I'm posting this late, as I was busy with other stuff. This happened in late January of this year. It was the first Star Party ever arranged in the city - With the aim of bringing all astronomy enthusiasts together, from all ages and backgrounds. So what we ended up with was a melting pot of scientists, engineers, astronomers as well, (professional as well as amateur). Plus children and students from all over. Including people from completely unrelated professions too, like doctors and bankers. Here they they now launched a club, where anybody could join, with no fee of any kind. Basic idea was to popularize astronomy, in a place where everybody could contribute and share. And so this wouldn't become something like a club for just the elite, they deliberately said no fee of any kind, as they want the maximum number of people. So there were a lot of school going children, and collage students too. I think I recognized a few retired individuals from SUPARCO too, Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, (Pakistan's NASA) - Who looked very happy, but obviously they were trying to keep a low profile, (didn't want to be recognized). So I let them be, their broad smiles actually told me all that I wanted to know... The evening stared with talks from the organizers and a few experts in the field of astronomy. Who entertained everyone, specially the youngsters. Talks ranged from how to get started in this as a hobby, to the possibility of finding life elsewhere in the cosmos. Including in our own solar system, like on Jupiter's icy moon Europa. Where it's speculated that there could be a liquid ocean (larger than all the oceans on Earth) full of life - Who really knows? We'll just have to go there one day to know for sure. Or send a probe. The possibility of meteorites starting life on Earth was also discussed in a lot of detail. There were other astronomy societies there too. As well as local manufacturers of astronomical telescopes. Finally after snacks were distributed, everyone was invited to go up on the rooftop of where this Star Party was held. And look at the universe with their own eyes. Where many members had set up their own telescopes. Young school going children were thrilled! My pictures aren't so great, as I was shooting in nearly total dark - Flash wasn't allowed, as it takes 15 minutes for the eyes to adjust to darkness, so any strong light would have reset everyone's eyes. And of course, this wouldn't be Pakistan if there wasn't a barbeque on the rooftop... I'll be attending the next Star Party also. So whenever that will be, I'll post about it here!
Now I am thinking about building a space observatory in my home! Since a meteorite had already fallen in my garden years ago, (hope you people remember that) - So why not I go all the way this time! What have I got to lose? I see that many people have done it in their homes. Therefore I think it shouldn't be too big a challenge for me.
It all depends on the location of the apartment. And what area of the sky is available to him or her? Jokes aside, if enough of the sky is available - A balcony by default is already doing half the work of an observatory, (as it's already partially covered). Which actually explains why majority of the peeping Toms in the world are living in apartment blocks, (armed with powerful binoculars).
I just realized the similarities between gardeners and astronomers. We both depend a lot on the weather. Like climate conditions can either make our day. Or ruin it completely. So we both want the environment saved. We are always outside, usually in the garden. Only difference is that gardeners are always looking down. While astronomers are always looking up, (explaining why astronomers are always tripping over stuff). We are very close with nature. Gardeners grow stuff, and celebrate the fruits of our labor. Astronomers observe nature out in the cosmos, and dance with joy whenever something unusual happiness. We both are extremely friendly and helpful people, who don't wan anyone or anything harmed - We desire peace and tranquility in our surroundings. Our work demands patience, as nobody can speed up nature. Things always happen at their preset time. So can't rush anything. Therefore we are very stable minded individuals. Which is why, during daytime when we can't see the stars - Most astronomers are killing time by gardening. Like some gardeners are star gazing at dusk, after watering our gardens. This explains why Star Parties and Flower Shows are so similar. Always attracting the same type of crowd.
