Just to inform anyone in the western part of Victoria that we have a new Astro outfit.
The 'SNAKE VALLEY ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION'
It is open to all ages and you don't really have to live in Western Victoria to join, but it makes it a bit hard to attend all the viewing nights and get-togethers if you don't, but hey, your welcome.
We are not an association of 'meetings about viewing'. We 'View!'
We are putting together a library of interesting accessories and books, so members can borrow EP's, magazines, books etc from the library. Helps kids get to use better EP's than DSE provide.
If you would like to contribute to our library, feel free to send any accessories you believe kids could use to enhance their viewing experience and stay with our great hobby. Old scopes, EP's, Astro books etc. To send any items please PM Darren (wombat-in-space) or myself.
We already conduct Astro fun days in the local schools, and we will be holding open nights as weather permits.
We are going to every length to avoid the 'Boring' stuff. We are simply a group of 'viewers' that want to formalise the group for insurance reasons. Never know, little Johnnie might visit a viewing session and bang his scone on one of the scopes, or trip over a mount.
Because kids are interested in Astronomy (before they become 'cool' teenagers) we want to help them 'see' objects with better equipment, that's why the accessories library. And kids like to 'belong' to something, not just do it occasionally.
No, the Ballarat Society doesn't know of us yet, but I have been asked by 2 members of BAS to let them know when we start one so they can be involved.
It isn't an association of meetings and building maintenance and who is putting the rubbish out next week. We get together and look thru our scopes, talk EP's, compare equipment etc. In other words, we do astronomy, not just have meetings about doing astronomy.
Our Mayor is right behind the whole project, and has offered to find land around Snake Valley to start the ball rolling for an observatory in our lovely dark town.
Built my locals. Ideas are already being thrown around Council Chambers. Lysette has wanted this for years, and now that she IS the Mayor, it is finally starting to happen.
Congratulations ken glad to see that you got things of the ground. You will have to get the council to install cut off lighting structures on all Street lights, install signs at the beginning of town for drivers to dim their lights.LOL Best wishes, will you be having any affiliation with other astronomical Society's?
It isn't an association of meetings and building maintenance and who is putting the rubbish out next week. We get together and look thru our scopes, talk EP's, compare equipment etc. In other words, we do astronomy, not just have meetings about doing astronomy.
Sounds great. Very original concept. Hopefully the idea will catch on at other astro clubs. Good luck with it all.
We W.A.A.C.ers wish Ken n Darren all the best for the future of the Snake Valley Astronomical Association. We've had the same outlook & agenda since we started our club in 1999. 'KISS'. No big meetings or legal stuff n cheap memberships. Best way.... L.
As Dave said, keep it simple! That way you will achieve the best results!
Love the idea of observing! Too many get lost in the science of construction and talking about it to actually do it!
The reason I left another society (among many many other members that left) is because all they had was meetings, and talked about observing, not actually doing the observing.
We are already getting enquires about membership and we don't officially start until next month!
Daniel, you are close enough to be apart of this (hint, hint).
The website is being upgraded by Darren (wombat-in-space) and will be ready for re-launch in about a week or so, so keep an eye out for it.
L.
