Starting an Astronomy Club

[bbk1]

I've been thinking about starting some sort of Astronomy Club in Saudia for sometime now. Well, I am finally getting serious about it. Income is not the motivation but will be welcome if it eventually starts coming. <br /><br />I am normally good at defining project's scope, setting guidelines, organizing and implementing business solutions. <br /><br />This, however, is a different venture that might be above my capabilities but is something I have always dreamed of. <br /><br />I have formulated a plan how to go about it, which I will discuss later... But first I would like to hear some recommendations and/or ideas from people here.<br /><br />You have to remember, this is Saudi Arabia not USA. Knowledge is very deficient in this field and interests might be very little. This project may actually be more of an educational - entertainment type, to begin with. <br /><br />What do you think?

 

[sorehed]

Sounds good. Arab astronomy has great traditions going way back. Maybe you can educate your members on it's contributions.

 

[yevaud]

That's a very good idea.<br /><br />Bbk, you'll get a far better list of how-to's and advice in ATA than here. Accordingly, I'll move this thread (in a few minutes, to give time for you to read this). <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Differential Diagnosis:  </em>"<strong><em>I am both amused and annoyed that you think I should be less stubborn than you are</em></strong>."<br /> </p> </div>

 

[bbk1]

Who knows maybe the government would shoulder the cost if I can get something meaningful going. a lot of young kids are running around aimlessly with not much constructive things to do. Maybe this club would start attracting some of them.<br /><br />I have enough basic knowledge to get something like this started. All we would need to begin with is a few telescopes to get interest stirred up... The rest will hopefully fall in place as we go along.

 

[bbk1]

OK

 

[kauboi]

I think that what sorehed said is a very good idea, what better way to bring up interest on astronomy than to educate people on what their own culture had achieved. Maybe many people in Saudi Arabia today see astronomy as something very distant and foreign, make it something local.

 

[yevaud]

Agreed.<br /><br />I've lived in desertous areas before. The conditions there - particularly away from large scale sources of light pollution - are stunningly good for night sky observations. I think in Saudi Arabia, there must be some great viewing. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Differential Diagnosis:  </em>"<strong><em>I am both amused and annoyed that you think I should be less stubborn than you are</em></strong>."<br /> </p> </div>

 

[kauboi]

Yes, that's the only thing that I don't like about living in a small country, the lack of big enough 'empty' spaces <img src="/images/icons/tongue.gif" />

 

[yevaud]

Along the beach would be my recommendation. It's the only place I've ever seen the Milky Way here (Northeast US) by naked eye within easy distance of the big city. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Differential Diagnosis:  </em>"<strong><em>I am both amused and annoyed that you think I should be less stubborn than you are</em></strong>."<br /> </p> </div>

 

[bbk1]

You're correct. However, more than 90% of the people here don't even know of their ancestral past achievements in this field.<br /><br />The night skies are perfect for skyviewing most days of the year. Solar eclipses will definately give us the opportunity to generate initial interest.

 

[kauboi]

Yes, the beach is certainly a good place. It's the only place where I've seen the milky way by naked eye also. Lots of meteors too.

 

[bbk1]

Such a club will have to be stationed in a metropolitan area if we hope to get enough visitors - members to take interest. Actually I gave a thought about a beach location because it seems to be a good spot for night skyviewing, besides it's a place where a lot of people are usually going to. <br /><br />Maybe I will get some more input by the time I log on tomorrow.<br /><br />Good night.

 

[kauboi]

<font color="yellow">However, more than 90% of the people here don't even know of their ancestral past achievements in this field.</font><br /><br />That's why you gotta educate them <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" />

 

[yevaud]

Ok.<br /><br />In a Metropolitan area, there are still areas of relative low light, especially if you're viewing objects reasonably up towards the Zenith. Towards the horizon, light tends to wash out everything.<br /><br />As dark an area as possible, of course. A large park? Near the outskirts of the area? Places such as that. It's still quite possible to view a lot there. In fact, my old school's observatory is located on the roof of the building, right smack in the city. We still managed to see quite a bit. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Differential Diagnosis:  </em>"<strong><em>I am both amused and annoyed that you think I should be less stubborn than you are</em></strong>."<br /> </p> </div>

 

[lukman]

I dont know if it is real, but in the movies, night sky is so clear in Saudi and regions. It is good for observation <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[bbk1]

Very true, and throughout all the year. Even with a low-power binocular you can have an enjoyable time.