Sunday, October 31, 2010

Halloween Evening Front Lawn Street Astro

It is that time again for kiddies and parents to be out and about knocking on doors and seeking out treats. Well the Sidewalk Universe Guy has some sweets of the astronomical type to hand out and a few tricks too. With Jupiter anchoring the southeastern sky along with a transit of it's volcanic moon Io during prime time tricks or treats this has the makings of a fine outing catching folks off guard with a space science education opportunity.


I was handing out 3D cards and Solar Pizzas and to those who show a real interest DVD's will end up in their sacks.


Here's C8 ready to go all shaded by my small Oak tree from the onslaught of the Victorian style street lamp. I am glad it still has some leaves to help eclipse this lamp which laminates my south front yard corner. I thought about asking my across the way neighbor Edi about using his front lawn for this outing but I did not want to subject him to the potential crowd control & media blitz problems that the SUG generates........haha!





Last year I got some really interesting responses ranging from "this is really neat" to what the F!!!!!!!!!?????. What will it be this year?





Judy had a wonderful time with Jupiter. She was out with her daughter and grand kids. Judy patiently waited her turn as she was back at the end of a 15 costumed kiddee line with the look of anticipation on her face. One young teenager in this line took up on the Sidewalk Universe Guy's Jupiter Challenge and with this Judy had already decided to take on this crucible when her turn arrived. Well by the time this first time observer made it to the scope she was ready to go and one by one the selected Jupiter features fell before her gaze. Io's 3D effect against Jupiter's cloud tops left her spellbound! Picking out Ganymede, the polar hoods, and Jupiter's not so round shape was easy for this interested visitor. She received her DVD excitedly and with gratitude. When she was done off she went telling other packs of people to stop by and see the Sidewalk Guy nestled behind his tree and shrubs showing a eyeball treat to one and all. I had 40+ this evening out and met several that had expressed a interest in getting started in astronomy.

5 comments:

Jo said...

Awesome SUG! Forty plus people is a really GREAT turnout! You make it so much fun by adding SUG's special challenges! Judy is hooked on astronomy for sure! I'm sure she's going to want the hubby to get her a scope for xmas, all because of you. The astro disease is spreading...

Paulie said...

I have also thought about doing this the last two years. I haven't done it though. It's a perfect way to try to start a neighborhood star party though, right?

Jo said...

Paulie,

You should definitely try it for next year's Halloween! Especially if it's something you've been thinking about doing. Kids will flock to you like crazy! They would love that experience better than all the candy they'll get!

Sidewalk Universe said...

This was a lot of fun to catch folks so off guard. I heard several say to their kids as they walked past "I don't think he has any candy" and some of those who stopped said "hey this was better than getting candy!" So there you have it. To some it was really neat and to others......

Judy had a blast and she made my night as did the teenager in line ahead of her who declined having her pic and story posted here - which I always ask about and respect the individuals expressed wishes.

Next year I am going to go to one of the local public Halloween events and do a program with full hands on activities - just have to find the right one!

I encourage both of you to try it next season and to keep it simple as we are just one more stop along the way for kids and parents out and about. But what a stop!!!!!

Paulie said...

No Starbursts to go along with the Double Cluster?!? Hmmm...

I always figure stories are fair trade for the views, with the exception of some action shots, usually ask for pictures. I think the 30ish and younger crowd generally assumes that all pictures these days wind up online, but I usually mention my blog, just in case. Plus they might want to see themselves and their stories. :)