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Doors Open Day at JSL Observatory

“Great telescope”, “Very friendly people”, “Clear explanations”, “Good leaflets”, Knowledgeable Guides”, “Great effort put in by the members”. These are a few of the comments made by some of the 58 visitors who passed through the Observatory for our second Doors Open Day. Visitors ranged in age from a babe in arms to grandparents bringing their grandchildren to see our wonderful facilities.

Firstly the Observing Station. There, Chairman Eric Walker told the history of Highlands Astronomical Society, from the early days in 1994 to our recent move, in August 2009, to the Free Church, Smithton for our monthly meetings. Visitors were shown our provision for the disabled and all appreciated the relative warmth and shelter of the room. Each visitor was encouraged to return for our first observing session of the season on 19th September and to come to the monthly meetings.

Simon explains the role of the observatory to a visitor	It got a bit crowded at times in the Observing Station!

Thence to the dome.

For the small boys (and some older ones as well) this was the highlight of the tour. Paul Jenkins, fortified by cups of tea, gave his talk fifteen times! He clearly explained the telescope’s capabilities and very knowledgeably answered a wide range of questions.

Uncharacteristically camera-shy Paul explains all...	... inside the JSL Observatory dome

HAS is grateful to The Scottish Civic Trust and The Highland Council for allowing us to take part, and we acknowledge their very effective publicity. We should also like to thank the members who gave up their wet and windy Saturday afternoon: Arthur, Bill, Colin, Eric, Pat E., Pat W., Paul and Simon. A particular thank you to Simon, whose idea it was, in 2008, that we should participate.

Finally a big “thank you” to the 58 individuals who came along and brightened a dull afternoon, making it all worth while. We look forward to seeing you again.

Final question: "What would you change?"
 A: “The weather.”

By Pat Williams 

HAS at the Black Isle Show, 6th Aug 2009

7 a.m. - Why on Earth were we there? Did we attract any new members? Only time will tell but we were extremely grateful to last year’s recruits Roger and Rosemary Mitchell for helping out. Incidentally, Rosemary won prizes for her blackcurrants and vegetables. Congratulations!

Have our numbers swelled? If you met us at the show and are interested in astronomy then do come along to one of our meetings or to an observing session at the observatory. We are a friendly bunch.

Did we do a fantastic job publicising our society? Of course we did. Look at the stand below:

Did our volunteers Jean, Rosemary, Pat, Fred, Roger and Paul have a great day out? Need you ask? We chatted to locals and those from further afield, children and adults, short and tall. The sun shone, most of the time, and true to form only clouded over when we attempted solar observations. Rob’s eclipse glasses were put to good use.

Yes, Highlands Astronomical Society, as represented by our treasurer Paul, above, was certainly looking up at the Black Isle Show!

By Pat Williams 

The Highland Games take place once a year with participants and visitors from all over the country. There are numerous tents with a variety of exhibitors and HAS was one of those groups promoting their activities.

We were lucky and had a place in the Clan tent: undercover and away from noise. However, we did cause some confusion, as visitors would ask how astronomy was related to the Clans.

The HAS stand in all its glory

 Numerous tables pushed together enabled us to set up display boards showing information about HAS; our observatory, programme and some of the things we do. Posters of astronomical pictures hung off the edge of the tables and leaflets were available to interested members of the public. Children enjoyed viewing the 3D posters and took turns to guess the number of extra solar planets (marbles) in a jar. The winner will be announced after the Black Isle Show.

The 3D posters attracted a lot of attention from youngsters

Pat Escott, Pat Williams, Paul Jenkins, Joan Thomson, Eric Walker and myself (Pauline) were on hand to chat to visitors and in some cases, convince then that the Moon landings really did take place.

Despite the heavy rain, we enjoyed a successful day.

By Pauline Macrae 

Neil Bone, keen observer, lecturer and astronomical writer, has sadly passed away following a period of illness. He was well known as a contributer to Astronomy Now magazine and an author of several books on observational astronomy.

As recently as March 2008 Neil was here to give us an inspirational talk on Meteors. His light-hearted presentation and anecdotes stretched well beyond the allotted time, and were enjoyed by all present, if I recall correctly.

He will be missed very much by the astronomical community and by all who had the pleasure of reading his books or meeting him. Our sympathies go out to his wife, Gina, and his family.

The Mini Festival run by Highlands Astronomical Society as part of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 has been a huge success. All of the events were well attended, with Society members and visitors alike having a great time.

Click Here for Full Report!

Antony McEwan