Garma 2006 & GAA

GAA participated in the Internationally renowned Garma festival here in NE Arnhem Land for the 1st time this year, beginning each evening with my presentation "NE Arnhem Land - a 40,000 year history under the stars".
This was followed on both Sat & Sun nights by an observing session out on "The Point" which overlooks a vast track of Arnhemland wilderness stretching to Port Bradshaw in the south.
Despite a near full moon we we able to get great views of Jupiter, The Jewel box star cluster, the beautiful contrasting blue & yellow binary star "Albireo" & the sudden appearance of the bright orange Nova star "Chi Cygnus".
This star has risen from a dim star needing a good telescope to find, through to a naked eye beauty in the neck of Cygnus the Swan in a few short weeks.
The Yolgnu story of the creation of the Cross & Pointers, as well as the Milky way was retold to the gathered Audience time & again.

We showed over 300 people through the scopes over the course on the weekend, including an extra night on the Monday, Due to popular demand.(Thanks Graeme, Neil & Bruce)
The theme of Garma being education & training, there were many well thought out astronomy questions by the obviously well educated participants.













The festival showed the rich cultural history of the Yolgnu people & GAA is happy to play a part in Space Science & Astronomy education & cultural exchange with the Yolgnu people.
We will be happy to participate again next year & hope it coinsides with a new moon next time, for truly clear dark skies.
I would love to see your comments here, especially if you participated in the Garma Festival yourself.