Waiting for Nothing to Happen
Presenter(s): Mr Jonathan Bradshaw
Affiliation(s): Astronomical Association of Queensland
Session details: Sunday, 2010-04-04 03:00:00
Abstract
Occultation timing has proven to be an enjoyable and scientifically valuable observation technique which is particularly accessible to the amateur astronomer. ‘Waiting for Nothing to Happen’ is a jolly romp through the world of occultation timing of all types and a primer for the 4th Trans-Tasman Symposium on Occultations. This fast paced talk will demonstrate the value of occultations, both in historic and modern science. Real life examples will highlight how astronomers can make significant scientific contributions, even with modest equipment and a suburban location. Unlike many other techniques, occultation timing is very much a team sport. The hard working Australasian occultation community, a world leader in occultation timing tools and techniques, cordially invite NACAA attendees to come along and get involved.
Biography
Jonathan Bradshaw is Vice President of the Astronomical Association of Queensland and casual lecturer in Observational Astronomy at the Queensland University of Technology. Jonathan is passionate about video astronomy, using two Gstar-EX cameras aboard his remotely controlled 20” SDM Dobsonian. Recently he has thrown himself into occultation timings, with particular emphasis on asteroidal occultations capturing over a dozen events during the last two years. In 2009, he received the South East Queensland Combined Societies’ Achievement Award for this work.