Stargazing with DSW at Brecon - 18 October 2019
This was a very good evening. The weather was against us, but the packed house (some of whom had travelled from West Wales, others from Bristol) enjoyed a show in the Dark Sky Wales planetarium, a talk from CAS Chairperson, Phill Wallace, help and guidance from CAS stalwarts Stephen Webber, Bob Biss, Kath Compton and Bob Love.
Edward Cooper handed out the meteorites (and fossils) provided by DSW whilst Bob Love and myself did a combined talk against Stellarium on a big screen - what to see at this time of year on your first night out, how to get started without much expense, and where to go from there. Joan Payne did her usual sterling job of public engagement and met everyone at the door with a cheery welcome before handing out useful information on equipment and advising them to check out the CAS website for all sorts of help to get them started. Lin Love once again proved to be great support to us all. Very resourceful as usual when something needs to be found, acquired and just all round helpful.
The keener and more resilient members of the public who were not in a hurry to leave were lucky enough to see some of the real thing as the clouds cleared and I was able to give a short naked-eye tour of the night sky from a very dark site.
I think CAS made some new friends and one family from Cardiff will be along to our Star Parties and talks.
It was all good fun! Astronomy and outreach are what we do, there is nothing like passing on the passion for the subject and helping a beginner who is eager to learn.
Theresa Cooper
