Cardiff Astronomical Society

Could we be this lucky? Our first post pandemic stargazing evening and on the drive up to Libanus the sky was clear, the forecast was optimistic, and the event was fully booked.
Yes, we were very very lucky - once again if we had any doubts about why we do what we do, the shining stars above us and the beautiful Milky Way glowing from horizon to horizon put all those doubts back in the bin where they belong.
The public had planetarium shows courtesy of Dark Sky Wales to give them the basics on what to look for, Phill Wallace our CAS Chairman took them time travelling and then they came out onto the field to see the real thing with an array of telescopes and binoculars. The CAS team showed them Jupiter and the Galilean Moons, Saturn and its rings, the Andromeda Galaxy and the colourful double Albireo. There was much chatter and advice given on how to start and what to buy, or not. Many 'wows' were heard and even one big hug given after seeing Saturn and its rings for the first time.
Great to see the stalwart Bob Love recovered and enjoying his usual public engagement role, passing on his enthusiasm and setting up lots of equipment. And Stephen Webber back with us as our font of all knowledge. You cannot keep a passionate astronomer from looking up! And that applies to all of us.
See you next time maybe? The Universe is out there waiting. Contact me or any of the Committee if you would like to join in the fun.
Clear skies
Theresa