What is Simon J Astronomy?

I have been running this blog for a while now.  Why?  For what purpose?  The motto is "Local Amateur Astronomy For Everyone".

This project is spread across different forms of social media.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/simonjastronomy

The Facebook page serves many purposes:

• Deliver breaking astronomy/space news so you are up to date on the latest research and discoveries.
• Links to blog entries we publish throughout the week.
• Photographs we have taken and maps to help you view the sky.
• Invitations to astronomical events around town we either host or volunteer at.

Blog: https://simonjastronomy.blogspot.com/

Blog Homepage

The blog also has many purposes:

• Weekly sky updates for the naked eye, binoculars and telescopes.
• Web log of observing sessions.
• Weather phenomenon.
• Special events in the sky.
• Introduction to basic astronomy concepts.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimonJAstronomy

The Twitter account allows us real time coverage of events and breaking news:

• Links to blogs.
• Breaking events such as developing aurora and weather conditions

That is a rundown of our current setup.  This project is evolving and it may spread to other media.  However, this still does not answer the question: What is the purpose?

We are a family of five living in the suburbs of southeast Calgary.  We believe astronomy can be practiced by everyone and we want people to have the opportunity to learn and experience it for free.  Have you seen Saturn through a telescope before?  Have you seen someone else see Saturn through a telescope for the first time?

We are dedicated to public outreach throughout the city.  On August 21, 2017 we spent our morning at Olympic Plaza showing many Calgarians the marvelous wonder of the solar eclipse.  While many retailers were selling eclipse glasses for unreasonably marked up rates we were giving them away for free.

Olympic Plaza Outreach, August 21, 2017

We are scheduled to visit many cub, scout and guide groups throughout the city.  Our free presentations focus not only on badge requirements but can immerse you in the expansive experience of the sky.  We are both security cleared for volunteering with the Calgary Board of Education and can visit you right in the classroom.

If you would like to book a presentation please send us an email or contact us through the FB page and we can customize something for your group/audience.  

Email: simonjastronomy@gmail.com