Helen

Thanks John, yes I think time, money (weather!!) all score highly with all of us! The majority of amateur astronomers are white, male and over 35 (mostly over 55), so the main barriers cited will reflect the barriers for them (just because more of them filled in the form). And if there's something we can help with with these (eg SGL helping with experience, online sessions which are recorded so can be played at a convenient time, loan schemes) then growing the total pool of astronomers is fantastic. What we also want to investigate though is the extent to which the barriers may be different for different groups - and that's where a more granular analysis of the data will come in. As a simple example, I as a lone female would be much more wary about going out to a dark place with a group of males I don't know well! So safety is a bigger barrier for me than for most men probably. If there is a similar level of interest in astronomy and science amongst different demographs, but the participation is skewed, then something is awry. The stats in the survey which show how welcome people feel are for me the nub of the problem - most astronomers clearly think they are welcoming to certain groups, but people in those groups don't feel welcomed. That's an understanding/perception issue, which hopefully we can all do something about. Helen

Thanks both. We're hoping to up the number of respondents, particularly from under represented groups so that the stats can be more robust. (We're well over 400 in total now though.) Then we're looking at the detail, and going to work on follow up with participants. Lots of the national organisations are keen to be involved (RAS, BAA, SPA, Fed of Astro societies), so hopefully we can have some debate about action, guidelines, codes of conduct etc. For me, I think once we identify the barriers, understand how people feel, we can perhaps start lots of small actions which could cumulate to positive change. Some positives might also come from covid - online meetings more accessible etc... At the moment I'm encouraged that people are talking about it, recognising that some action is needed, and being prepared to be part of taking it forward. Hopefully we'll make a difference! Helen

Hello All 🙂 Thanks to those who have completed the survey so far. We've just published some interim analysis - it makes interesting reading. This is the start of the process though, and we've been encouraged by the number of people willing to work together to try to improve things. https://ras.ac.uk/sites/default/files/posters/final-RAS-Astronomy-for-all-All-for-astronomy - Osnat Katz.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1d_sq_SvUGU67yBRSClm6wUL1w8i-XLWAoWWdEzoYPPIyEIVkiVeymunI We're publishing a slightly longer version next week at the Europlanet Science Congress, so I'll post up a link to that idc too. Thanks Helen

This is a really well done AR app - JFK Moonshot'. I had fun! Well worth a free download. I can see this being added to my rocket workshops for schools! 20200904_183040.mp4

Harder to justify that one as I have a rather nice WO123FLT LZOS as my main scope in the observatory.... If I was going for something for the obs I'd be tempted by a 150 esprit...

If only Damien Peach came with it..... It would go on the Mesu instead of the C11, but I was looking for something portable as my south horizon is obscured so planets from the obs are challenging... Might be cool for 67P return though 👀

https://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?view=164544 aperture drift.... 🤔

I'm just wndering how are you getting on with the scope Andrew? My paper is nearly ready for submission (well the deadline is very close 🤣) so to encourage me during the final push on it and the 3 conference submissions I need to complete by Monday, I'm thinking about the reward .... Mewlon 🤔? Thanks Helen

I'd avoid the official tripod for two reasons - it's not particularly rigid, and it doesn't fold down very small for travel (won't go in a suitcase). The other one you've linked to at FLO is very robust indeed, but is heavy, takes up a lot of space and you wouldn't contemplate travelling with it. So a standard photo tripod would seem to meet your needs better. WEX has some tripod offers this weekend. How about this? https://www.wexphotovideo.com/calumet-aluminium-tripod-1682338/ £169 reduced to £99 but 30% extra off today! So £69 😁 less than half price!!! Helen

I'm currently reading this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Parallax-Measure-Alan-W-Hirshfeld-ebook/dp/B00633W6L4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&qid=1598867267&refinements=p_27%3AAlan+W.+Hirshfeld&s=digital-text&sr=1-1&text=Alan+W.+Hirshfeld which you will undoubtedly find interesting and useful! It includes some details of methodology and the formula you asked about. Best wishes for the write up 🙂 Helen

Grant is on now with some lovely live views 😎

Looks good Grant - heading there now 😎

Hello Michele, and welcome to SGL 😊 I remember visiting Ulm a long time ago 🙂. We were touring Germany, and as my husband loves cathedrals we had to visit Ulm, and the world's tallest spire. I remember climbing the spire before breakfast! Hard work, but the views were fantastic 😎 Helen

I thought I'd flag up this competition/showcase - good fun to try with the kids/grandkids or to do yourself? https://www.europlanet-society.org/inspiredbyotherworlds-arts-contest/ Enjoy! Helen

That's great to hear 🙂 Helen