Showing them the skies.

[Dog Star (Phil)]

Just had another great night out here tonight.
Went to a mate's birthday tonight (gave him a copy of Astronomy 2009) and after a barbie and a few beers, a group of people came back to my place for a dekko through my scope.
Had 8 people here tonight (5 who have never looked through a scope in their lives) and while it stretched the resources a bit (one man, one scope, three pairs of nokkies) every one seemed to enjoy themselves.
Showed them the usual suspects (Saturn, Orion Nebula, Jewell Box, Omega Centauri, Tarantula Nebula) swapping eye pieces as necessary.
Whilst only a rank beginner myself, everyone seemed to enjoy the "show" that i put on.
What star is that? What constellation is that? Where's the zodiac? Why is everything moving through the eye piece? Why do the skies look different in Winter? Where's me flamin' beer in this dark? Did my best to answer all questions and encouraged all to swing the dob around the heavens and pick up a pair of nokkies and explore the sky.
"The Universe - yours to discover," I told them, and that's exactly what they did.
Since the beginning of this year, I've managed to introduce 18 different people to the glories of the night sky.
When I first got my scope about 8 months ago, my viewing sessions were all fairly solitary affairs. Seems that these days, I seem to be the chief eye piece changer and scope pointer, with not a lot of chance to do much viewing myself, apart from during the week when I get the scope to myself, and quite frankly, I couldn't be happier. I enjoy sharing the skies immensely!
I'm reminded of a quote by John Dobson - What we do for ourselves is as nothing. What we do for others is beautiful!
I guess what I'm trying to say is that we should take every opportunity that we can to share this exquisite beauty with as many people as possible.
Nearly everyone has a vague interest in the stars. It's up to those of us with scopes to try and expand, as much as possible, that vague intrest. The slight effort is truly worthwhile and can only benefit astronomy in the long run.
It is, after all, the International Year of Astronomy!
PS. I'm convinced that astronomy is a sexual experience!
So many people taking their first look throigh a scope almost inevitably say "Intercourse!"

[Kevnool (Kev)]

Hi Phil i love the bit wheres the beer in the dark , and yes aint it grand when you get all them questions.
Its kinda funny that if you own a scope that you appear to most to know the whole sky, and whilst everyone who dont own a scope mostly only know 3 things stars, moon, planets.
Everyone asks me what do i look at all the time, and when i tell them globulars,clusters,PNs,galaxies,etc etc you seem to see in there eyes that wow there really is more up there.
Keep that experience alive up there in the Alice Phil.
Cheers Kev.

[ngcles]

Hi Phil,

Originally Posted by Dog Star

Since the beginning of this year, I've managed to introduce 18 different people to the glories of the night sky.
When I first got my scope about 8 months ago, my viewing sessions were all fairly solitary affairs. Seems that these days, I seem to be the chief eye piece changer and scope pointer, with not a lot of chance to do much viewing myself, apart from during the week when I get the scope to myself, and quite frankly, I couldn't be happier ...
I guess what I'm trying to say is that we should take every opportunity that we can to share this exquisite beauty with as many people as possible.
Nearly everyone has a vague interest in the stars. It's up to those of us with scopes to try and expand, as much as possible, that vague intrest. The slight effort is truly worthwhile and can only benefit astronomy in the long run ...

It is, after all, the International Year of Astronomy!

Good on ya Phil and well done. This is the essence of grass-roots astronomy popularisation -- IYA or not. Great fun isn't it?

Over the years I've enjoyed so many memorable views through various telescopes that I will treasure forever. But equally, over the years I must have given several thousand people their first view of Saturn, of M42 or 47 Tuc etc etc either at the many many public nights I've done or working at Sydney Obs.

Their reactions, their superlatives and sometimes their disbelief at what they're witnessing in the eyepiece for the first time are for me up there among some of the finest moments I've enjoyed in this great hobby we all have the privilege of sharing.


Best,

Les D

[Quark (Trevor)]

Well done Phil,

To introduce others to astronomy has to be one of the most satisfying things an amateur can do. You just never know where it may lead.

So many of our population have absolutely no clue as to what appears above their heads each and every night, most seem to tied up with more mundane Earthly pursuits, those that actually take to the time to have a look are invariably blown away by it all.

It is a great thing you do.
Keep up the good work.

Regards
Trevor

[spacezebra (Petra)]

Good report to Phil

Its good to see that outreach is alive and well in all corners of Australia.

Cheers Petra d.

[Dog Star (Phil)]

Another quote from John Dobson, which I'm only now really beginning to actually understand -
"The Side-walk Astronomers are Astronomical Entertainers to Her Majesty, The People-At-Large...
Those who have telescopes should be encouraged to entertain. There is a special beauty in the astronomical knowledge picked up by those who manage telescopes on behalf of the People-At-Large.
Everyone should see. Everyone should understand.
What we do for ourselves is a waste. What we do for others is beauty. Those who help others to see, will see. Those who help others to understand, they will understand."
I've had questions fired at me at a rapid rate, and if I didn't know, then I cheerfully admitted the same.
It has however made me read up as much as possible so that I could answer questions accurately and honestly.
In trying to educate others, I'm educating myself.
Have 4 people coming down tonight as I've promised to show them Comet Lulin. (Haven't managed to find it myself yet after confusing Corvus with Virgo last week.)
Wish me, and astronomy, the best of luck!

[Ric]

Great work Phil, I think your doing a wonderful job and at this rate you'll be starting the Alice Springs Astronomical Society very soon.

Cheers

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Well done!!
It's a great feeling isn't it.

[PCH (Paul)]

You're a credit to the sport Phil - well done