Public Relations
For any further information please contact Neil Cuthbertson (Public Relations Officer) using the email neil@idas-astro.com
Upcoming Events for 2010
Events that have been held in 2010
We attended Shipley Country Park, Heanor in April 2010 on what was a nice, sunny day. Displays of members photographs were set up with a selection of telescopes and activities for the children. Astronomers talked to members of the public whilst the children were entertained by Mary McNulty and her well known star trail and some baked bean tins designed to show what the atmosphere is like on other planets (you seem to get more for your money in baked beans on Jupiter).
In May 2010, we were asked by Erewash Museum, Ilkeston to join them in running a national museums event called "A night at the museum". After setting up a large selection of images and some telescopes we awaited the public. During the evening we attracted around 150 members of public and we were able to show them around some telescopes and answer any questions that they had. We were granted an amazing sunset followed by a clear sky and the appearance of the planet Venus and a day old, thin crescent Moon. This event was very successful and we are looking to be holding a similar event in the Autumn when the skies will hopefully be much darker.
On Saturday 20th August, Society members attended a Bat Walk held at Elvaston Castle Country Park.
The event was well attended by the public, who saw various nocturnal animals such as bats, owls and of course, astronomers. The evening started well with a low gibbous moon to view in the south and a short description of the types of telescopes available, given by Mark Thomas our secretary. Sadly the rain clouds moved in and equipment was packed away. We are planning similar night watch events in the future where members of the public can attend.
A big thank-you to all those who attended and took part in the events.