Culture Night Dunsink

Yesterday evening I arrived in Dunsink to participate in an Night of culture. As well as the usual suspects attending there was a massive response from the public an easily 200 people of all ages turned up to listen to an evening of talks - as well as some observing in the yard outside the main building. The moon was scrutinised through an SCT and a refractor (belonging to the observatory) I left around 9pm myself, but had a great evening talking to curious "first timers" and catching up with old friends

What I did notice was the surprise and comments from people who lived locally who commented on how fantasic the facility was and how they had no idea such a thing even existed :ohmy:

Thank you Dunsink, friends of Dunsink, and everyone involved......must do it again


Declan
Midlands Astronomy Club

Sounds like a great night was had.

Paul

By the end of the night there was at least 650 visitors (based on those who signed in only!).

Paul

ooops, sorry, I should have checked I spent some time that evening helping to direct traffic and some time keeping the moon centred in a refractor set up in the yard...a great time.....but when it comes to Maths or counting bodies....id be no help atoll :S

declan

Sorry I had to miss that one , am struggling with a cold. Sounds like it was a great night.

Deirdre Kelleghan

I'd like to add a special thanks to Declan for all the help on the night. Declan helped tremendously in showing people views through the Tele-Vue 102, directed traffic, and aided me in putting up the gazebo (loaned by the IAS) to showcase some material about the night sky.

We heard at one point that a lot of people phoned the Observatory to say they couldn't reach it because Dunsink was not included on the route for the free shuttle buses. Hopefully next year we'll be able to address that (or borrow a few horses from "the lads" down the road )

I also set up a little "Ask the Astronomer" box and got 25 questions "posted"! That will keep me busy for a few days :laugh:

... and we'll try organise another spectacular fireball for Culture Night next year