Nanaimo Astronomy At Canada Day 2011

The Nanaimo Astronomy Society had an interactive display at the city of Nanaimo's Canada Day celebrations on July 1, 2011.  Our volunteers talked to hundreds of people and we had 84 new people sign up for our event list!

Here are some highlights.  

Our Spiffy New Sign!

On the left, you can see Bruce Goddard pointing to our new sign with its QR code.  Don't know what a QR code is? 

If people with smart phones like iPhones or Android phones snap the QR code, they are taken directly to our web site.

David and Goliath!

Now, tell me honestly.  Does this scope look overmounted to you?  :)

Our club's tiny (40mm) solar telescope rides on Rich Fortier's massive Sky-Watcher EQ6 Pro.

This powerful mount tracks far-off galaxies and nebulae with ease.  And it even tracks the sun, hidden behind clouds.

Unfortunately the scope is unable to see through the clouds we had most of the day. 

Maybe we need a cloud filter?

Binoculars Rule!

With the clouds hiding the sun, passerbys were able to use the 15x70 binoculars I brought to check out sailboats and seaplanes in the harbour and to look at Protection and Newcastle Islands.

Next year, we'll bring some more sets of binoculars and spotting scopes in case we have clouds again.

Fun With Lenses!

Bill Weller brought along some lenses he had from various telescopes and photocopiers. 

For fun, we put them on my map of the moon so people could check out the lunar craters and mountains.

Canada Day Mirage!

As usual, out mirage saucer was a huge success, astounding people who tried to touch the Canada Day pin.

Usually we put a penny in it, but the pin had an excellent 3D effect, so we will likely use it at other non-Canada Day events.

Finally, Some Sun!

After hiding most of the day, the sun finally came out for a bit in the last hour or so.

Here Rich Fortier helps with the lineup of people to look at sunspots and solar prominences through the club's solar telescope.

Guy Prouty, another volunteer, looks on.

A Big Thanks To Our Volunteers!

In this photo, Bill, Rich and Bruce hang out at our tent.  Rich folds star charts preparing the display, Bruce supervises, while Bill decides he can cut the wind for us just by bringing his sailboat in the harbour and raising the sail.  (apparently this kills the wind - I think it is like the cloud curse on new astro equipment)

Once again, we must thank the tireless efforts of our volunteers who let us put on this great outreach event.

The crew this time included:

• Bill Weller
• Rich Fortier
• James Slater
• Bruce Goddard
• Guy Prouty
• Garland Coulson
  

Let me know if I missed anyone.  I would also like to thank my wife, Terry Mack who helped me as my "sherpa" helping me unload, pack and reload the tent, tables and other stuff into my car.