June 13, 2013

“Visions of the Universe” Open Evening

Report by Mike Meynell. Pictures by Grey Lipley.

On Thursday 13 June, the museum held an “open evening” to coincide with the opening of the new “Visions of the Universe” exhibition. For the second time in a week, Flamsteed volunteers turned out to help at the event. However, in comparison to the solar viewing event on 6 June, this event was to be held entirely indoors, with Flamsteed volunteers offering a telescope workshop, solar viewing and radio astronomy demonstrations, a ‘model of the Universe’ (Mirek’s armillary sphere) and an astrophotography workshop.

There were a huge number of other attractions on offer, from an “Astronomer’s Quiz” with Chris Lintott and Jon Culshaw, to Space Jelly Tasting (don’t ask!), book readings & story-telling and comedy shows.

We were kept busy throughout the evening, with a constant stream of attendees. Rupert’s astrophotography workshop, ably assisted by Ian, was well attended and very well received. Clive was kept extremely busy all evening demonstrating the various bits of radio astronomy kit on display. Mirek and Mei Wah seemed to be having a great time chatting about the armillary sphere and talking through the basics of navigation. Brian and Grey kept everyone entertained in the solar viewing section. The remainder of the 20 or so Flamsteed volunteers assisted in the telescope workshop. Many volunteers had brought along their own telescopes to chat about and members of the public really seemed to appreciate hearing about the telescopes.

So, despite the short notice, Flamsteed volunteers once again put on a superb show. We’ve had some excellent feedback from the museum, who were delighted with the talks and workshops that we put together and commented on the total professionalism that all the volunteers displayed. Without the assistance of our volunteers, the Flamsteed would not be able to participate in events such as these, and the society would be much the poorer as a result. Not only are we able to promote astronomy to the general public, but we also strengthen our relationship with the museum, which can only be good for the society as a whole in the long run.

We are therefore very grateful to Asra Jilani, Brian Blake, Christina Chester, Clive Inglis, David Westcott, Diane Cornwell, Ian McDowell, James Turtle, Keith Oliver, Malcolm Thompson, Martin Male, Mei Wah Yung, Mike Dryland, Mirek Colakov, Nick Phillips, Roger Geeson and Rupert Smith, without whom our participation in this event would not have been possible.

It never ceases to amaze us that, whenever we call for volunteers, we not only get a fantastic response from members, but we also end up with such high calibre volunteers as those who attended this event. It really does demonstrate our strength as an astronomy society, and long may it continue.