Public Viewing

I have been asked to write an article on Public viewing. There are two types of "public" viewing supported by members of the Jhb centre.

When the weather is kind, and there is no bright moon, the Centre opens their observatory to the public. Anyone who is interested enough to arrive will be treated to sights which can only be seen with optical aid. Regrettably, our current environment does not invite people to venture out at night any more. This is the more common meaning of "public viewing".

The other type of "public" viewing is not quite so public. As the owner of a reasonably portable telescope, I sometimes asked to attend Star Parties. (love my 'scope, love me!) These evenings are generally organised by bird clubs, or similar organisations, schools, or  individuals.

Over the years, I've had many people looking through my 'scope, and what pleases me most, is when some arrogant little brat swaggers up, puts his/her eye to the eyepiece, and utters an awed whisper "Oh! Wow!".  There is nothing like a view of God's creation to put our universal position into perspective.  Then there are whose who look and see, and would like to know more, but don't have the depth of desire to actually do something. I think that most people do actually enjoy looking at celestial bodies.  How many actually appreciate what they are seeing is another matter.

Personally, I prefer to have a small number of keen viewers with whom one can discuss the object, rather than a long queue of generally indifferent hoards.

Melvyn Hannibal