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An idea for 2010
One of the aims of 100 Hours of Astronomy as a part of IYA in 2009 was to bring amateur astronomy and the night sky to the attention of the wider community, especially those who have never looked properly at the night sky, or had even used a telescope.
While the IYA and the 100 Hours seem to be a very successful event on a global scale, I feel that something more local and more regular would be beneficial to the hobby. I have been playing around with this idea for some time and I'd like to put it out to the wider amateur astronomical community for discussion and consideration. What if such an idea, similar to the 100 Hours, was an annual event, albeit on a more local level?
As amateur astronomers we all indulge in the hobby in some capacity, more often than not, by ourselves, and occasionally at events such as star parties and astro camps. But what if, for example in the southern hemisphere, there was an annual date or weekend set aside where, we could celebrate the hobby by inviting family members, friends, neighbours or work colleagues for a viewing evening, whilst at the same time, knowing that many others in the astronomy community are doing the same thing on the same evening, at their homes?
I have outlined a few dot points.
Aim...
To promote backyard astronomy by sharing your knowledge and stimulate interest of the night sky with family and friends.
Moon...
Like the 100 Hours of Astronomy, with a 2-4 day old Moon, it can be an object to commence with at the start of the evening. A perfect time to very the lunar landscape as it begins to set in the west, then after an hour or so, the sky would be dark enough to move on to fainter objects.
Objects of Interest...
Again with Summer, we have the more good 'ol Orion to start off with, and Carina getting quite high, plus the Summer night sky is filled with reasonably bright objects to show your visitors.
Time of Year...
In the Southern Hemisphere, ideally it would have to be some time over Summer to take advantage of the good weather. It does not have to be perfect imaging conditions, the weather just needs to be warm and inviting to the new participants. This would encourage visitors to stay out longer in the evening.
Date...
Rather than making the event on particular date (i.e. 4 February each year), broaden the date range to incorporate a weekend, say, a Friday and Saturday night.
Size of event...
"Event" is a term I have been using, which does make it sound large, but on an individual level, as an amateur astronomer, it is intended to be a small gathering of your choosing; family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues etc. Perhaps the event could be arranged around a bbq?
This idea is not intended to conflict or take away from any astronomical club function, astro camp, star party. It is a means by which backyard astronomers can "show off" their telescopes and the night sky to a small gathering of their choice, in the comfort and privacy of their own backyard, in the knowledge that others are doing the same on the same evening, somewhere else in the country?
Publish Results...
Perhaps a central location (IIS?) or a dedicated website to show photos taken and provide an opportunity to write a report of how successful your evening was, how many people participated, and what night sky objects were viewed.
If this idea gains enough support, i could be an annual event.
These are just some points floating around in my head. Any feedback or suggestions welcome.
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