| | | Marie Fisher of Corunna, Ontario taking delivery of her new 10" inch Dobsonian telescope at Starfest, for "First Light"!. | | | | | | Hello Friend,
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"
Join us on Facebook!
| | | | |
