"Pete Lawrence" wrote in message
However, one role that is often overlooked is that of ambassador to
the public. With the advent of high quality imaging and some
spectacular pictures of all manner of astronomical subject, it's
easier to spark a non-astronomers interest in the subject. This
cannot be a bad thing.


On the 29th the Sun was looking particularly spectacular with all the
spots so I did a bit of "sidewalk astronomy" in Keswick. This was the
first time I had tried this without the "protection" of the rest of the
Astro
Soc. I set up outside the theatre for a couple of hours and showed
passers by the spots with my filtered 80mm refractor. I explained what
was happening on and suggested that there was a chance of an aurora
later.Had to dodge the clouds but had a couple of dozen punters (young
and old). All were impressed without exception. I would estimate about
half had heard there was something going on.

Robin