This past Saturday, Siding Spring Observatory, in the Warrumbungle National Park, held its annual Open House. The Faulkes Telescope South (FTS) is one of twelve telescopes located at Siding Spring Observatory and all participated in the big event. Staffed by John, Jan, and Minnie Shobbrook, the FTS, the third largest telescope at Siding Spring,and its fellow observatories received just under four hundred interested visitors, including the mayor of the Warrumbungle Shire.
John was his usual charming self, and is quoted saying that he “really enjoyed interacting with a crowd, telling the odd joke and tall story.” Jan kept everything in order and made sure John didn’t go overboard with the jokes and stories. And Minnie the safety manager worked her magic by attracting many of the younger visitors, thriving under all the attention and pets she was getting.
The event was very successful with several people interested in learning more about LCOGT. Even the weather cooperated and took a break from the rain. Many thanks to the wonderful Shobbrook team for always keeping FTS the star of Siding Spring Observatory!
