Archive for the 'Sidewalk Astronomy' Category

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27 Jan 2009 – We reached another 350 people this time.  350 people, actually more than that, joined us for the partial solar eclipse observing event at Kluang Mall, Kluang, Johor, Malaysia.

The partial solar eclipse started at 16:30:55 and ended on 18:58:21 on 26 Jan 2009. I arrived at the mall around 16:10 and when I had the LX90 ready for observing the sun, the elicpse had already begun. However, I was so thrilled as this was the first time I gazed at the “eaten sun”. At the mean time, Shyh Tzer was setting up his photography equipment. Homemade solar filter (floppy disk) attached on the front of the digital camera was used to snap the great moment.

Front: Cool DIY sunglasses!
Back: The guy in the back is Rui-Yi. He counted the number of visitors

Shyh Tzer also brought along 8 sunglasses made with the floppy disk for the participants. Frankly speaking, looking via the sunglasses and my LX90 were equally fun. Though, a Lunt Solar telescope would double the joy we all had.

Left to right: *censored*, Kang Xuan and Shyh Tzer

This time, I was not alone. Well, there are members along with me everytime. Shyh Tzer, Kang Xuan (red), Rui-Yi and I handled the event this time. There could be more but most of the members are enjoying themselves with relatives and friends as 26 Jan 2009 was the first day of Chinese New Year.

Few hours before the event, I was actually struggling whether to hold this event or not. It was so rare to have all the relatives gathered at grandfather’s house. Fortunately, I took the right action and went straight to hold this event. What I had at the site was much more than what I could gain. It’s wonderful to share the joy with people rather than keep the joy myself. One’s happiness and 350 happiness, which one would you pick?

Great! Thumbs up!