Message from Shropshire Astronomical Society - Meet the Astronomers - Astronomy, Crowds and a new Observatory

Drop in a for a Coffee. Saturday 22nd August 10.00am – 1.00pm, Rodington Village Hall.

Meet the Astronomers - Astronomy, Crowds and a new Observatory

The Shropshire Astronomical Society (SAS) has been based at Rodington Village Hall for the past 30 years. During this time the Society has been virtually an anonymous neighbour but on Wednesday 12th August that suddenly changed.

The Society had organised, for its members and the public, a Space Fun Day to view the Eclipse and participate in various space-related activities to encourage interest in Astronomy and wider STEM subjects. Expecting perhaps 200 or maybe 300 attendees to see this once in a generation event, the society was thrilled that, encouraged by the national media coverage and the fine weather, nearly 1000 interested people arrived at Rodington.

With a friendly Carnival atmosphere for the families attending, the event was a great success. Howevever, the sheer numbers of the public caused inconvenience to some Rodington villagers due to slow traffic and cases of bad parking.

While beyond the control of the Astronomers, the SAS is embarrassed by the problems, and by way of an apology would like villagers to drop in and meet their formerly anonymous neighbours for coffee.

There will also be an opportunity to discuss and answer any queries concerning the current planning application to erect a small observatory at the rear of the Village Hall.

The Society would like to thank the residents of Rodington for their support, and hopes to meet you all next Saturday!