First Star Party in Spalding

The South Lincs Astronomical and Geophysical Society (SoLAGS) held their
first public star party for many years in Spalding on Friday evening (16th).

Current membership is 19 and we were pleased but overwhelmed with the
response. Over 60 visitors attended - including young children - and as
expected, there was a huge WOW factor.

The evening started with a talk by Paul Money on "The Messier Marathon" and
then we all moved outside. Being a small society, not all of our members
owned telescopes but we were able to use 4 types and two pair of Bino's.

Despite a very cloudy day, prayers were offerred to the gods and Zeus must
have heard as we had clear skies and many happy people. So many people were
fascinated with Saturn, M42, M45 and were given an impromptu description of
the visible constellations.

Light pollution didn't help but overall it was deemed a success. The next
time we will know what to expect.

Our membership has now increased by 5 with more showing a seriuos interset.
Some visitors came from upto 20 miles away.

Incidentally, getting the local papers to do a big feature definitely
helped. So to any small societies thinking of giving their first star
party - go for it!!

Clear skies to all

--
Remove star to reply

"Stargazer" wrote in message
...
The South Lincs Astronomical and Geophysical Society (SoLAGS) held their
first public star party for many years in Spalding on Friday evening
(16th).

Current membership is 19 and we were pleased but overwhelmed with the
response. Over 60 visitors attended - including young children - and as
expected, there was a huge WOW factor.

The evening started with a talk by Paul Money on "The Messier Marathon"
and
then we all moved outside. Being a small society, not all of our members
owned telescopes but we were able to use 4 types and two pair of Bino's.

Despite a very cloudy day, prayers were offerred to the gods and Zeus must
have heard as we had clear skies and many happy people. So many people
were
fascinated with Saturn, M42, M45 and were given an impromptu description
of
the visible constellations.

Light pollution didn't help but overall it was deemed a success. The next
time we will know what to expect.

Our membership has now increased by 5 with more showing a seriuos
interset.
Some visitors came from upto 20 miles away.

Incidentally, getting the local papers to do a big feature definitely
helped. So to any small societies thinking of giving their first star
party - go for it!!

Clear skies to all

You can't get a much better speaker than Mr Money if you ask me, fantastic
speaker...
You're sure to pull an even bigger crowd next time round, especially if Paul
Money is the speaker again..

Good look with your membership number.

Richard
http://www.wpaog.co.uk

Hi,

Well done to all! Best wishes for future projects.
Any of you will be welcome at Beacon Hill Observatory, Cleethorpes at any of
our lectures or to use our telescope (16" Newtonian).
See our website at:
www.cleethorpesastronomy.co.uk

Best wishes,

Paul Thompson

"Paul" wrote in message
...
Hi,

Well done to all! Best wishes for future projects.
Any of you will be welcome at Beacon Hill Observatory, Cleethorpes at any
of
our lectures or to use our telescope (16" Newtonian).
See our website at:
www.cleethorpesastronomy.co.uk

Best wishes,

Paul Thompson

Thanks Richard & Paul

Figures in show we had 56 adults and 14 children with a number expressing an
interest in joining. We are considering a Junior section but i'm not sure
about the education side of it, any pointers you can offer?

Cheers

Martin A

"Stargazer" wrote in message
...

We are considering a Junior section but i'm not sure
about the education side of it, any pointers you can offer?


I could ask you the same question..... )
Where_and_how do you start.... Maybe this would make an excellent New
Thread in it own right....

Well, shall I leave it to you to ask the question, or shall I ???


IMO most Astronmical Groups, when they have a young member or multiple,
don't actually become involved enough with their understanding of the
subject.... And eventually that young person just fades out of the
subject..

The Observing group that I am apart of is exactly the same.... although we
have some fresh blood in the group that seem willing enough to put in some
time... BUT, then apathy creeps in on those willing to take on the job and
finally they don't bother....

The old scenario of "Why is it always me that seems to do things, let
someone else do something"..... You know what I mean ? Instead of
getting other members involved a little at a time until most members are
hooked on helping teach a small aspect of the subject to the younger
members; Thus lightening the load and responsibility of the mamoth task...

RANT MODE OFF ;O)

So lets start another thread shall we ??

Clear skies
Richard