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Post by dobsonian on Aug 26, 2006 11:30:01 GMT
:)Hello,
Some time ago the IAA had a "beginners binocular group" whose function was to introduce newcomers to astronomy to the night sky. I remember attending some of those events. They faded away, I suppose through lack of support.Many years ago we also had an "observers group", but alas it too is no more.Considering the number of telescopes in the possesion of members it is , perhaps surprising that there is not a lot of support for group observing.Do we prefer to do our stargazing in private at home? or is there any latent support for a new observers group? I know it is difficult to organise events given our weather, but other groups can do it.
Regards,
John.
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Post by Pook on Aug 26, 2006 17:22:26 GMT
John,
Good idea, especially now that the darker nights are approaching. If there are more interested, then perhaps, as a suggestion, we could set aside one Friday night per fortnight and meet up. Where might be the question, but a couple of venues could be, Cultra CP, Big Colin or Slieve Croob. We may get more ideas. Could start mid- Sept. if enough interested. A BBQ could be brought.
Regards
Pook
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Post by dobsonian on Aug 26, 2006 18:50:39 GMT
Guten abend Pook,  Yes, I think we should invite views on this, after all part of the fun is observing through other member's telescopes, and the esprit de corps that group observing engenders. I don't want an observing group to be exclusive, or to exclude anyone. That said we would certainly exclude "messers", or those below a certain age, and individuals in possesion of a Ronchi screen. Incidentally, if such a meeting was an official IAA one, then ourPLI insurance would apply. So, let's make the best of our hobby. Regards John. |
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Post by bigeye155 on Aug 26, 2006 19:24:42 GMT
Hi John/Pook,
Good idea, count me in also. I'd agree with you John about IAA observing meetings being open to all with a genuine interest. There needs to be more interest in the idea, c'mon everyone!!
Regards
David.
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Post by telescopenut on Aug 27, 2006 10:35:22 GMT
Hi, ok if you live near Belfast, but not if you live in the sticks west of the Bann.
Best,
telescopenut
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Post by bigeye155 on Aug 27, 2006 12:54:20 GMT
Telescopenut,
I'm in Belfast, as are the majority of IAA members, hence the need to get out of town for some decent viewing and a bit of craic etc.
Rgds
David.
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Post by dobsonian on Aug 27, 2006 19:50:43 GMT
Hello telescope nut,
Tell me who you are, and where you live and I will put you in touch with any IAA members in your area, even if you are not a member.
Regards,
John.
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Post by dobsonian on Sept 6, 2006 21:07:57 GMT
Hello,
Well, for September there are some weekends free from Moon interference. Fri 15th Sat 16, Fri 22nd Sat 23rd,
and 29th 30th. We could use Cultra to see what support there is, or any intending observers could indicate here of their intentions. Any takers?
Best
John.
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Post by P00k on Sept 7, 2006 16:05:06 GMT
Hi John,
15th and 16th will see some of us tied up with the Green Living Fair at Castle Espie.
Possibly the 22nd or 23rd. could be a starter. Cultra or possibly Big Colin could launch the group off. Any other takers?
Best regards
Pook
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Post by terrymoseley on Oct 3, 2006 22:50:51 GMT
Hi all,
A late entry - a case of keeping the best wine to the last?
Yes, I'm all in favour, observing is the lifeblood of any ast soc. CCds are all very well, but nothing beats the photons going straight into your brain from the eyepiece - or even the unaided eye! (Can I write "nak*d eye" here without getting blocked?)
The best compromise is to rotate the locations N, S, & W of Belfast - or East, if you don't mind wet feet! (Bangor doesn't count, as it's too light-polluted anyway!
Any views on venues?
Terry
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Post by bigeye155 on Oct 6, 2006 21:54:33 GMT
Hi all,
A few ideas for venues:
North; The obvious choice is Big Collin car park or how about Killylane Res', as used by the EAAS. South; Slieve Croob would be a great spot, if somewhat tricky to get to at night. East; anywhere between Slieve Croob and Killyleagh/Killinchy would be excellent( any members down there?). Ards peninsula would be good also. West; How about Oxford Island, or would we need to look further west beyond Lough Neagh?
Forget about waiting for moonless nights, with the amount of clear nights we get in a year, we should be going for any clear opportunities we can get, as long as we avoid full moon conditions. Besides the moon is always worth a look IMHO.
If we can get this off the ground, I'll bring along my new 12" dob, so we can pull in some of those "faint fuzzies"!!
David Stewart.
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Post by P00k on Oct 10, 2006 19:23:07 GMT
Hi Folks,
Following Davids last post, not the bugle type, I would agree that we make a start. To kick us off I suggest 8.00pm, Friday 20th at Big Colin. This can also be announced at the next meeting as well.
Another dark location near Killyleagh, are the carparks at Delemont Country Park, but I'm not sure if the barrier is across at night, will have to check. It would be a good idea to rotate the locations currently mentioned to see how they work out.
If we get a few takers for Frid. 20th on the Forum, then I'll e-mail the rest of the group and firm up. I would advise, that a note will be placed on the forum at around 6.00pm on the night, to advise if it's off due to weather conditions.
Regards
Pook
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Yes, I think we should invite views on this, after all part of the fun is observing through other member's telescopes, and the esprit de corps that group observing engenders. I don't want an observing group to be exclusive, or to exclude anyone. That said we would certainly exclude "messers", or those below a certain age, and individuals in possesion of a Ronchi screen.
