Tag Archive for '100 Hours of Astronomy'

Night 2: Kluang Mall

Published on May 12, 2009 in Public Outreach. View Comments Tags: , .

Table of contents for Kluang 100 Hours Star Party

  1. Kluang 100 Hours Star Party
  2. Night 1: GIANT, Sri Kluang
  3. Night 2: Kluang Mall

_look-through-the-xt8i-2
A kid was looking at the Great Orion Nebula

Kluang Mall, 4 April 2009 – First, I would like to express my appreciation towards the Kluang Mall management as they were kind to provide us a space at the main entrance for free. They also arrange security guards to standby and make sure the vehicles never run into us.

The weather was mediocre when we setup the telescope on 7pm. Bright astronomical objects like Moon, Sirius and Canopus were visible but others were not without optical aid. It was getting worse as the time passed through. Moon was blocked by the shopping mall, Sirius and Canopus were partially blocked by the cloud and Great Orion Nebula was getting dimmer and dimmer.

_look-through-meade-binocularPapa, please put away your hand

There was a huge crowd but the weather did not cooperate. Many of them were dissapointed. Even though we had 514 people looked through the scope, we were not convinced that we did a great job. If there is any such situation in the future, I think we should cut the event or run the backup plan since our motivation is to let them enjoy the beauty of the night sky.

Well, let’s look at the pictures.

_lots-of-kidsLots of kids around.

_look-through-the-xt8i-3“Do I look more pretty than the stars?” The girl asked.

_guys-behind-the-telescopesFrom right to left: Robin, Kang Dan, Shyh Tzer and bbo.

Last but not least, I am so grateful that these guys work with me on such meaningful events. Thank you all!

_group-photoMy dearest CHHS Astronomy Club members who attended the Kluang Mall Star Party

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Night 1: GIANT, Sri Kluang

Published on May 11, 2009 in Public Outreach. View Comments Tags: , .

Table of contents for Kluang 100 Hours Star Party

  1. Kluang 100 Hours Star Party
  2. Night 1: GIANT, Sri Kluang
  3. Night 2: Kluang Mall

sidewalk-astronomy-2009-giant-crowd

GIANT Hypermarket, 3 Apr 2009 – At 6.30pm, the weather was cool and cloudy due to the afternoon heavy downpour. With the astronomy enthusiasm burining in our hearts, we insisted on setting up the telescopes. Just after 20 minutes, the wanning-gibbous-moon light pierced through the cloud. A good sign, indeed.

sidewalk-astronomy-2009-lx90-celestar-8-orion-xt8
From left to right: Meade 8-inch-LX90, Celestron Celestar 8 and Orion Skyquest XT8i

The weather was getting better and better. The cloud was cleared and the transparency improved as well. Sirius was once again the brightest star on the sky. Thanks to the cooperating weather, we observed the Moon, Saturn, Great Orion Nebula (M42), The Seven Sisters aka Pleiades (M45) and plenty of star clusters such as the Jewel Box. Moon and Saturn were the most appreciated celestial bodies as they were bright and rich in features.

sidewalk-astronomy-2009-celestron-celestar-8
Shyh Tzer was showing a curiousity driven visitor where was my 8 inch telescope pointing at.

There were three 8 inch telescopes serving the public during the night. The 8 inch LX90 and the Orion XT8i were the most popular among the three. The reason that the Celestron Celestar 8 was not well accepted was due to its eyepiece orientation and the height of the telescope. As it was on a wedge, it was pretty hard for adult to look through it. However, it was unexpectedly suitable for little kids.

We had roughly 400 visitors for the night. This sounds great to us as the figure even surpasses the last year number. Though I have to admit that there may have duplications among the numbers.

In conclusion, this was a great warm up. :)

*Chinese version will be published after all the reports are done. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

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