Western Australia: ASWA IYA events

[Blue Skies]

Hello all,

The Astronomical Society of WA (http://aswa.info) will be holding a number of events for the public during IYA, so here is the thread for updates on what's happening in and around Perth.

The first event is going to be tomorrow for the partial solar eclipse. Members will be gathering in the carparks at City Beach to show the public the eclipse in safety. The event is free to attend. Turn up any time between 5pm and 7pm for a look but the best time will be around mid-eclipse at 6pm. Just have a look around for some strange looking people pointing scopes at the sun! That will be us. ;)

Three main events already on the cards are a public night on Sat 4th April for the 100 hours of Astronomy and another on the 24th October - venues still to be confirmed. We will also be taking part in the Space Trail, a large event involving several organisations, which will happen during Science Week in August. More events are likely but not confirmed at this stage.

Check in here for updates and reports as the year progresses. :hi:

[Blue Skies]

Hello again,

I've finally got some pictures together from the partial solar eclipse on Australia Day. A number of ASWA members gathered at City Beach to observe the eclipse and share it with the public. It was a mostly clear sky, although we had a bit of cloud go over the sun in the last half hour. About a hundred people came and had a look through various PST scopes, a Coronado 40 and an old refractor set up to do a projected image. A very relaxed afternoon and it was nice to be able to share it with so many people.

[rogerg]

Good to hear it was a success Jacquie :thumbsup:

[iceman]

Fantastic, looks like a very successful event. Well done!

[spacezebra]

Hi Jacquie

Well done on your event. Im very passionate about outreach and love the "hands on" activities. Its a buzz for all.

Again, well done!

Cheers Petra d.

[hilb]

As part of the International Year of Astronomy, the Astronomical Society of Western Australia (Inc.) presents a Public Viewing Night under the stars at the Gooseberry Hill Primary School on Saturday 4 April, 2009.

See the Moon, Saturn and a host of other beautiful celestial objects in the wonderful autumn sky through large telescopes.

Why not bring your own picnic tea and sit out on the grass from 6pm. Viewing starts at 7.30pm (weather permitting).

Tea and coffee available. No alcohol or smoking permitted on school grounds.

Enter the school from Huntley Street. Viewing facilities for wheelchairs.

Entry: Adults $10, Students $5, Family (2+2) $20, Pre-schoolers FREE.
Bring: Warm clothing, beanie, picnic tea (if coming early).
Enquiries: Phone 9246 4190 – email aswa@aswa.info – website http://aswa.info


Cheers,
HilB...:)

[hilb]

Just got back from a great night at Gooseberry Hill. The clouds stayed away so the crowds didn't. 15 telescopes plus presentations kept the people entertained and informed. Plus a meteor or two for good measure.

Cheers,
HilB...:D

[rogerg]

Here's some photo's from last night:

http://www.rogergroom.com/items/aswa_gooseberryhill_viewing_april_2 009

It was a good night! :thumbsup:

Roger.

[Blue Skies]

Our next IYA night is on 2nd May in Tammin. Tammin is a town about 2 hours east of Perth on the Great Eastern Hwy. We'll be holding a free event for any interested locals, near and far, on the Sat night at the local footy oval. More details to come soon.

[Shaun]

Funny i was just asking another member about when you are going there again, i might come down for the night.

[Blue Skies]

Please do come, this night is all about meeting the locals and showing them we're quite normal people, really. ;)

[Shaun]

I won't have my scope but if i get my Gstar-ex by then i will bring it along with my laptop.

[Blue Skies]

With the 2nd of May rapidly approaching, its time to give out some more details!

Place: Donnan Park Oval (the local footy oval, on the Wyalkatchem rd on the west side of town)
When: 6.30pm to 9.30pm, on Sat 2nd May

Around 7pm we'll be having a short speech to officially thank the Shire for their assistance in helping us with an observing site to the north of town.

If the weather is cloudy I'll be giving a presentation following the speeches.

Entry is free and open to all interested members of the public.

[Blue Skies]

The night at Tammin on Saturday went very well, about 70 people came along, some having driven 100km to get there! Met lots of locals, which was one of the aims of the night and talked about future activities up there. Perfect weather for it too.

[seanliddelow]

Is there any where were i can get information on the astrofest on november 28th?

[Blue Skies]

Astrofest is being run by AstronomyWA, not ASWA. I know it will be held at Curtin University. It really is too early for any details to be released other than that. Sorry, Sean, but you're just going to have to be more patient! Try the AstronomyWA website: www.astronomywa.net.au (http://www.astronomywa.net.au)

[seanliddelow]

Thanks:thumbsup:

[seanliddelow]

Im going to dryandra in october and i am wondering about the accomadation. Is each dorm big? How many people usually go?

[rogerg]

Sean,

If you contact Hilary Burns at ASWA (the camp co-ordinator) she'll give you information on all the accommodation options. Her contact details are in the Sidereal Times.

Roger.

[seanliddelow]

Yeah ive sent her an email but she has not replied yet.

Hoping for blue skies:thumbsup:.

[seanliddelow]

I think the message must have been in the "junk" folder:mad2:. I may have accidently deleted it. I will wait until i get another ASWA message.

[Visionoz]

Hi Sean

You can get further details of ASWA's activities if join our yahoogroup - http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/aswagroup/ and I am sure you can find some information posted in there :)

Cheers
Bill

(http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/aswagroup/)

[rogerg]

G'day Sean,

Bill is right - the ASWA group is a good place to ask.

The dorms vary in size. There's 4. I think there are about 10 bunks in each, but to be honest I haven't been in them for many years as I have used alternative accommodation for some time now.

The dorms are sufficient, and not usually too noisy appart from the odd snorer. If you're going for the first time, they are the easiest way to stay there. The dorms, showers and toilets, and food/general hall are all close by and convenient.

:thumbsup:

Roger.

[seanliddelow]

Thanks for the info Roger and thanks for the link Bill.
I have now joined the yahoo aswa group.

[hilb]

As part of the IYA 2009 Space Trail, ASWA is holding a FREE public viewing event at Whiteman Park this weekend.
What: Solar Viewing with special telescopes and filters.
When: Saturday 10 Oct & Sunday 11 Oct, 1pm - 5pm both days.
Where: Shelter A, near carpark 7, Whiteman Park Village.
See http://aswa.info (http://aswa.info/) for more information.

Cheers,
HilB...:)

[hilb]

Disappointing day...sun appeared for 30 minutes of the fours hours we were out there. Let's hope our nearest star is more accommodating tomorrow.

Mind you, I'll trade bad weather this week for perfect next weekend - ASTROCAMP - Yay!!!

Cheers,
HilB...:cold:

[seanliddelow]

Im normal.......................I think......................