Firstly I would to start with a huge thanks to all of our guests if there is anything that impresses me most is your patience and commitment to your passion.
I have been flicking through the evaluation sheets that many of you completed before leaving on Sunday and despite the weather you still had a good time. I would like to say you have given us some excellent suggestions especially regarding public viewing and new star party guests. We will be working on those two in particular to make your time here next time more enjoyable.
One of ASAW key aims was to raise the awareness in our region of astronomy. We achieved this with well over 600 people visiting, a combination of being on-site or during the Public viewing from Friday morning to Petra and I finally leaving at 5pm Sunday afternoon.
The CosmoDome was a hit but the man in the orange NASA suit was a bigger hit, many thanks to Miles who has more patience and stamina than anyone I know. He survived 25 straight sessions running the CosmoDome starting at 9am Friday to finish sometime around midnight. Yes we did let him have a few bottles of water and a bite to eat.
Don Whiteman headed an all star guest speaker list setting the day off on a great note. One of the most successful moments and there were many of those was the interaction between Rob McNaught and David Levy, you could hear a pin drop. Although it started off with some minor technical difficulties our sound crew Rob Bruce and our guests perservered only to be rewarded with a monumentous occasion. Well done to Petra for pulling that one off.
Another one of those moments was Rob McNaught winning a Deep Sky Planner from Knightware.
Many thanks to Rob, David and Don for agreeing to be a part of our inaugural event, there is not much that can be as special as that. Many thanks to Mike Salway, we hope you are feeling better and look forward to seeing you next time well done to Kate and all of the prize winners.
Mick Laws meteor cratering and balloon rocketry were highlights with both the kids and adults having a ball. I am buying a paddling pool, cocoa and flour tomorrow.
As it turned out the best viewing night was Friday after 10pm some dedicated amateurs were up till 4am viewing with one of our dedicated volunteers well done Mick Nolan.
The reward for me personally was to catch up with good friends to be a part of something special and to be supported by a simply terrific team.
To all of our sponsors many thanks for your committment and support to making the event memorable.
Regards
The Unbeliever
