We were invited to the MSSL open day this year to support them with some solar astronomy outreach.
We put up banners and scopes in a covered position right outside the main entrance. Under the clouds the sun-scopes remained objects of interest only, however MSSL is high in the Surrey Hills and the view across the Weald to the South Downs 30-odd miles away was clear enough that we could at least show the capabilities of the ‘normal’ scopes by showing distant features close-up, resulting in surprised ‘wows’. The photo below includes a Meade ETX, using a table as a mount.
The Weather did not play ball !
Hiding in a marquee just off the terrace was Rosalind
Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover. Part of the ESA ExoMars Programme. Targeted with a 2028 launch to Oxia Planum
Inside the main entrance
Make comets or visit GAIA
Inside Holmbury House a crowd gathered around the how-to-make-a comet presentation, highlighted by the presenter bashing the frozen result with a rolling pin!
What do Astronomers do when it rains?
Eat crêpes !
Obviously total bliss. Apparently there was a lot of chocolate in one of them ! Best kept at arms length !
Fish & Chips and ice cream were also close to hand !
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