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RSAA News of the Month: Month Year

Successful conclusion to RSAA's adopt-a-star program

 

Mount Stromlo Observatory's "adopt-a-star" program has successfully concluded. For the past 9 years this program has provided the public with memorable "gifts with a difference". It has also provided a source of income for the upkeep of the observatory's outreach program and most recently aided in the purchase of new eye-pieces to be used in a forthcoming series of public viewing nights.

In total, around 8000 stars were adopted - all of the ones visible to the naked eye from the southern hemisphere and many that are faint enough to require binoculars to find them. Amongst the numerous reasons for adoption were unique birthday gifts and also to mark special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries and graduations. Of the more touching adoptions were those to serve as memorials.

The program commenced in late 1997 and has been operated over the years by Katy Gilkes, Cas Margules, Kim Rawlings, Natalie Aked, Fay Neil and Vince Ford. The observatory shall continue to maintain a list of adopted stars and adopters on its website.

Established in 1924, the observatory suffered severe damage in the Canberra firestorm on 18 January 2003. However, money raised from the adopt-a-star program, together with other donations, have been used to help the ANU's Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics, which operates the observatory, maintain various outreach activities.

In conjunction with the Canberra Astronomical Society (CAS), Mount Stromlo Observatory is pleased to announce that it will be re-establishing public viewing nights in August.

To coincide with the National Science Festival, public stargazing sessions will be held from 7 to 9 pm on Saturday August 12, Wednesday August 16, and Saturday August 19. Families and small groups do not need to book, for larger groups (over 10 people) please contact Andrew White (02) 6281 1872 or Fay Neil (02) 6231 0851.

Please note that telescopes can't see through clouds, so if the weather is bad, i.e. raining or more than 60% overcast, the program will be cancelled. In the event of good weather, warm clothing is recommended for the summit of Mount Stromlo. Further information can be obtained from www.mso.anu.edu.au/public or www.mso.anu.edu.au/cas

For those not brave enough to face the outdoors on a Canberra winter's night, daytime visits (without telescope viewings) are possible. From Wednesday to Sunday one can enjoy the marvellous food and views from Cafe d'lish (10 am - 5 pm), located inside of the Visitor Centre at Mount Stromlo Observatory. Pamphlets describing self-guided walking tours of the observatory site are also available.

Previous editions of RSAA Monthly News