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

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