News Letter #3

14th December: Xmas 2004

Dear Friends

The first term for the Friends and the Dome under full operation is now nearly over. Well done to all those Friends who have managed to get over here and most especially those few who have been rewarded with sights of astronomical objects. Clear nights have been few and far between and my organisational skills have not stretched to getting clear skies on those occasions when most needed.

All the more major events this term have been clouded out. Let us hope for better luck on 18th December for the Tour of the Winter Skies.

I thought a quick summary of the Dome's activities would be good for those who have not waded through the 'News' section of the Website:

Since September a total of 211 have visited the Dome. Of these 86 have been College pupils, 9 local primary School pupils and parents/teachers, 102 members of the Public and 14 Friends. The lecture on Exobiology was well attended and of course not weather dependent. The Dome has operated for total of 57 hours of which 51% have seen use of the 10". I am hopeful of a cold crisp winter and a higher 'hit rate' for visitors in the New Year.

The two Primary School visits next term are fully booked by first Bedwyn and then Preschute. The main event next 'term' is the Sun-Earth Lecture on 20th March which will be open to the Public and will be advertised more widely. Friends are of course especially welcome.

The number of Friends who have been over to the Dome has perhaps been rather lower than hoped, but the weather has been unkind to the events planned in the Friends Diary. I guess it is 'who dares wins' in that those who take a chance and call (once the weather is known) that have the best chance of success.

The website has progressed and is receiving up to 20 hits a day. The new 'What's Up' and 'Favourite Astronomical Images' (under 'Images') are I hope appreciated.

I apologise for the 'settling down time' of the contact regime and know that some of you did not get Blackett news #1 and/or #2 on time. I now have a list of those who should receive these non-electronically.

Have a good Christmas and if the skies are clear call 01672 892218 to see if the Dome can be swung into operation.

Charlie