Club’s spearhead wins new equipment
IT started with a book, Space: A Children’s Encyclopedia, which stirred big dreams for a Shepparton Astronomy Club in the minds of Aziz Bhatti and his children, 9-year-old son Hamza and 8-year-old daughter Taqweer.
Hamza wants to create an Astronomy Club in Shepparton so kids from all backgrounds can watch the sky freely together. Mr Bhatti has spoken with the Greater Shepparton City Council, Mayor Kim O’Keeffe, and the Astronomy Society of Victoria’s (ASV) president, Chris Rudge, to form a local group.
Over the weekend, the ASV held their end-of-year event, where non-members can explore the group’s Dark Sky Site. Located near Heathcote, this area is purpose-made to get the best view of the night sky. Members bring their own equipment and are welcome to use facilities on-site, including the 40-inch telescope that was built by Shepparton’s Peter Read, which makes it possible to see distant galaxies.
During the event, Mr Bhatti was announced the winner of the group’s raffle, winning exclusive astro-photography equipment worth more than $3,000.
Mr Bhatti said, “I could not believe it for the first five minutes. I’ve already decided that I would like to delegate the prize to the ASV Shepparton chapter, so that people who are interested in astronomy locally can use the equipment to capture the stars.”
Earlier this year, Mr Bhatti purchased a $2,000 Dobsonian 8-inch telescope for his children. He said, “It cost a fair bit of money, but seeing our kids use it and being so excited paid off. Our kids have discussed their equipment with other kids, including their teachers, and they were all interested in learning about astronomy.”
“I’ve seen the joy in a child’s eyes when they first see the sky through a telescope and see the stars and the planets up close. They will never look at the sky the same way again. We would love to have our own local club where bigger and better equipment is provided to all kids to help them inspire and to see beyond the limits!”
Mr Rudge said that he was impressed that local people and students are interested in forming a Shepparton chapter, particularly as the region homes the largest Indigenous Australian population outside of Melbourne and is home to diverse migrant communities as well.
“I’m so happy that something that started from a book has grown into something more. If we teach our kids to read, we are teaching them how to learn and to explore their interests. Parents can do so much to facilitate their children’s passions,” Mr Bhatti said.
Anyone who is interested in learning about astronomy should contact the ASV. Memberships are less than $100 and will truly open the sky up to you. Visit asv.org.au to learn more.
LOCAL SUPPORT… Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe with Aziz Bhatti and his children, Hamza (9) and Taqweer (8). The mayor, whose husband is an avid astronomer with his own telescope, has thrown her support behind Mr Bhatti and the potential astronomy club. Photo: Supplied. MADE IN SHEPPARTON… Pictured is an astronomy enthusiast trying out the 40″ telescope built by Shepparton’s Peter Read, and homed at ASV’s Dark Sky Site, Ladys Pass, Heathcote, where members can explore deep in space without investing in expensive gear. Photo: Deanne Jeffers.
