Saturday Star Party in Burlington

[Bob.Prociuk]

The weather looks promising and preparations are well under way for our Star Party this Saturday at Spencer Smith Park by the waterfront in Burlington.
We will start setting up some equipment at around 6:00 pm by the reflecting pool at the west end of the park. There is some construction going on at that end but it should not interfere with our plans. There will be a limited number of sun viewing visors as well as issues of Sky News for distribution to the general public (for a small donation).

If you have equipment of your own then by all means bring it along. There is no AC power nearby so charge your batteries if you need them.

We could also use a little more help with members who can interact with the public. if you feel that you are inadequate to do this, believe me don`t be. You will probably know far more about astronomy that the people who will be showing up.

You can contact me at 289 828-4425 if you have any questions.

Let`s have a good turn out and show the public how much fun astronomy can be.

Bob Prociuk

[Gary.Bennett]

I'm really looking forward to this!

My most memorable astronomy moment is the event we held for the 2012 Venus Transit. Hoards of people made it so much fune.

I will be bringing my Coronado PST Solar Scope and some other goodies.

  Gary

[martin.pal]

Hi, How long will the event go on?  Until night?

[martin.pal]

That was a great event, tons of people enjoying the great show our gang put on there.  I was happy to be there as an observer !

[Chris.Talpas]

Thanks for posting those pictures Martin.

Thanks to all who participated - it looks like it was a great success!

Chris

[Bob.Prociuk]

   It was a picture perfect night. Hundreds of people - mostly families - milling about Spencer Smith Park by the waterfront in Burlington. We set up our scopes and pointed at the setting sun. It didn't take long before people started coming up to ask what was going on and what we were looking at. Then the show really got underway when we turned our attention to the moon. The line ups grew longer. People were asking if we would be there later into the evening. Cell phones started humming and suddenly people were showing up with their own scopes asking for help in setting them up. We were handing out cards and copies of Sky News as fast as we could get them out of the box. People were getting excited about the news of the up coming eclipse and were amazed that we had viewing shields they could take home with them.

   The action really picked up when first Jupiter with its four moons visible and then Saturn with its glorious rings became visible. The lines grew longer as mothers lined up with their children for a chance to view the planets. Everyone was amazed at what they saw. Many asked if we would be there again on Sunday or if perhaps it would become a regular event. We lost count of how many came by to look through the scopes or ask questions but the numbers were in the hundreds.

   Since the dawn of human history, astronomy has fascinated mankind. To look up into the heavens and see the wonder of the universe unfolder before your eyes is what draws people to events like these.

   Thanks to all the participants and let's look at doing it again soon.

[Ed.Mizzi]

Bob, Thanks for posting this. I had a super time at the event! Thanks for organizing this great Outreach Activity.

Ed

[Ron.Shields]

Sorry I missed the party. I was a Greenside Laser Operator on the 12th Green at Glen Abbey during the RBC Canadian Open from Thursday July 27th to Sunday July 31st.  I was stationed in one of those green towers that you see on TV by the green. I was measuring the distance of the golf balls from the hole with a surveyors laser scope for ShotLink. Did it last year too. I would have been too tired to participate. Glad that everyone had a good time. Nice to hear about the crowds and the line-ups.