|
I will certainly second Pauls request.
I recently resigned my position with the Observatory and the committee for reasons of my own that are irrelevant here.
I was with the Observatory since before it opened, helping out with the building of the premises and saw first light through the C11.
I highly recommend this to anyone interested in a rewarding Astronomical experience and a sharing of space with anyone. I have held more observing nights at the observatory than I care to admit to, they varied from a single "deaf" woman (interesting night that one) to 100's of people in one evening. Mostly though I loved working with the kids, most operators prefer adults so I know they would really appreciate some help with the younger groups, kids are just wonderful to work with but can be trying at times. I miss the Q&A sessions I used to have with them, they ask some of the best questions which at times, have you running for the books to answer.
You dont need to be a Watson or Dobson, just have a good rapport with people and be able to speak in public, the rest comes really easy. As for the equipment, one nights training would have you up and running.
The bestest part though is the facility, you actually get real time (as much as you want in fact) in a real observatory, this is not a half assed attempt at an observatory but an architect designed and purpose built facility complete with on-line computers and some nice astro equipment.
Kind regards, Dennis.
|