RSPB Titchwell Outreach Event 03/02/2016

Wednesday 03/02/2016 saw the Society back at RSPB Titchwell for another outreach event organised by our hosts. The paying members of the RSPB were treated to a guided tour of the hides at Titchwell and also some sites of very rare birds. Once they had finished with that part of the evening they headed back along the path to join us with our scopes and binos for a tour around the night sky. John had previously given them all a brief talk on what that would see with us. To our great fortune the weather was on our side and we had a wonderful clear sky to show them. Orion was absolutely beautiful as was the rest of the night sky.

Once we had set all the scopes and binos out along what is a narrow little pathway we were ready to great our guest for the evening. Richard, Terry and Alan were on hand to give a great narrative on what everyone was looking at. We had several very good questions fired at us during the session and everyone seemed very pleased with our explanations of the night sky and constellations. But unfortunately the sky turned against us and quite quickly covered itself up in a large blanket of cloud which was very disappointing. But at least everyone  had had a good view. Just after everyone had left the cloud shifted out of the way and we had nice clear sky again. So John and I stayed on for a bit longer but eventually the cold got to our old bones so we also packed up and headed homeward.

But we all had a very good evening at such a lovely dark sky site and we all will look forward to our next visit to RSPB Titchwell and the very welcoming staff and volunteers who work there.

Leon Askew – Membership Secretary

Well our Stargazing Live event got off to a good start as we played host to Radio Norfolk’s Treasure Hunt on Sunday 17/01/2016. John managed to hide the clue on the International Space Station, alright our model of it!! After some thinking on the acquired clue they finally jumped back in their car and sped off over the horizon. Would just like to say a huge thank you to all of you boys and girls who helped us out during the day.

The grand opening took place at 2pm by the King’s Lynn Deputy Mayor and Mayoress Cllr David and Mrs Linda Whitby and Downham Market Mayor and Mayoress Cllr John and Mrs Margaret Fox. As always we were well supported by the local dignitaries. They made short work of our tea and biscuits!!    

 

As always we had a good sortment of scopes and binos in the field next to the hall and due to the moons current phase we were able to show the public the moon by daylight. The sun occasionally came out for those with the relevant filters. But as usual the good old British weather let us down in the evening with plenty of low cloud, hey ho getting used to it now.

We had nearly 200 people through the doors though, so a very reasonable turn out. They came in a steady flow all day so we weren’t rushed off our feet and had time to answer questions and help a few with their scopes. A good selection of displays inside with the usual colouring for the kiddies. Had some scopes inside too with software and videos running on our laptops. As always Dave Coombes did a marvellous job in the kitchen looking after us members as well as the public.

So all in all a really good day enjoyed by everyone. Looking forward to next year’s now.

 Clear Skies Everyone.

Leon Askew, Membership Secretary

Star Gazing Live Sunday 17th January 2016

It’s back again for the fourth year. King’s Lynn and District Astronomy Society will be presenting our own Star Gazing Live event at Tottenhill Village Hall Whin Common Road post code PE33 0RS on Sunday 17th January 2016.
The theme this year will be the Exploration of Space and will include various models of spacecraft over the past 60 years with information of many space missions together with images and videos of the missions.
As always there will be a variety of telescopes and binoculars available for you to look through if the sky is clear.
A children’s corner with colouring and constellation chart making together with games.
Refreshments will also be available including hot and cold drinks and a burger van.
The event starts at 2pm until 8pm
AND ENTRY IS FREE

John Craythorne – Chairman

A reminder we have Dr Morgan Fraser from Cambridge Institute of Astronomy giving us a talk tomorrow evening. Monday 9th November. 7:30pm.

£3 Members, £5 non members. If this is your first visit to one of our talk nights you will be granted free admission, compliments of the Society.

I’ve seen Dr Fraser give this talk during my visit to Cambridge IOA and its well worth it. Supernovae are the seeds of life!

More info at weblink below

http://www.westnorfolkastro.co.uk/event/supernova-dr-organ-frazier-ioa/

We are happy to announce we will be hosting another Junior Stargazing Live event.

After our previous successful event with around 260 visitors, we expect possibly even bigger crowds this time with darker skies in November.
Subject to weather conditions we will have a variety of telescopes on display with our members own telescopes being demonstrated.

A Tombola and crafting and colouring will be available to younger visitors to learn about Space and Astronomy. Also information and videos and astrophotography on display to view. A refreshments fast food van will be onsite and we will be offering Tea and Coffee.

Note to parents/guardians: Please could you advise your children to follow our members lead and please only touch the telescopes when asked to by an experienced member. Thank you! 🙂