Instead of a green touring bus, how about a helicopter? I’ve already been on the road again for three more talks in The Netherlands – two in my own province Limburg even – but soon I’ll be telling people about Galaxy Zoo, Hanny’s Voorwerp and ‘citizen science’ travelling through Europe!
The first talk of this year was in January, on a Saturday afternoon. I had already given one at science centre Explorion, but this time it was especially for the astronomy club called ‘Galileo’. I was invited by Servé Vaessen, who had also interviewed me for an article in a local newspaper before. Since this was in Heerlen, my dad and his wife joined in and after my talk we were invited to stay for another interesting talk as well.
Six days after that – on a Friday evening – I took the train to Noord Brabant, for a lecture in Heesch. Urijan Poerink, from ‘Halley Observatory Holland’, picked me up from the station and drove me to a beautiful dark place. It was very nice to see that a few kids where really into Galaxy Zoo: they asked the best questions! After my talk this nice girl came to me and said: “Isn’t it cool that a hundred years from now people will still know your name and your Voorwerp?!” I actually hadn’t thought about that (don’t you love it how kids make you think?!) and said: “Do you think people will still talk about it then?” She was sure.
After that we went upstairs to look at the sky. Now I’ve seen a few close up pictures of the moon, but it’s even more impressive when you are actually looking at it – live – through a telescope! And even a bit blurry blob becomes exciting when you know you are looking at Venus at that moment. We also spotted Saturn and Orion’s belt. I like being an amateur astronomer!
Answering some more questions after the talk in Heesch. Picture: Urijan Poerink.
I also like visiting different places and for the third talk of this year, I went to a café in Schimmert called ‘Het Weverke’. Frans van Venrooij asked me to give a lecture for this group of ‘radio amateurs’ and my friend Marcel joined me. I remember it was a bit of a stressful day at work, but after the talk I felt so relaxed. I enjoy doing it. And luckily, other people enjoy my talks too. A few days later I got this lovely letter:
“I look back at your presentation with pleasure and admiration. It was an excellently presented story of your adventure. Beautiful images, with a professional but also sparkling explanation and some nice anecdotes. We enjoyed it. It was one of the best lectures we’ve had in the five years that we’ve been organising evenings like this. […]”
During the talk in Schimmert. Picture: Marcel Graus.
He also said some friends of his in Germany are interested too, so the first part of my European tour could start there (even though my German is not that good). They would have to ask me before June though as then – yes, I can finally announce officially – I’m going to Ireland! “Astronomy Ireland” wants me to give a lecture in Dublin! And in Letterkenny! And I love Ireland, I’ve always wanted to see Ireland! Needless to point out I’m very excited about this…
I’ll write it on my calendar page too when it’s closer to date, but I’ll be leaving on Saturday 13th June and I’ll be coming back a week after that. My tickets are already booked, so I started planning… I am going to Ireland!!!
8 Comments
All of this amazes me! I must say I’m bedazzled by what has happened and will happen with your discovery. Any initial scepticism I had about any publicity seems very misplaced. All the best; maybe one day you’ll come to the West of England and keep us in touch here. Rick
Wonderful news, Hanny. I’m sure this presentation will be as excellent as the others and I hope you have lot’s of fun doing it.
Tommy
Thanks Rick, that would be cool!
And thank you too Tommy!
Wow! That great news. I’ve never been to Ireland, but I think you’ll having a great time over there.
For the fun
:
http://www.alexandrea.fr/public/hannysvoorwerp.jpg
Thanks for all of yours informations.
Thanks for that lovely picture Alexandréa.
Having been lucky enough to have been to the Dwigeloo presentation with you, I know how much fun these are. Keep up the good work HH
I even know how to spell Dwingeloo too