Astrofest 07 Report

The European Astrofest 07 took place on the 9th & 10th of February
at the Kensington Town Hall in London.
This event is unquestionably the premier amature astronomy event in Europe.
(closely followed by the Whirlpool Star Party! )

Dave Lillis and I took a trip over to it this year and what follows is a brief
mainly pictorial report to give those who missed it an insight into what a
fantastic event this is.

This years list of conference speakers
(Not listed is the audience with Sir Patrick Moore on the Saturday.)
www.astronomynow.com/astrofest/








This years exhibitors
(This floor plan will give you a sense of scale as to how varied many were there):
www.astronomynow.com/astrofest/exhibitors.html


Dave checks out the Meade Max Mount






I reckon I could get used to this!







I'd like to see the 2 persons!



Now you know what to get Dave for Christmass!












Some of the Stands.....












































































This is only a small sample of the variety of stands selling all kinds of accessories








The very friendly chaps of Solarscope






















A demo from the Starry Night Pro people







Dave contemplates on how many bags of cement he'll need for his new dome...





The Hall





Ian Ridpath introduces a presentation...






Damien Peach talks about imaging.....






Brian May introduces an audience with Sir Patrick Moore.
Before this there was a film recounting the last 50 years of the Sky at Night
and the lifes work of Sir Patrick - truly a living legend!







Sir Patrick, Brian & Chris Lintot take audience questions...



After the session Sir Patrick recieves a standing ovation











Dave & I chat to Chris Lintot about the event and his upcoming visit to the Whirlpool star party in Birr.






Pictured here are a couple of legends in the astronomy community.....
as well as Chris Lintot, Sir Patrick Moore & Brian May.





Well thats about it.
I hope it gives you a flavor of the event.
I'm looking forward to next year already!

Dave, have you any comments?

Cheers for the report, looks like it was one hell of an event!

Bart.

Looks great lads!!

Pictured here are a couple of legends in the astronomy community.....
as well as Chris Lintot, Sir Patrick Moore & Brian May.
:wink?

Clever! Looks like you guys had a fun time alright. I was thinking last year about going over thi year, as last year I was saving up for the eclipse. But, this year, I am ending up saving for the wedding! And the previous year, I was saving up for the house. The year before that.....

I wish I went along with you guys!

Thanks for an excellent insight into a huge event! Great photos!
If you got out of there with your plastic intact....fair play to you!!!!
Talk about spoiled for choice :shock:
Well done guys!

I just love the expression on Dave's face while standing at the Max mount. It looks like he is thinking ' Damn it! I can only fit the hand contoller in my pocket'. I am very jealous of you guys. It looked like it was an amateurs idea of heaven. Pity everything had a price tag.

Now the big question...Hows the credit cards?

Kieran