Events & Outreach
This August 11th the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers aim to host another Perseids Meteor Shower Public Viewing Night. However, events like these require the support of club members and so we’re calling upon any and all club members who would like to help make this night a success. We’re looking for volunteers to fill basic roles such as…
- Meeting cars as they enter the park
- Direct traffic to parking spaces
- Generally help where needed
If you are interested in helping please send an email to Jim Wamsley, chair@amateurastronomy.org.
We had another successful public stargazing night, this time at T.B. McQuesten Park on the Hamilton mountain Sat 23 May 2015. We had some thin cirrus clouds to start the night off, but they didn’t impair viewing of the Moon, Venus and Jupiter – all well positioned in the western sky after sunset. Eventually they dissipated and we had pretty good seeing.
The HAA celebrated Astronomy Day this year at Bayfront Park in Hamilton. We had excellent weather with crystal clear seeing during the day and minimal light clouds during the evening.
Skies were clear and the ‘seeing’ was fantastic for our first public stargazing event of 2015. Club members shared detailed views of the Moon & Jupiter with passersby and visitors who came to the Niagara Gateway Tourism Centre.
Jim Wamsley had his telescope connected to the HAA’s video cam and flat screen. This is a great way to point out various lunar features to guests.
Bernie offered views of Comet Lovejoy through his refractor. Lise managed to find M42 in spite of the light pollution and mechanical problems with her scope’s mount.
I was impressed by spectacular views of the Moon & Jupiter through Tony’s & Mike’s refractors. It’s a treat to peer through a well made refractor.
My 6″ Skywatcher Dobsonian reflector is an excellent beginner’s scope and always a hit with people looking for their first telescope. I spent the evening showing several budding amateur astronomers how it works and what excellent views it provides.
I only managed to stay for a couple of hours before the cold wind got to me, but I enjoyed speaking to all the folks who came out to see us.
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The public night held at Bay Front Park on Saturday night turned out to be a successful event. Even though the weather conditions looked threatening right up to the 7:30 start time of the club’s public night, we lucked out in the end. Just moments before 7:30 the skies cleared and stayed clear for the most part. I counted 8 scopes setup, both members and one scope brought by a couple with a scope they had just purchased, and needed help to setup and use. Of course they got the help from several club members. We didn’t get the crowds we get at some public events, due to the cold temp’s and the cloud cover before we started, but I think we still had 35 to 40 people come out to see us, as well as many members that came out without a scope. Several members gathered at a local Tim’s for coffee later of course, and discussed the fun time we all had.
Event
Watch the Perseids meteor shower with the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers at the Binbrook Conservation Area from 8 to 11 p.m. on Sat. August 16. Admission is free so bring the whole family for a fun evening under the stars. Bring a blanket or lounge chair as lying down is one of the best ways to enjoy the meteor shower. Weather and clouds permitting. No rain date scheduled.
There will also be a meteorite display, night sky tour and members will set-up their telescopes for observing celestial objects.
Clear skies, fresh air and a close conjunction between the Moon and Mars ensured that lots of members and public came out to McQueston Park in Hamilton for a night of observing.
Over 20 HAA members brought scopes of various sized, from 50mm to 12 inches, and entertained over 100 members of the public with wonderful views and lots of info. Two of the club’s loaner scopes were there and the club’s Malincam and television were also in use for the public to enjoy. There were also meteorites for the public to see and touch, and lots of planispheres, brochures and magazines were handed out free of charge.
At times there were large crowds around some scopes, and many people oohed and aahed at their first look at the craters of the moon or Saturn’s rings. The HAA’s next public event will be for the Perseid Meteor Shower at the Binbrook Conservation Area in August. This is traditionally our largest event and not to be missed. Be sure to come out for another great night.
Many club members showed up at the Grimsby/ Niagara Tourist Information Center last night, for another successful public observing night. We had about 8 scopes set up for the people passing by to get views of the Moon, Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn. Members spoke to many people, explaining about the club, the night sky, and why we love this hobby so much. Most of the people left with a club brochure, a planesphere and a big smile. As well as talking to the public, club members had a good time chatting to one another, sharing experiences, ideas, and I know some equipment was loaned between friends. The next public night will be held at McQuesten Park in July. Watch your e-mail for the details. I hope you can come out and enjoy the night with us.
Photos from Astronomy Day.
More photos from Astronomy Day.