South West Astronomy Fair 2014

[FLO]

This year's Southwest Astronomy Fair is Saturday 9th August (this weekend) 9.30am to 6pm, at the Norman Lockyer Observatory near Sidmouth, Devon 

The SWAF is a well established event celebrating its ninth year bringing visitors from all over the country to an area of outstanding natural beauty,

It provides an opportunity to visit observatories, attend some excellent lectures and view astronomical and related equipment from various trade stands.

The Astro Imaging South West group will also have a display showing a variety of imaging rigs and will be on-hand to discuss all things astrophotography.

It is organised and run by the Norman Lockyer Observatory, entry to the fair is £6 per adult and £3 for those under 18.

There are also a number of lectures throughout the day.

Admission and lecture tickets can be purchased at the gate. 


Stalls include:

Widescreen Centre
Peak2Valley Instruments
Galactic Graphics
Spacerocks

Astrograph Ltd

NLO Imaging Group

NLO Spectroscopy Group

CFDS

SPA & a number of local astronomy societies. 

First Light Optics (that will be us ) 

Speakers this year are:

Will Gater "Alien Worlds: the extraordinary inhabitants of the Millky Way"

Brian Clegg "Before the Big Bang"
Prof Paul Roche "Impacts from Space"
Pete Lawrence "The Aurora"


Planetarium presentations and telescope dome tours take place throughout the day. Car parking and refreshments are available.

The event is suitable for all ages and welcomes disabled visitors by providing step-free access. 

Hope to see you there 

[FLO]

I visited the NLO tonight to check our stall's location, test power, wifi, etc, and one thing really struck me. The most popular stall at this year's South West Astronomy Fair will not be one of the retailers (though Widescreen Centre will be there and they always have a good stall). It will be the NLO Imaging Group's. The members have set up their imaging kit including telescopes, mounts and cameras and will be available to answer questions. So if you want to see a number of real-world imaging set-ups, including some sensibly priced ones, and speak with the owners, you need to be at the South west Astronomy Fair tomorrow (Saturday). You won't be disappointed

Steve

[John]

I'll look forward to saying "Hi" to my FLO friends Steve

[FLO]

See you there John 

[Gina]

Drat!!  I missed it   Oh well, maybe next year.  Meanwhile, I'm hoping to visit the NLO in the winter season and join their astro club.