[AstroNet] Lion's Head feedback

[Kevin Govender]

Every now and then one should take a step back and reflect on why it is 
one does what one does.

Tonight on Lion's Head such an opportunity was afforded to us with a 
perfectly clear still warm night with a full moon, Saturn, Orion and 
Southern Cross hanging over the majestically polluting city lights of 
Cape Town. On such a marvellously reflective venue we had taken up one 6 
inch Dobsonian telescope and an Earthball. By our estimate considering 
time spent and rate of viewing, there were over 250 views through the 
telescope (fewer separate individuals since some came by twice or thrice 
for different objects). Of the numerous WOWs and OHMYGODs and NOWAYs 
that we heard there was one that stuck out the most. There was a 
twentysomething girl who was so completely blown away by Saturn's rings 
that she actually broke into tears! She could not believe what she was 
seeing to the point that she grabbed both my hands in hers, looked me in 
the eyes with tears in hers and said something along the lines of "but 
you don't understand - this is so amazing - I've never seen anything 
like this before"

If ever you doubt that astronomy can change people's lives, please come 
speak to me and to many others who see these things daily!
If ever you doubt the impact of the work you do in promoting astronomy, 
we definitely need to chat.
If ever you feel overwhelmed with all the beaurocracy and routine of 
daily life, take some time to go outside and look at the skies - and 
perhaps take someone with you - to find your peace.

Astronomy is more than just another field of science - it is a source of 
inspiration and wonder - a tool to shape not just our perspective of the 
universe but also our actions in interacting with it - and it is the one 
thing that ties all of us on this AstroNet list/discussion group together!