You never know who's around the corner!

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Here I am sitting in little ol' Snake Valley being the only true amateur astronomer within Coo-ee.

But am I?

Apart from my next door neighbour (the retired science professor) who sometimes views with me, there is Dave up the road. He is fascinated with the sky but has no scope. He has been here once for viewing and loved it.

Well, today I rang the editor of the local Snake Valley Newsletter to place an article about the Star camp and the lady editor (also a local politician) and her husband are mad keen astronomers. Cool!

She also informed me that, without success, she has been fighting the council to try get an observatory built at Snake Valley! and she refuses to give up!!

And then, tonight, Dave (mentioned above) called in to ask me if I knew how to polar align an EQ mount because another mate of his in Snake Valley has an EQ scope but doesn't know how to align it (I wouldn't have a clue!)
and could I help him!!!!!!

Astronomers are starting to pop out of the local woodwork. I wonder how many more will make contact with me when the newsletter comes out next Monday!

It would be great to start a local viewing group (and sign them all up to IIS).

You never know who is around the corner do you

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

Ken ... I never cease to be amazed at the pent up interest in Astronomy !
I have been signing up a couple of new members for our club a month lately !
Write an article for the local reg each time there is an interesting celestial event (thats most weeks!) & watch them come out of the woodwork !

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Ian, the editor of the newsletter asked if I would like to submit a monthly viewing article "What's in the sky this month" sort of thing and 'local get togethers'. I think I will take her up on the offer! I might find more astro people in the district that way.

[cahullian]

Great to hear your not lonely down there Ken. BTW I'll see you in a few weeks mate

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Yes Gazz, it's getting really close! Hope you are reading the thread about the Camp to keep up to date with the happenings like the 'Rally in the Valley' and a second guest speaker.

There must be closet astronomers everywhere! Time to EXPOSE them LOL!

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

Go for it Mate, I am sure you will soon have company !

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

I will have to pinch all the info from someone elses 'What's in the sky' report as I know diddly-squat about what's happening until I read it in here. The web is usually chock full of 'upcoming' info.

[iceman (Mike)]

Nice one Ken, and I know exactly how you feel. I've said it before, but 12 months ago I didn't know 1 person on the central coast who was also into Astronomy.

Now there's a group of 6-12 of us who meet up every new moon for some good observing and some even better company.

And these people have become my friends, not just guys I know who are into astronomy.

[Jonathan]

It's amazing what you find when you tell someone of your interest in astronomy or that you own a telescope. A few weeks ago I found another bloke at work that's into astronomy. I was a bit suprised!
I think most people have some interest in whats out there in space, but not many of them have ever looked through a telescope.

[rumples riot]

Closet astronomers coming out of the closet. Thats food for thought!

[toetoe (Peter)]

It's a small world when you think of it.

[mickoking]

I would love to meet and observe with people from the Gosnells/ Eastern suburbs of Perth region. The problem is all the astronomical societies are so far away (Western Suburbs). My Astronomical career has been pretty much a solitary pursuit.

Chill.

[iceman (Mike)]

Isn't beren (Stuart) from Perth way? And vindictive666 (john) as well?