School Viewing Night

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

Just got home from helping at a NSAS viewing night at Cherrybrook. I am not sure how many kids/parents were in attendance but I enjoyed it a great deal. The kids were largely well behaved, respectful and interested. Well done to the organizers!!

No, it was not particularly dark and the views were a bit limited to moon, Jupiter (other planets early) some double stars, Jewell Box Cluster etc. but it was still fun.

But, there was one boy, I did not even get his name, that came back after most everyone had left and expressed a real interest in looking up...I got a great charge out of showing him a few things and letting him just look through my scope on his own. His excitement was contagious and refreshing and while I always enjoy outreach, this particular experience helped me have an even bigger smile than normal.

While I can't claim that he will go on to a career in Astronomy or even science, just seeing his interest in learning for this one evening was a great buzz for me. I am hopeful that the spark I saw tonight can be nurtured into a life time passion for learning. And that is why I enjoy doing Astro outreach...

[bmitchell82 (Brendan)]

.... this is where i say.... "What where the first views that got you hooked" Thread!

[Inmykombi (Geoff)]

Well done Scott.

I also enjoy showing the Geberal Public. I gives me a great deal of pleasure to see the reactions of people who look through a scope for thje first time, and to just hear the " WOW's" puts a smile on my dial as well.

Hope to see ya at the next visit to the Mountain.

Geoffro.