Astronomy Day 2005
by Sandy Barta
I can't believe I ever doubted Sid ... The morning was rainy and the clouds
promised more rain. Environment Canada didn't seem to be on our side (although
the guys reported that the clear sky clock seemed optimistic). I didn't bother
to bring my telescope.
Cloudy, rain-besotted Victoria experienced another CLEAR Astronomy Day!
A crowd of dedicated volunteers helped out at the Royal BC Museum (RBCM)
yesterday. Sid drew on volunteers from the NRC's Dominion Astrophysical
Observatory (DAO)and Centre of the Universe, the University of Victoria, the
Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific, the Cowichan Valley Starfinders, Cedar
Hill School, the RBCM and, of course, our own Centre.
 | -Pal Virag orchestrated his multi-media presentation, "Expedition
Mars-3D". Never turn down an opportunity to see one of his presentations. |
| Bryon Thompson enthralled kids (and adults) as the Wizard of the Stars. |
| Stephen Courtin had is "Ecliptic Calendar" and scale model Solar System
set up outside. |
| David and Joe set up a display of astrophotos and fielded questions on
imaging. |
| Lauri and her assistant, Debbie, entertained and educated kids with a
craft table. Each child who completed a question sheet was eligible for a draw
for a telescope. |
| -Blaire was busy with a dob set up inside the museum. He trained the
telescope on an image of Saturn to duplicate the view you would see
through a telescope. |
| Colin's table contained all the equipment and supplies for making a
telescope mirror and he gave those interested a chance to "grind" a
mirror or use a Foucault tester. |
| The Cowichan Valley Starfinders, Pearson College and Cedar Hill School
set up tables and displays. |
| UVic and the DAO supplied astronomers for the "Ask an Astronomer" table. |
| Uvic (Russ Robb) and Pearson College also joined some of our volunteers
in front of the Museum with telescopes set up for solar viewing. The
clouds parted when our day's activities started at 10:00 am and moved in
for a brief while at 4:00 pm when we wrapped up at the Museum. |
| the Centre of the Universe ran several StarLab Planetarium shows
throughout the day. |
| Scott and Brenda managed the volunteers during the day and manned the
information desk. |
| and, to top it all, I'm pretty sure it was clear for evening observing
and entertainment at the Centre of the Universe (for the first time in
years I missed all that because I had to tuck my llamas into bed - that's
the LAST time Rick's going anywhere on Astronomy day). |
Many, many thanks to all the volunteers who supported the above activities,
who populated the information booth, and helped set up and take down. The final
count of volunteers is still not in, but I'm sure there were over 75 volunteers.
And, many thanks to the RBCM and their employees who made it all possible.
Thanks Sid for arranging for and organizing another wonderful day.
