT's tonight Meade, Celestron new and old.

Mostly everyone was showing Jupiter through the telescopes, and one or two were showing the moon.

I easily heard Scott while wating in line to see Jupiter at a large dob, i was for a time wary to approach him as i was not sure it was him. But american accent + 12" dob + portly frame + cloudy nights t-shirt and i thought thats got to be him. It was nice to meet you Scott.


The best view i got was through Scots's 12+" Dob, and the second best was through someones 12" GSO Bintel dob (deliux model) I saw Jupiter through both and was blown away by the detail.

We then went of for the lecture that was very informative and the images and video (some of which were being shown publicaly for the first time) were awesome.

Aftet the lecture we went back to take another look with smaller quees. Scott was still there and we got to vire the Moon through his beautiful 12+" Dob. Magnificent view. Thanks Scott.

The wife also had lots of fun and was imprresed with the lecture, had lots of questions about large french Cycltrons, and black holes. I was stuned by her inquistiveness and enthusiasam. This should go some way in ensuring my Hobby stays alive and healthy. I have already spoken to her about attending the ISS Camp in January and she is has said ok. ;)

Regards
Fahim

[wavelandscott]

Yes, in spite of clouds (and there were many) it was a good night..as most all nights with a scope, friendly people and a warm evening are...

It was good to see and talk with Netwolf and MuddyDiver and maybe a few more from IIS (sorry if I forgot anyone)...I was told that over 500 hundred people attended the event...

There was a pretty steady line waiting to view up until about 9:30...like I said, too bad about the clouds...but the moon at least was still spectacular!

Good crowd and fun hobby...

I was especially pleased to see how well my "Stellar Seat" (cheap and obvious plug) worked as an adjustable step for the many kids in attendance...and it gave me a place to park myself while the adults looked...wow, they sure are great chairs!!! ;)

Good event organizers!

[Muddy Diver]

A late log but I've had a busy weekend.

Great to meet Scott and his dob (Oh and the chair). Most amazing was the accuracy with which you gauged all the kids heights, slotted the chair into place and got it right every time! Thanks again for putting in the effort Scott:thumbsup:

Cloudy skies didnt spoil the excellent and informative lecture. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening.