15th August 2018
Our public outreach astronomy for National Science Week 2018 kicked in with our event in Arid Lands Botanical Garden, Port Augusta on 12th August. There was substantial overcast in the afternoon making it difficult to see the Sun. There were no sunspots on the Sun, so view from 8 inch dobs with white light filter was a bit discouraging. Padraic Koen saved the day with his 60mm H-Alpha telescope which resolved the prominences on the surface of the Sun. Public took great interest in seeing the solar activity with PK's telescope. He explained to public the science behind the formation of prominences.
Sky started to clear up after sunset and seeing conditions became average. We showed the planets (Mars and Jupiter) and globular cluster Omega Centauri through Celestron C11 mounted inside the observatory.
It is hard to estimate the turnout, but 150 people would be a reasonable guess.
We are extremely thankful to Bernie and other admin members of Arid Lands Botanical Garden for all their help and support.
Kommentarer