Major UK Solar Outreach Event 18th May 2013

[marktownley]

17th & 18th May is the UK's largest astronomy show - the 'International Astronomy Show' http://www.international-astronomy-show.com/# With visitors anticipated in the thousands.

I will have a prime pitch right outside the main entrance and will be, weather permitting, doing solar outreach through the whole day on the saturday promoting CBSAP. I will have a range of solar scopes showing different wavelengths both at the eyepiece and on the laptop screen, and will also be handing out solar glasses. In addition I will be using the NASA magnetic sun tool kit to show visitors a range of hands on demonstrations showing how our star works. I will also have simple spectroscopes showing the solar spectrum and main fraunhofer lines. If the weather is bad I will be inside but still doing the dems.

Gary Palmer will also be there doing outreach too http://www.international-astronomy-show ... 4575357572

There is a lot here for the solar observer to see - Ken Hugget from solar scope will be in attendance along with scopes, and there will be a range of scopes from Coronado at the TelescopeHouse stand. Simon Bennett from the widescreen centre will also be demonstrating the Lunt152 scope.

All in all I reckon it will be a good day! I know a few of you are already coming along, but would be great to meet even more of you!

Mark

[Montana]

I'm coming!!!!

Alexandra

[marktownley]

Kool and the gang! Make sure you bring your camera and get some shots of it all

[Pedro]

Sounds really interesting.

best regards

[Montana]

Of course Mark, I wouldn't miss it for the world

Alexandra

[uplooker]

Hi Mark,
Excellent news. I hope the weather holds out for you. I would have liked to attend this event, unfortunately I have other commitments.
i wish you and the others the best for the event.

Ian

[solarchat]

Montana, I have a t shirt and hat on the way for you in small, med or large, see Mark Townley.

[Montana]

That sounds nice :thanx:

I guess I am small (UK size 8 )

Alexandra

[Ibbo]

Pity I'm going on Friday


Steve

[MjrTom]

Gutted...
Also going on Friday...

Mark

[marktownley]

Make sure you all get lots of pics whether you're going today or saturday!

[solardave]

Hi mark wish you well for tomorrow wish I could be there but no return flights to Aberdeen on Saturday

[Ibbo]

Enjoyed Friday but no sun while we were there

hope you have better luck saturaday


Steve

[marktownley]

Thanks guys! Just packing the car now and the sun is out (through the clouds!) at home, lets hope is shining at the event...

[swisswalter]

Good luck Mark

the sun is shining here too, but I have packed the car too

[solarchat]

Here is a picture of Mark Townley in his Charlie Bates shirt at the table talking with folks at the International Astronomy Show from this morning-courtesy of Gary Palmer.




I cant tell you humbled I am at seeing a little bit of my influence being spread overseas like this. It just gives me such a good feeling knowing that we are doing just a tiny bit to get people more interested in science in so many different places on Earth. I think carl Sagan would be proud to see this.

If its anything like NEAF or the other events I have done, he's having to constantly listen to people tell him how much they know about everything while filling their pockets with free stuff... its a funny bunch those astronomer types...

[gajjer]

Mark,
we didn't get chance to chat but I did listen in to what you were saying to Montana.
(I'm guessing it was Montana by the shirt.) Very interesting. I must have another go at this stuff now that the summer is on its way. Ha blooming ha.
That's an interesting tin of bits you have there!

cheers
gaj

[marktownley]

Thanks Gaj, Thanks Stephen! It was a very busy day, got to talk to loooottttss of people. Not sure on official attendance figures, but we were very fortunately placed immediately by the main entrance and so saw alot of footfall on the stand - I think gave out somewhere in the region of 1500 pairs of solar glasses.