By David Finnigan

Speaking boldly on behalf of amateur astronomers everywhere, David Chandler from the Astronomical Society of Albury Wodonga, claims 1960s psychedelic space rock pioneers Pink Floyd is the most popular band to stargaze to. He may be right.

Load this one up (’Astronomy Domine’, no less) close your eyes and imagine soaring off into the night skies and see if you can come up with a better soundtrack!*

Or, if you’re anywhere near Albury Wodonga, forget about YouTube and start gathering your camping gear to join the Astronomical Society of Albury Wodonga (ASAW) for Border Stargaze 2009.

Border Stargaze is a gathering of amateur astronomers and interested members of the public held over three nights at the Wymah Valley Retreat, a 120 hectare property with a two-kilometre frontage to Lake Hume. Attendees discuss astronomy, compare equipment, techniques and enjoy dark sky observing and astrophotography. Beginner and advanced astronomy workshops are held, plus visits from professional speakers  and the mobile CosmoDome Planetarium.

Note: the CosmoDome is rad.

David Chandler of the ASAW speaks below about the birth of what is fast becoming a national institution.

1. How did Border Stargaze originate?

Border Stargaze with a suggestion by Roger Davis and Anthony McCulloch (BINTEL) in 2006, during  a long drive to Melbourne after the annual ASNSW South Pacific Star Party. Petra de Ruyter and an enthusiastic group of supporters then proposed the idea at the next Astronomical Society of Albury Wodonga general meeting and the rest is history.

2. What has been the highlight of previous Border Stargaze events?

The participation and support of the wider community at our event’s public observing night.  Last year, in particular, we enjoyed perfect weather and a terrific response from the public.  To cap this off, a number of amateur astronomers who had never been involved in public events before thoroughly enjoyed themselves and have booked in this year or volunteered to be a part of the sky tours. Another highlight was the presentation by David H. Levy followed up by a conversation with Rob McNaught (two of the greatest comet discovers of our time with more than 80 discoveries between them!). The audience hung on every word.

3. What astronomical phenomena are you most looking forward to this year?

This year is special as it is International Year of Astronomy and we are delighted to have secured John Morieson at the event. John has done extensive research of indigenous constellations (Boorong) and we will be able to experience the indigenous night sky with John as he conducts green laser pointer tours on our public night.

Cultural historian John Morieson

4. What is the best music to listen to while watching the stars?

The majority of amateur astronomers seem to enjoy either 1960s classics or Pink Floyd.

I think you could argue that’s because few other bands have instructed you to “FLY A ROCKET INTO THE SUN”. This is also probably why responsible astronauts such as Megan McArthur were put in charge of the recent NASA mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope, while Pink Floyd are not even allowed to pilot their own tour plane.

Find out more about the Border Stargaze event.

*Editor and Pink Floyd tragic Kate Hennessy personally challenges you on this one! Please send any astronomically-inclined musical suggestions to her on 10daysofscience@gmail.com

Tags: astronomy, pink floyd

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