Outreach Update

Published in the RSAA Lunations
Vol1 Issue35 1–31 December 2022

In November, we were able to host a public stargazing event for the Total Lunar Eclipse.  It was the first public night since 27 September 2019. We had around 700 people who came and patiently dealt with the clouds. After about an hour of staring at clouds, it finally cleared for us to enjoy the eclipse and reward those who waited it out!   It was great to have people back on the mountain like this for a special event. Thanks to all the students, CAS members, Howard and his team, Michelle and Sindu for helping to organise, run, and pull off the night. We are looking forward to resuming our Public Nights in April next year (when it will be darker again, and clear!)

Despite November and the school year getting toward the end, we had 14 school groups with a total of about 440 students. This included groups from the ACT, NSW, VIC, QLD, and NT just this month!

The requests for private nights were steady in November, with 35 groups wanting a night!  Logistics, and weather especially, meant we could not get them all in - but we got in a few on those rare clear nights!

Thanks to everyone for helping!  We have a great team of students, astronomers, and members of CAS to run all of these nights.

Brad Tucker