Attention all Sunshine Coasters. Your support is needed.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

This thread is a general call to arms to all Sunshine Coast people who would be prepared to help out the Mapleton State School Community Observatory

Over the past 3 years a very small dedicated band of people have been supplying volunteer support for the Observatory running School nights open to all primary and secondary schools in the area, monthly open nights, introductory astronomy and astrophotography classes as well as facilitating the use of the observatory for private bookings and functions. This support has been a labour of love as we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the wonders of our universe. All funds raised through these activities are used to support the School's P&C Association and its activities, as well as to enhance the observatory so we may provide a wider educational experience.

However we would dearly love more support. I am putting the call out for anyone on the Sunshine Coast with any amount of experience (or no experience at all) who would be prepared to help out to drop me a pm. We would like people who to be trained as an operator in using the Losmandy G11 with Gemini, or to help out with the sky tours using the 12" Dob, or just to help with crowd control (the biggest night we have had was an open night with nearly 150 people. There were only 4 people on that night to supervise ).

We currently have only half a dozen people who bear the lions share of the burdon for all these activities. So if you would like to be a part, or think you would, but feel you don't have the ability or knowledge, then give me a hoy. I'd love to hear from you.

[Nightshift]

I will certainly second Pauls request.

I recently resigned my position with the Observatory and the committee for reasons of my own that are irrelevant here.

I was with the Observatory since before it opened, helping out with the building of the premises and saw first light through the C11.

I highly recommend this to anyone interested in a rewarding Astronomical experience and a sharing of space with anyone. I have held more observing nights at the observatory than I care to admit to, they varied from a single "deaf" woman (interesting night that one) to 100's of people in one evening. Mostly though I loved working with the kids, most operators prefer adults so I know they would really appreciate some help with the younger groups, kids are just wonderful to work with but can be trying at times. I miss the Q&A sessions I used to have with them, they ask some of the best questions which at times, have you running for the books to answer.

You dont need to be a Watson or Dobson, just have a good rapport with people and be able to speak in public, the rest comes really easy. As for the equipment, one nights training would have you up and running.

The bestest part though is the facility, you actually get real time (as much as you want in fact) in a real observatory, this is not a half assed attempt at an observatory but an architect designed and purpose built facility complete with on-line computers and some nice astro equipment.

Kind regards, Dennis.

[Gargoyle_Steve (Steve)]

Paul I'd love to help - I'd like to do what I can (when I can) but I suspect my work roster will conflict quite a bit. (Possibly my "Joy" roster too - she's away this week so can't talk to her about it at present)

Let me know what I can do, and we'll see what we can arrange & when.

I definitely know my way around a dob and I've been doing the public nights with the Moonwalk groups.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Thanks Steve. Just check out the bookings webpage and keep an eye on the various nights that are booked and let me know what you can do. Even if we can get another half a dozen people who are willing to help out only 2-3 nights per year will make a hell of a difference on the workload of the others.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Just bumping to the top.

[BluMoon (Guy)]

Paul,
would like to get involved..if only for the crowd control, my knowledge is certainly limited.But Laidley is too far to travel.if its any concellation I wish I had the opportunity of getting into astronomy at a much earlier age, so what you are doing is commendable.
Guy

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Thanks for the support Guy, and if you ever find yourself in the neighbourhood on an open night drop in in. Just check the observatory website for dates.