Hello {!firstname},
Well, like I always say you don't plan
to attend a Star Party based on the
weather, and this year was no
different!
The long range forecast a week earlier did
not bode well for those planning to attend
one of North America's premiere Star
Parties, in Mt. Forest, Ontario.
That all changed
when the weekend rolled around though, and
we were treated to clear skies on both
Friday and Saturday night, and even those
who were Solar observing during the day,
got to enjoy the daytime skies doing
so.
Khan Scope Centre staff were there in full
force with a display of all the latest and
greatest in telescopes and gadgets and
accessories as well.
There were hundreds of telescopes of all
shapes and sizes set up all over the
field
with eager amateur astronomers ready to
observe after supper.
Several talks and presentations were given
during the weekend by many invited speakers
in the big tent (one of the benefits of
coming to these events is that there is so
much you can learn, and also be brought up
to date
One of the most interesting presentations
on Friday, was given by Glenn Norman, and
Francois Van Heerden on the remarkable
"Mallincam
CCD Video Observing System"
Rock
Mallin, the Canadian inventor of the
the
Mallincam was scheduled to give this
presentation himself, however due to being
hospitalized for planned surgery, he was
unable to attend in person, but did make a
brief appearance via SKYPE to the delight
of many.
But the real "gamechanging"
event of the day took place late in the
evening when both
Glenn and Francois did a live demonstration
of the Mallincam in action under the starry
skies of Mount Forest.
The fact of the matter is that you could be
under the most light polluted skies (ie
Toronto) and the Mallincam will still give
stellar images.
It works under dark or city skies!
Truly, and unless you already own a
Mallincam, you had to be there to see
it.
Hubblelike Images observed on the monitors
of the Video Screens of objects such
as M20 and the Great Andromeda Galaxy,
M31.
Needless to say, people were enthralled
with what they saw and many "oohs' and
"aahs" could be heard among the
crowd.
What a glorious joy it was to be amongst
the star filled night, and to be in kindred
spirits with hundreds of others.
You see, at this event, it does not matter
who you are, what your background is,
or even if you own a telescope or not. You
could be a rank beginner with a
curiosity
for the night skies. You will find great
camraderie and the most friendly people in
the Universe: Amateur Astronomers!
I have been attending this event for over
25 years, and it's never the same
twice.
Always a positive experience, and many new
friendships are made and develop
here.
If you couldn't make it this year, then
hopefully you can plan on attending next
year.
You won't regret it...
Wishing
you Clear Skies,
Ray Khan
website: www.khanscope.com
Khan Scope Centre
3243 Dufferin Street
Toronto, Ontario. Canada
M6A 2T2
Toll Free: 1 800 580 7160
Local: 416 783 4140
email: info@khanscope.com
"We are open 7 days a week"
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