Astro Expo

Folks - did anyone get to Astro Expo?

I went yesterday and I'd like to say that it was a fabulously appointed affair with lots of stimulating discussion, an amazing array of stalls and I am so looking forward to the next one.

But I can't.

It was only 3 quid to get into the hall but it was a dismal affair. I almost felt I'd interrupted something! At least a quarter of the stalls were empty (JMU, ESA, the observatory stand) and some that were advertised were just not there (Armagh Planetarium who sold great calendars last year).

It took about 10 mins to get around what was set up and, er, that was pretty much it. So, myself and partner hit the big blow-up bubble and did the portable planetarium thingy. I have to say that whilst the pins and needles following the show (from sitting on the floor) were literally a pain in the bum, the show was actually very good. Now, I didn't learn anything new but what struck me was the faces on the 20 or so kids - priceless. The guy doing the presentation was excellent - hats off to him whoever he is.

Other than that, it was a *major* disappointment. I didn't go to the lectures - after the initial impression I thought that that probably wouldn't be productive.

Now, before anyone jumps in, I haven't fired off a mail to you know who. But I intend to. But since I didn't go Saturday and didn't go the lectures, I *may* have sampled a lean spot in the event. Perhaps anyone who went at different times (any time other than 1-2pm Sunday) had a different experience.

I'm kinda glad we left prematurely - I got back to see the repeat of the BBC space docudrama (can't remember the name) about a group of astronauts on a safari of the planets - impressive, as was the after-prog live feed from ESA and ISS - super. Now, where's that RTE number....

Cheers

Dave

Wasn't that BBC program absolutely brilliant !!
Part 2 is on tomorrow (Tuesday) night, it reminded me of the documentaries about Voyager 1 and 2 and they story across the solar system.

Watching it, you would nearly forget that this program is fiction only to be reminded by the BBC website poping up on the bottom of the screen every now and then!

oops, sorry, to get back on topic,
about the astro expo, I dont know, I didnt go.

I have part two firmly booked into the Sky box - 9pm Beeb 1 if anyone is interested.

Great visuals and not too much gratuitous soppy bits. Though I did get the impression that these lads were severely jinxed from the start! So many mishaps... Just like, er, real life actually (Beagle et al)

Apparently the episode tomorrow - no, I won't tell. Just watch it!

Back to Astro Expo though - anyone know of any similar events in Ireland (unlikely I guess) or the UK and when?

Dave

I
Back to Astro Expo though - anyone know of any similar events in Ireland (unlikely I guess) or the UK and when?

Dave

I dont know if similar is the right word, but I presume you've heard of the Connacht star party (by GAC) which is held in January.
galwayastronomyclub.ie/

Cosmos (by TAS) which is held in April,
www.tullamoreastronomy.com/index.asp

and the Whirlpool starparty (by SAC) which is held in September.
go.to/sac

about the astro expo, I dont know, I didnt go.

Whadaya mean you didn't go?..... I thought EVERYONE was going?

about the astro expo, I dont know, I didnt go.

Whadaya mean you didn't go?..... I thought EVERYONE was going?

I got stuck in the extremely bad traffic just after Naas and turned back.