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Post by dobsonian on Aug 21, 2006 13:21:31 GMT
::)Hello, Those IAAmembers who have been to several season's lectures have experienced a broad spectrum of lectures. Are they too basic or too technical, or just right? Too much cosmology, or not enough observing events? Would you support the establishment of an IAA observatory? Regards, Dobsonian ( 10", boasting again )
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Post by bigeye155 on Aug 21, 2006 20:15:57 GMT
Hello Dobsonian, I'm sure most IAA members will agree that we have had a great run of lectures over the past few seasons. The range of lectures and quality of speakers has been second to none, thanks to the great work of the council members who have gone to great lengths to get the speakers to Belfast. I enjoy practical astronomy, and would like to see more observing events solely for IAA members and friends as well as our current range of events for the public. I would love to see the establishment of an IAA observatory someday. The benefits to both the IAA and the general public are too numerous to mention, I'm sure the membership would rocket for a start!! Dobsonian, please give your real name so we all know who we talking to!
Clear skies David Stewart
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Dobsonian alias John Hall
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Post by Dobsonian alias John Hall on Aug 22, 2006 20:06:06 GMT
Hello all, Yes, I must unmask myself and declare as a Council member.When trying to promote the Association with the general public, which I have to say can be a thankless task, I feel that as you say David,We should perhaps do more for the members which we already have. B
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Post by John Hall on Aug 22, 2006 20:17:59 GMT
Hello, I must declare myself as a Council member. The Council always tries to bring the members as varied and interesting programme as possible within the limits of our finance.The Council is always keen to know what the members want, so that we can give them what they want, after all that's what the Council exists for. My personal view is that public events are fine as far as they go, but VERY few members seem to attend them. That also goes for evening events where observing takes place. So what do we do? I have to say that there is limited support among council members for an IAA observatory, but if enough members want one then we would certainly re examine this. An alternative would be a secure dark sky site, but would members use it in enough numbers to make it worthwhile? Comments please John ( Hall )
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Post by bigeye155 on Aug 22, 2006 22:59:22 GMT
Hi John, thought it was you (10" dob). I wouldn't take such a pessimistic view of the state of IAA affairs. If we had 200 clear nights a year things would be very different! The use of a forum like this is a great way of notifying members of any impromptu observing events, based on the fickle weather we all have to enjoy/endure.Personally, I think a secure(ish) dark sky site, perhaps 2 or 3, would be the best way to go with least implications on finance etc. Lets have some opinions!!
David.
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Post by dobsonian on Aug 23, 2006 22:15:35 GMT
Hello , me again. The reason we need a secure darksky site is that most observers back gardens have a poor horizon, plus a lot of light pollution. In an ideal world you could just load up your telescope and drive to a deserted carpark and start observing. Today there are a number of mobile drunken towregs, usually driving Corsas with bigbore exausts and whump- whump stereos, who would take a delight in annoying or worse any lone astronomers they happen upon.Thats why a site which excludes undesirables is essential.Not that I have anything against Corsa drivers as such, you understand. Regards, John
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Post by bigeye155 on Aug 24, 2006 20:47:12 GMT
John, yes I'd have to agree with you regarding your "mobile drunken towregs" comment. These days, a secure site or sites would be required for the safety of observers and equipment. Has anyone got any ideas for a proposed site? David.
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