One
of the best ways to introduce and educate the public is through a public star
party. The informal atmosphere at a public star party is a great way to meet new
people, exchange ideas and ask questions.
One
of the best ways to introduce and educate the public is through a public star
party. The informal atmosphere at a public star party is a great way to meet new
people, exchange ideas and ask questions.
A typical star party will usually start in the afternoon with solar viewing and carry on way into evening hours weather permitting. Informational displays are normally setup during the day, and informational packets are available for those individuals seeking more information.
Our larger public star parties are normally held in coordination with other astronomy clubs. This allows the public a larger variety of telescopes to view through. Our organization will normally bring the club's 16" dobsonian telescope and we usually have available a 12" computerized "goto telescope" belonging to the Rockbottom Observatory, along with a variety of assorted types and sizes of member's personal telescopes. Guests have the ability to go between scopes of different types and sizes, looking at the same objects and get a better understanding of the different types and sizes of telescopes. This variety, and informal atmosphere allows a brief one on one between the guests and the telescope operators where an exchange of information freely flows.
The
Society normally schedules 2 - 3 major public star parties each year, in
addition, an informal "star night" is held each month on the Thursday
night closest to the new moon at the Rockbottom Observatory. These informal
viewing nights, held with weather permitting, are very informal, and are an
excellent opportunity for learning to use a telescope, or learning how to find
find objects in the night sky.
The public is not the only people that benefit from these viewing sessions, the telescope operators and logistical staff are able to get together to compare equipment and share their personal stories and experiences. A public star party is one of the most powerful tools an astronomy club has for disseminating information and exchanging ideas. Upcoming events are posted on the web and distributed to local newspapers and schools.