Andrew M in introducing Ian stated that he spent time as CEO of Science Oxford Trust in Oxford and was basically inspired by Carl Sagan astronomer and Pulitzer Prize-winning author who wrote a 1980 popular science book and encourged people to be become involved in the study of our skies. Ian has become passionate about the 'Southern Lights'.
Ian explained that he is the 8th Director in 149 years of the Museum's existance and as such the museum is the 'senior institution' in the city. The Museum has 1.5 million items from insects to waka and whales. It is a very big job to look after all the stuff they have and the staff that is needed to run such a successful institution. The Museum has the best collection of cultural items including 150 cuneiforn tablets and inscriptions which is the largest known collection in the Southern Hemisphere.
Ian found when he toured the Muneum that there was the anchor of the Boundy. The question was why did we have such a treasure in Dunedin? Well, H D Shinner a past director was asked if he want it and he being very astute said yes, so it was purchesed fioir the princely sum of the equivqlent of $40.00.The HAnds on Science Centre has taken 3 or 4 months to complete but it is bigger and 'brighter' and its infinity Room is outstanding and they have the highest slide (7.6 metres) which Ian explained he had undertaken a trial ride.
The Museum will be establishing a yearly pass of $60 for adults and $40 for a child to the forest and science areas.
Ian's normal life consists of odd excursions out of the office one of which was to tha Chatham Islands where he and his staff ran science schools for the kids.
They took an inflatable planatarium which was fun. And they visited Pitt Island also. On that trip they took the opportunity to be on the east and west of the date line.
He is constantly amassed at the beauty of our night skys and he spoend a lot of night time at Hoopers Inlet with his camera. In the last 5 years has probably spent 170 nights at Hookers Inlet.
Rules for studying the night sky;
1 Find somewhere with an unobstructed view of the southern sky.
2 Give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness.
3 Dont expect to see what the cameras show.
4 Look ono the various sites that give good sky data; Spaceweather.com, Aroraaustralis, auroraaustralus alerts (NZ),. Solar Monitor has down loads.
He uses a film camera as it cen be better than digital.
He hired a 767 and took a load of enthusiasts to look at the Southern Lights from way south and will be doing it again. The cost is a 'wee bit high' though.
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