Annual Report for 2000 - Other Events

The time ball on the Nelson Monument was dropped at Midnight on 1st January 2000, by Graham Rule. It was dropped again at 12 minutes past midnight in recognition of Edinburgh's (local time) New Year.

An exhibition at Edinburgh Castle about the One O'Clock Gun was opened on 21st February to commemorate the centenary of the death of Charles Piazzi Smyth, the second Astronomer Royal for Scotland. He had been instrumental in setting up the time-ball on the Nelson monument and the time-gun at the castle.

The Jewel and Esk Valley College planetarium visit was attended by 23 members of the society on 10th March. Harry Sutherland presented the planetarium show and everyone enjoyed the evening.

Our Honorary member Harry Ford was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Science, by the University of Abertay, Dundee. This was in recognition to a lifetime devoted to the furtherance of public awareness and education in astronomy. The ASE was represented at the ceremony by Dr Dave Gavine.

The Scottish Astronomy Weekend, hosted by the Glasgow Astronomical Society, took place on the 15th September. Unfortunately, the national fuel crisis meant a very low attendance. The delegates who attended the event were treated to a very interesting range of lectures. Dr Allan Chapman and Dr Francisco Diego, were the main speakers. An observing session at the University of Glasgows observatory was greatly enjoyed by participants who also saw an aurora. Dr Dave Gavine and Ron Livesey represented the ASE.

Lorna McCalman, Graham Rule and George Grant gave a public talk to around 20 people at Vogrie Country Park on Wednesday 8th November. Despite the disappointment that no observing was possible because of the weather, the audience enjoyed the talks and we have been invited to return to Vogrie next year.

Wigtown Astronomical Society organised a Scottish Astrofest on 24th-25th November. The Astronomer Royal for Scotland, Prof. John Brown opened the event with a talk on Black holes and White Rabbits The ASE was represented by Dr Neil Grubb who also gave a talk on CCD imaging, to the delegates.

Lorna McCalman was filmed by the BBC for an Open University programme, entitled "Ever wondered?" The programme is to be screened in the spring of 2001.

Dynamic Earth visit took place on Saturday 25th November.