Astropark

[leechriz]

Our revered neighbour has officially opened an Astropark earlier this year. With some many enthusiasts here, isn't it time that we have one of our own?

http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Space/ ... tro_en.php

[Airconvent]

HK is a little too far to drive or walk leh!

But the astro park in HK does look interesting. Hope it does not end up like that astro shop at the Space Museum for lack of interest. If not can be a place to drop by when I have the opportunity to go there again (depending on the 4D and toto)

[Enterprise]

I think our dear gahmen's policy of landuse dictates that it must generate revenue for the state directly or indirectly, unless Nparks can twist something to its favor, doubt our men in white will approve of it!

[Gary]

@Chris: If the authorities are not even convinced there are *many* enthusiasts, what are the chances of astro-anything? So current enthusiasts need to be more "visible". *Regular* (e.g. 1 hr every month) Sidewalk astronomy is one good way. Imagine the impact of 1 amateur astronomer in every single town in Singapore doing that regularly. Then for sure, the public will start talking astro, the media will pick up the story and the authorities will take notice.

But there is hope. Agastro is conducting weekly sidewalk sessions. So at least the Northern side of Singapore is taken care of. Now waiting for enthusiasts in other areas to step up.

@Enterprise: Not necessarily. Refer to the Chek Jawa story. From wikipedia: " News on the impending land reclamation works planned by the government on the area sparked a rare show of public-led and coordinated effort to reverse the reclamation plans. "

[Enterprise]

Gary: So we need to put on a rare show of "public-led and corrdinated effort" to push for an astro park ^^

Maybe we can put together some sort of proposal to Nparks to have a permanent park, then multiple organizations can use it, like NUS NTU, various high schools and junior colleges, the polytechnics and the various interest group/clubs.

Even better, if we can get a concerted proposal by all these various groups?

[swat_pup6433]

haha I don't think getting enough enthusiasts alone is enought to make the Zheng Hu do someting about our hobby. dosn't affect them anyway. we need to get enought enthusiasts that is willing to PAY ! In a small place like this no $$ no talk! so even if they do build one.. they might just put it under the care of science center or sumting.. and u get to pay entrance fee to enter!

[Gary]

@Enterprise: What you have suggested is also doable but need more co-ordination from various group and more time and effort from the co-ordinator(s). Weixing is doing a fine job liaising with Nparks officers who did attend the last Bedok event which was a great success. Instead of having 1 big brand new astro park, another alternative is to convert a few existing parks into mini astroparks.

As I have briefly suggested during the last Astro Conference at Woodlands CC, perhaps we a need a committee which is made up of one representative from each astro society and club. Then collectively, they can come out with a group proposal and submit it to the authorities.

As mentioned in other threads, perhaps the problem of light pollution is a more important issue to attend to then an astropark for now.