ASTRONOMY 2008

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ASTRONOMY 2008

Post by rcj »

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ASTRONOMY 2008: Preliminaries

It's been a long time since the astronomical community
(and the public) had a national astronomy event here
in Singapore, that encompasses a
symposium-carnival- like atmosphere for everyone. The
last was held 7 years ago, in the National History
Museum. However, as much as it is a 'cool' thing and
highly anticipatory to have such an event in our
country, resources (time, money, logistics, etc) are
limited and will take an amalgam of efforts to
kick-start the preparations leading to the event day
itself.
Last edited by rcj on Wed Apr 16, 2008 2:11 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Post by rcj »

Objectives
------------
As a start, for the benefit to those wondering what is
this all about, and to the veterans longing for more
information, the initial objectives of this event are:

1) To deliver the fascination and awareness of
astronomy to novices and the general public (including
external visitors).

2) To create a platform where astronomy veterans can
come together to interact within themselves and the
general public.

3) To offer an insight into invaluable topics ranging
from cosmology to practical astronomy.
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Post by rcj »

Event Location
------------ -----
Next comes, the research into the activities line-up
and (actually) more importantly having a location that
is conducive for holding this event. As it is a full
day event (symposium-carnival style), it is not as
critical to have a location that has a dark sky, since
this is not the primary pursuit (we can do that in
local beaches, Turf City, Mersing, etc). The main
ideas (as described in the above objectives) in
summary is to get everyone together (whether you are a
newbie or a veteran) and allow a physical platform of
discovery, exchange, and learning. However, it would
be beneficial to have observing itineraries like solar
and planetary viewing in complement to the event,
since it would be something that most would anticipate
and look forward to as well. On the other hand, it
would also be convenient to have the event centrally
located so that it is easy for most to access and
'attract the masses'.

Having put several months of thoughts and a little
research into this, I have managed to secure 'The
Glass Hall and Courtyards' at the Singapore Arts
Museum as a location to hold ASTRONOMY2008. Reasons
for this venue are as follows:

1) Relevant infrastructure in place already.
- audio-visual equipment and fixtures have been
installed, complete with speakers, digital projectors
and screen are inherent to the facility.
- Stage and pedestal, to conduct talks and exchanges
- tables and chairs, for the purpose of exhibits,
refreshments, reception, vendors, etc.
- Easels, for posters and notices
- Overhanging fixtures for display of posters, images,
etc.
- Floor area suitable for a capacity of up to 400
attending at any one time.
- Proximity to restrooms
- Courtyards give excellent provision for the use of
solar and planetary viewing.
- Carpark slots allocation for logistics, VIPs.
- Technician on standby for event assistance.

2) Centrally located. Access to the event can be via
Cityhall MRT Station (travelling by train), adjacent
bus-stop (for bus commuters) and available parking
areas surrounding the museum.

3) Green light for go-ahead has been supported by the
National Heritage Board.

4) All-in-one location for activities pertaining to
talks, exchanges, equipment display, astrophotography
gallery, solar and planetary viewing (and lunar), etc.
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Post by rcj »

Date Selection
------------ ----

The choice of when the event is to be held is
influenced by the following factors:

1) Time provision for preparations: There has to be
enough time to allow for a few months of preparations
leading to the event itself.

2) Vacancy time slots and availability as given by the
Museum.

3) Presence of celestial objects

4) A date based on a weekend (at best, Saturday) to
attract working individuals, students, and even
tourists.

The availability of the Museum follows a tight
schedule and good dates are limited. The initial dates
for May and June to coincide with the school holidays
are all not available. It may be too soon to organise
as well. Having the event in November and December,
may on the other hand be restricted because of the
Northeast Monsoon season. At best, having the event on
a weekend (as stated above), especially on a Saturday,
will be a good time for everyone. Some will have
religion or even family commitments on Sunday. The
target date region is then in July, August, September,
October period. However, having the event in September
or October may be too close to the academic
examinations (for students).

The date chosen tentatively (and available) would be
on August 16th, Saturday, for this event. It is
tentative as nothing is confirmed until payment to
rent the place is given to the Museum authorities.
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Post by rcj »

Volunteers
------------
Similar to previous events like Mars Watch, SINGASTRO
Festival, etc, to have such an event possible, there
is a need to have willing people to come forward. It
can be for anything from logistics helpers, to event
organizing. Thus, the event cannot proceed if there
are insufficient volunteers. The term volunteers is
used since ASTRONOMY2008 is basically a non-profit
activity, and based on the goodwill of astronomy
enthusiasts who are willing to help and create an
astronomical event memorable for the greater community
(and myself included! :-))

At present, the volunteering positions (A2008
Management) required for the event will include:

1) Astronomy Ambassadors
2) Logistics Crew
3) Speakers
4) Solar Viewing Crew
5) Planet-Moon Viewing Crew
6) Reception
7) Transportation (for equipment and VIPs)
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Post by rcj »

Costs and Provisions
------------ --------- ---
The rental costs for the Glass Hall is SGD$1K plus for
the hours of 9AM to 5PM. This will also include the
use of the ambient Courtyards (two of them adjacent to
the Glass Hall) where we can use for solar viewing,
refreshments, and interactivity. Also included is the
entire package that has been mentioned briefly above
are as follows:
1) Chairs
2) Reception Table (with tablecloth and skirting)
3) Rectangle Tables (6ft x 2.5ft)
4) Audio-visual equipment
5) Whiteboard
6) Stage and pedestal
7) Technician on standby for ASTRONOMY 2008
8) Signage for ASTRONOMY 2008 at Glass Hall and
Entrances
9) Parking Lots reserved for ASTRONOMY 2008
Management.

Note: Currently, the rental cost to cover the event
will be prepaid, provided there are enough
(foreseeable) volunteers who are willing to give their
time and effort. However, donations will be most
welcomed. There will also be provisions for vendor
booths to help support the event. Similar to the
SINGASTRO Festival and Lelong Sale, we would also
welcome those who can contribute refreshments and
snacks to complement the event.
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Post by rcj »

Final comments for Preliminaries
------------ --------- --------- --------
I will try to upload some pictures (of the location)
soon. For the moment, it would be most encouraging to
see what's the volunteering response like and the
general sentiment of the astronomical community.
Hopefully, with the cumulative effort from the active
community, we can give Singapore, and astronomical
event they will never forget!

Please email (remuscjremovenospam@yahoo.com) or PM.
Last edited by rcj on Tue Jan 08, 2008 1:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by rcj »

Almost forgot, our foreign astronomy friends and visitors, looking forward to your attendance and contributions!

To come: Activity line-up programme...
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Post by zackae »

Yay! Remus I wanna be part of this! Can i help?
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Post by kazumacat »

Cool~ Way too cool~ A symposium-carnival- like event~
I will be glad i can help in some way as a newbie~ Haha~ =)
But first, i have to learn beforehand as much as possible~!
i can feel how zackae feels.. So excited~! ya?
~Clear Skies~

Clear Skies~! I wish for Clear Skies when i'm free~!!! Clear Skies~!
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