Me, The Stars & A Bunch Of Kids

Hi there

My wife is a cub scout leader, last night they were camping overnight at Lough Dan and I decided that I would tag along, the weather forecast looked good so I brought the scope.

Of course the first stars don't appear until very late and it was eleven o'clock before I could start. While I waited for the scope to cool down I decided to play a came with the kids, and turn them all into compasses. Using a laser pointer, which they all loved of course, I showed them how to find the North Star, having them all facing Polaris I got them to stretch their arms out wide and told them that they were a compass, right arm east, left arm west, back of the head south and nose north, this got some giggles.

I told them about the how the colour of a star can tell you how hot it is and how old, they christened Antares Dave after the oldest leader.

At the scope the first object had to be Saturn, this drew some "wows" and "I can see the rings", pointing out Titan and telling them that this was a moon got more responses.

Over the course of the next hour or more I showed them M13, very popular, M57, I'm sure some of them didn't really see it, M27 they liked and when I told them that our sun could look like M57 and M27 in years to come, I was asked by a younger leader how long that would be. She was clearly relieved when I told her it wouldn't be for another 5 billion years or so. Jimmy, one of the older leaders was thrilled when two satellites flashed through the FOV when he was observing M57. Albireo was a big hit, I told them what double stars were, general views of the Milky Way in Cygnus and Lyra were well received. When asked for a galaxy I showed them M81/M82, I tried to explain the distances to them, but I think it was over most of their heads. They liked the views of this pair, but all of them told me they preferred Saturn, now dipped behind the hills.

It was now close to half past midnight and the leaders called it a night, some of the cubs are only seven. The adults sat around until 3.45 am, I used the laser pointer to point out various stars and constellations.

It was 4.00 when I hit the sleeping bag, the kids had us up again at 5.30, I think I got about forty minutes sleep, I'm nearly nodding off as I type this.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time showing them the heavens and I like to think that I gave them some memories that will last a long time.

Paul

That was a great read Paul. Wow, you really lucked out last night. New moon, Saturday night and 100% clear sky.......all at the same time!! TBH I think I get more of a buzz from outreach like this than actual observing myself!

Now camping, that sounds like a great combo with stargazing. Why are all Irish affairs B&B orientated. Are we Irish astronomers SOFT!!

Well done Paul. Hopefully you've given at least a couple of those kids something to think about!

Now camping, that sounds like a great combo with stargazing

Couldn't agree more Keith, the only thing is that it was cold, even for May, I can only imagine what it would be like in December or January. A camper van or caravan would be better in winter.

Hopefully you've given at least a couple of those kids something to think about!

That's all we can ask Dave, with luck they will have gone home to tell their parents about viewing Saturn and it might spark an interest.

Paul

Good work Paul! Hopefully you have inspired a few young open minds!

Michael.

Really cool work Paul, if you need an extra person sometime give me a call.

Outreach Coordinator IFAS
www.irishastronomy.org/
www.deirdrekelleghan.com/
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