IceInSpace Reaches 5000 Member Milestone!

[iceman (Mike)]

Earlier this week, IceInSpace achieved a remarkable milestone - we passed 5000 registered members at IceInSpace!

While the number itself doesn't mean a lot, it's what it shows that's the most important. It shows that IceInSpace is doing something right. We're continuing to grow (at a rate of over 1000 new members every year), we're continuing to stay current and relevant, and we're continuing to provide a great service to amateur astronomy and star gazers in Australia, New Zealand and across the world.

Whilst we still primarily focus on Australia and the Southern Hemisphere, and the majority of our members are Australian, increasingly our visitors and members are coming from outside Australia - especially North America and Europe. It shows we have something worth coming for - the rich and diverse content and our friendly and helpful nature.

It doesn't matter whether you're a member who logs in and posts and contributes regularly, or one who signed up but then browses as a guest, or one who signed up to get some information or to learn about something they saw in the night sky - all are valuable and all are part of the broader IceInSpace community that remains close-knit, loyal and always friendly, helpful, giving and welcoming.

Amateur astronomy continues to grow and prosper as more people look up and wonder "what's up there?", as astronomy sciences gain media attention with new discoveries (like finding planets around other stars), new space probe launches and the new incredible images from the growing number of space-based telescopes.

When those newcomers get off the couch and sit down at the computer, IceInSpace is always here to help them take that first step - to help them ask the right questions, to help answer their questions, to ensure they get the right advice and can make informed decisions. It's the first step in what will hopefully be a long and fulfilling journey in learning, observing or photographing our night sky in all its beauty. It's the first step in forming long-lasting friendships that cross natural barriers - mountains, rivers and oceans.

Terry and I are proud of what we have achieved and excited about what the future will bring.

5000 members is something we can all be proud of. Thanks to you, the IceInSpace community, for your contributions in making this site what it is today.

[Darby]

Congratulations and well done. As a newcomer I also wish to say thanks for all the help. I'm finally expanding my interest in astronomy and I find the IIS website incredibly rich in information and friendly advice. Everyone here seems so keen. I remember as a very young kid (1950's) one full moon night someone lifting me up to a telescope so I could peep at the moon. I dont know what the telescope was but it was long and white, a refractor I guess. Anyways I saw the mountains on the moon and it blew me away. I still have that image in my mind.

Now over 50 years later after finding IIS I have bought 10x50 binoculars, a star chart, planisphere and two books. I'm really eager to buy my first telescope but age has brought with it patience so I'm saving for a good mount first, then will decide on the scope for me.

Thanks again.

[rollmebackagain]

Glad to one of the 5000! I'm from N. America, and I love getting to see all the cool astrophotos of skies that I don't get to see in real life. Congrats on the site reaching 5000, and here's to the next 5000!

[WadeH (Wade)]

Well done Mike, Terry et al.

5000, WOW!! How the numbers have increased. I don't know how I would get through the day without my fix of IIS and seeing what everybody is up to around the country and the rest of the world.

This site is something that the whole IIS comunity can be proud of.

Wade, IIS #975.

[Dennis]

Thanks Mike & Terry, for taking that leap of faith and setting up Ice In Space.

The Forum has really energised my love for astronomy (and equipment ). Through my interactions with the IIS community, I am much the wiser and richer in astronomy related topics, although somewhat fiscally poorer

It has been a privilege to share my passion with Forum members; to be inspired and helped by them along my, at times, all-consuming journey in exploring the mysteries of our wonderful Universe, through devices fabricated from glass, metal and silicon.

Ice In Space is truly an outstanding example of the goodness arising from the explosion of internet based activities. We are a growing family and it seems we have learned to live together well, as an on-line community, as real friends when we meet locally and as strangers meeting for the first time at annual astro camps.

Cheers

Dennis

[RB (Andrew)]

From strength to strength.
Congrats everyone for making IIS the wonderful place it is today.

[leon]

I'll second that guys, congratulations, it is the place to be, and it only seems a little while ago that I was member 911, probably not the best of numbers, but this is a different place, well done to all.

Leon

[Astro78]

To think of all those combined hours of Joy, interest and knowledge this site has brought to so many.

Truly stellar work chaps

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

Awesome work Mike and Terry, all the moderators and contributors.
For me the Iceinspace community has become a family affair too, as my oldest son gains interest, especially after IISAC 2008 !
I am proud to be a part of this community.

[Paddy de Klerk]

Greetings Astro folk,

To the organisers for setting up the Lostock weekend,a big thank you.To the initiaters of IIS ,I`m certain it will only grow ,after all the universe is expanding .Nice to be part of it too.
As a PS Gaa.Ian ,you look quite different without your beanie !
Paddy