Venue: Republic Polytechnic sports complex.
Date: Saturday, 29th October 2005
Time: 7pm till morning.
Directions
Please see the map attached below or click here for streetdirectory.com map
Buses that go to Republic Polytechnic:
32 alight opposite Queenstown sec
111 & 132, alight opposite Cresent Girl's Sch
INTRODUCTION
The closest approach of Mars in 2003 drew a lot of public attention and allowed us to see Mars bigger than we have ever seen it before. Mars Watch I and Mars Watch II, two public events held in Chinese Gardens and Bedok Reservoir respectively, were highly successful events that drew huge crowds and introduced many to the joys of astronomy in Singapore.
This year on November 3rd, Mars will again come into opposition, and will be a blazing red beacon in our night sky. The astronomy community here in Singapore sees this again as another opportunity to share our passion for the night sky with members of the general public.
ACTIVITIES
a. Telescopes for Public Viewing
Volunteers from school clubs and Singastro will set up telescope stations for members of the public to look through. Many amazing telescopes and views of Mars will be available for all to look. Learn about astronomy and telescopes from the many helpful and passionate volunteers.
b. Poster Exhibition
A poster exhibition on Mars and on astronomy prepared by NJC and SP will be displayed along the covered walkways.
c. Astronomy talks
7pm "An Introduction to Astronomy" by Mr Christopher Yeo
8pm “An Introduction to Practical Astronomy” by Mr Vincent Kee
9pm "Mars" by Geoffrey from SPastro
10pm "Simple Astrophotography with a Webcam and Digital Camera" Mr Christopher Yeo
d. Live projection screen
An image of Mars from a telescope will be projected unto a video screen live via a webcam.
e. Vendors corner
McGill and The Physical Space will be setting up booths
OBJECTIVES OF THIS EVENT
1. Public outreach
The universe and the night sky is not something that Singaporeans easily appreciate because of our urban environment. Yet, the stars and the heavens are there every night. Many Singaporeans are instinctively curious and interested in astronomy, but have no avenues for knowing more about the universe we live in. This public event will allow interested individuals, young and old, to get a look of what Mars looks like, learn more about astronomy, and get their questions answered by the gathering of amateur astronomers.
2. Increase awareness and contact between astronomy clubs
There is basically no collaboration and contact between the various school astronomy clubs in Singapore. By contacting and inviting all the astronomy clubs to gather for this event, students and teachers will be able to meet and network with others.
3. Meeting other astronomy enthusiasts
This event will allow people to meet others who share their interest in astronomy. It will allow them to meet new friends and to gain knowledge that others have to share.
4. Enjoy Mars
The planet Mars will not appear as big as this year for another 13 years. Mars Watch provides a view of Mars through the many telescopes that will be set up.
ORGANISERS
This event is jointly organised by the Republic Polytechnic astronomy club, Singapore Polytechnic astronomy club, and members from Singastro.
Special Thanks to Republic Polytechnic for the use of their campus.
Background on Singastro
Singastro is an informal online community of amateur astronomers that had humble beginnings as a yahoogroups forum. Currently it has a healthy forum with over 400 registered members comprising the young and old, students and professionals, and even individuals from neighbouring countries. Its members are passionate about astronomy and are always happy to share their knowledge and experience with others. About 15 people have volunteered to bring their scopes and set up viewing stations for the public on this night.
Come and look at Mars and learn about astronomy!