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Andy Devey’s outreach tips.
Outreach is a tremendous opportunity to spread the word to the wider public, you will be introducing people to possibly a whole new set of experiences and in a few cases you may even change the direction of some ones life forever. With such an opportunity then to deliver the best experience we need to really commit to this and demonstrate just how passionate we are about this subject but without becoming too technical or going over the top and overwhelming people.
There are all sorts of opportunities for outreach from the casual conversations over a drink, the solar viewing event in the local park or summer fair or even the formal presentation to a group or school event or maybe even in front of a TV camera.
Your technique will always improve with experience and it is always worth asking your spouse or a friend to provide some constructive criticism afterwards. On our society events we even do a formal debrief and assess what went well and what went bad so that we can modify our approach for the next event.
This piece is not exhaustive and it will be extended with future additions. Here are some of my pointers that I have developed from working for may years in industry and doing successful outreach events for the last six years.
You must clearly set out your goals and keep these visible in your planning stages. Remember if you fail to plan then you plan to fail! Be determined from the out set to make this a success!
Priority no one – this is always SAFETY. Prepare that risk assessment and make sure all the control measures are fully implemented to reduce the risks as low as possible [this is the insurance risk surveyor in me coming out]
Stress the absolute necessity to maintain eye safety. Make sure that all filters are secure and in full working order, remove any finder telescopes, continuously recheck the filters and make sure that you supervise all visitors at the telescopes. Use phrases like “don’t try this at home” and always explain how the filtration works and then you can explain what to look for in the eyepiece.
Have some telescopes that are very easy to set up you don’t want to keep people waiting as they will soon move on to the next event/stall.
Have sketches or drawings to show the observer what to look out for at the eye piece.
Point out sunspots, granulation, prominences, filaments, plages and maybe even a solar flair. Explain in simple terms what they are, how big or how hot they are and how long they might last. Explain how big the Sun is by pointing out if the earth was at its centre then the lunar orbit is only about half way to the surface. Here is your chance to shine just as well as the Sun does. I like to point out the orange peel effect in the zoomed in Hydrogen alpha view and then tell the ladies that even the Sun has cellulite.
Have some steps for the children to stand on, this will save mum and dad’s back when trying to carry/hold them.
Build in contingencies, for example, you have all that kit at a summer fair but sods law the clouds never part [we are well used to this one]. This is where still photo’s, information boards, the lap top with solar animations or even the pocket digital camera with astronomical/solar shots on it come in [this last one is very handy for the pub or casual conversation]. A picture paints a thousand words but try to include a representation of the earth to give the public some perspective of the scale of the sun and the features that they can see on it.
Be friendly and approachable, a smile will usually break the ice. If this is a society event then select your best front men/women and these should be your best sales people. Your presenters should also be good listeners.
Humour if set in the right context always helps. People inherently warm to good humour and in the right context this will enhance your audiences experience and can lead to a lasting impression. Your best outcome is to deliver a real feel good and truly memorable experience – something your guests can tell their friends and family about for years to come.
Promote your organisation/society. Have plenty of leaflets and hand outs ready you may even expand your society’s membership.
If you are also using this outreach as a fund raising event then have a very visible donations box, select a range of raffle/competition prizes to suit all ages.
Debrief every event and incorporate any new ideas into the next event!
I even take my small triple solar scope set up everywhere I go on holiday. With such a scope every one will want a look and I can guarantee I will get to know every one in the hotel – astronomy is a universal language with no age, sex or religious barriers. I even joke, I am on holiday for 2 weeks with three telescopes and just one pair of trousers.
Have fun and enjoy your outreach experiences to the full.