HI!

I definitely did see some sort of ill feelings in relation to another club here on the site. I have read a lot over the last day so don't ask for specifics, but it did stand out in my mind, think it was one in Galway.
I would just hate to go along all cheerful and merry, mention something in conversation and then get the cold treatment as a result. That would be dreadful as I would like to attend for the full weekend star party in Birr.

I must have missed that one, I definitely don't think people would be so sensitive , please don't feel that you have to thread on thin ice.

Hi Budz

South Dublin Astronomy Society is holding its first meeting in Gonzaga College Ranelagh at 8 o'clock on Thursday September 13th, come along and you'll see how friendly astro people really are. I went for the first time last year and was made very welcome, give it a shot.

Hi budz and welcome.
Don't worry about saying the 'wrong thing'.
I'm constantly putting my foot in it and I havent been shunned yet!

As for the star party.
This will be my second year and I have to say,
the first year was a bit daunting.

On a different note... Name stickers would be a great idea, I actually would have thought it was a must with so many people around.

Great idea,
I know they had them done up for the shannonside members last year but
for some reason they were not handed out.
A pity.

I was hoping we could do the name tag thing this year for definite.
I was thinking of just having a small sticker with:

Name: Frank Ryan
Club: SAC
IFAS screen name: Barberskum


(The screen name thing caught me last year as I met people
during the breaks and got thier names but it was only untill afterwards
I realized who they were from this site as they had a different screen name!)


What do ye think?

Hi Budz'

The night it self cost 40Euro here is the line up.


The night begins, as ever, with an introductory slide show talk from David Moore. This is followed by barbecue food and soft drinks. There will be a talk on telescopes and how they work by Emlyn Jones. There will be an imaging display as well as a nakedeye "Walk through the Heavens" presented by Tony Ryan ideal for getting to know the stars and constellations. The telescope viewing session is being organised by Astronomy Ireland's David Grennan. There will be lots to see all night including open clusters, galaxies, planetary nebulae, coloured and double stars as well as the planets.
This event is suitable for beginners and advanced astronomers alike. It is a fun get together and a great family night out. Make sure you DRESS WARMLY on the night as temperature gets quite cold under clear skies. So be warned !!!.

Features at Star-B-Q:

o "Mars-3D" key-note talk (3-D glasses provided) by RTE presenter Leo Enright


o Slide Show "The Universe" by David Moore,

o Talk about telescopes by Emlyn Jones from our magazine

o Unlimited Giant Telescope - see wonders of the universe

o Look through Ireland's Biggest Portable Telescopes

o Giant Binoculars - try our 25x100mm monsters!

o Laser guide to the constellations

o Binocular Masterclass (learn to use them for astronomy)

o 'Live' webcam demo on big screen by Eamonn O'Fearchain

o Hot Food from the barbecue all night long

o Soft drinks and hot drinks all night long

o Extremely dark skies yet only short drive from Dublin

o Suitable for all - bring friends and family

o Proceeds go to AI to help us promote astronomy

o Sky Notes leaflet by David Grennan our monthly Sky Diary writer

o Telescope Showcase - from 14" CGEs to 90EQs and of course the 21" Telescope

o Advice, chat and 'craic' all night long

Plus we had a jupiter watch a few weeks back here is some pitures from that night.

astronomy.ie/images/a9.jpg
The best view from this Planet.

astronomy.ie/images/a8.jpg
Eamonn O'Fearchain gives a demonstration on the big screen


astronomy.ie/images/a4.jpg
Its over there

astronomy.ie/images/a27.jpg
Binoculars are useful too

There will be Big groups of us so don't worry about been left alone

Hi Budz,
great to see another female on here as we are a definate minority! I have only been 'active' in my local club (Deise Astronomy based in Waterford) for the past couple of years and on the whole, people are very welcoming and friendly (in D.A.S. & I.F.A.S!).
I went to the Eclipse trip in Turkey on my own and didn't know a single soul - and although it was a bit daunting at first I really enjoyed it and got to know a lot of people.
I will be going to the Whirlpool this year with my daughter (last year was my first one and it was brill) so if you pm me, I would be delighted to meet you on Friday night for a drink and I'm sure they'll be plenty of people to say hello to in the bar that evening..... (and yes, name tags would be a great idea even if you do feel a bit silly wearing them at first)
Best Regards,
nectarine

H
I was hoping we could do the name tag thing this year for definite.
I was thinking of just having a small sticker with:

Name: Frank Ryan
Club: SAC
IFAS screen name: Barberskum

Why not bring it up in the meeting on Wednesday, its the last chance before the WSP itself. I'd bet they'll go for it.