How do you find your audiences ?
How have people responded to this unique outreach project ?
micro mounts . It ’ s among the smallest German equatorial mounts available , plus it ’ s lightweight , easy to set up and tracks with remarkable accuracy . The Star Adventurer mount attaches to the bike frame via a one-off custom bracket designed and crafted by Telescope Support Systems . The guys at TSS saw my crude setup at NEAF 2016 and offered to supply something better . Something better , indeed ! What ’ s most amazing to me is that they had just minutes to take measurements of the Big at NEAF , yet produced a system that fit perfectly . Before the TSS bracket , I had to remove the Big ’ s seat and replace it with a hardwood block attached to a wood dowel . After the TSS bracket , the seat stays in place , as does the bracket . The Star Adventurer mount now attaches with
COURTESY OF Gary Parkerson a quick-release dovetail , making it so Above , Parkerson stands next to the Surly Big during its debut at the 2016 Northeast Astronomy much easier to convert the Big from Forum ( NEAF ). Below , Parkerson takes in the scenery along the Katy Trail in Missouri . travel to astro-lab mode . In addition to the astro gear , I carry some ultralight camping gear by Kelty , three changes of clothes , food and water , plus tools , spare tire tubes , spare spokes , etc . When loaded with everything , the Surly Big weighs as much as I do .
How do you find your audiences ?
Mostly , what I do is closer to sidewalk astronomy . I ’ ve shared views of the Sun in front of grocery stores after shopping in them , and I ’ ve shared views in front of bike shops , in the backyards of B & Bs and in motel parking lots . I set up most often though at the established campgrounds where I typically spend the night . When possible , I ’ ll share telescope views of the Sun at cycling events and expos that coincide with my travels . It ’ s not often that I ’ m able to coordinate the ride schedule with existing star parties , but we ’ re working on some along upcoming routes .
How have people responded to this unique outreach project ?
You know what , something else that cyclist on I-40 said has proved true : People are nicer to folks on bicycles . Add that I ’ m an old man on a peculiar bike carrying telescopes , and I ’ m both humbled and honored by people ’ s reactions . I don ’ t presume that I ’ ll convert significant percentages of those I encounter to the ranks of hardcore amateur astronomy enthusiasts , but I am converting some , if only
Sky ’ s Up
COURTESY OF Gary Parkerson
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