Well it’s been a while and we’re still catching up. In the summer, News in Space went to Starfest, one of the top Star Parties and Astronomy Conventions in North America. Very soon we will have a series of Starfest episodes posted on AstroShorts. I know many of you have been waiting patiently and you will be rewarded. Starfest attracts over 900 astronomy enthusiasts to Southern Ontario, Canada each year. Its diversity of programs means there is something for everyone. I’m impressed by how such a small group of organizers, the North York Astronomical Association produces such a great event.

It really makes me happy to see the ever-increasing number of visitors to AstroShorts but that is only one part of the equation.  It is the input of our members that makes a difference.  I bet you’ve noticed more than a few videos from AstroShorts member John Crilly who takes some fabulous pictures from his urban observatory.  I urge you to explore them all.  Thanks John for all your valuable contributions.

I’m equally pleased to report that the good people at Astronomy magazine have posted a series of videos on a wide range of topics related to astronomy.  There’s been a great deal of interest from viewers -they’re very popular and we’re really happy to see them available to AstroShorts viewers.

You can upload your own videos too!  Don’t be shy.  Everyone visiting AstroShorts wants to see.  The whole astronomical community benefits every time someone shares their interest of astronomy.  That’s why we are here, doing what we do and why you are visiting right now.

Clear Skies!

The relationship between Science and Science Fiction is a symbiotic one, don’t you think?  Casey and I visited a Science Fiction convention in Toronto called Polaris 21 where we explored that relationship.  What we found was that Science Fiction fans are keenly aware of the interplay between the two and had plenty to say.  We’ll have their insights in an episode of “News In Space” very soon including an interview with Torri Higginson of Stargate Atlantis.

For those of you wondering what’s happened to News In Space, don’t fret -we haven’t forgotten you.  We’re working hard to bring our on-line store to AstroShorts and it’s requiring our full attention right now.  We will have more coming very soon.  On a related note, our wonderful show host, Casey Dee is now providing the voice of IMAGINOVA’s monthly Sky Events Podcast.  We’ve featured it on the AstroShorts main page.  We’re so proud of you Casey!

I returned recently from a trip to Florida to experience the launch of the Space Shuttle. While there, I was made welcome by members of the Brevard Astronomical Society as well as the staff of the Brevard Community College Planetarium.

The day after the shuttle launch, the good folk of the Brevard Astronomical Society and Melbourne Astronomical Society were engaged in a public event to share views of the sun and other celestial objects. They are wonderful people who really do a great job of bringing the wonder and excitement of astronomy to people of all ages. It was a pleasure to speak with the individual members -we’ll have it all in an upcoming installment of “News In Space”. Of course, we shot some great video at the BCC Planetarium as well. They run many good programs and exhibits from their beautiful location on the Brevard Community College Campus.

We are working on four new episodes of “News In Space” which focus on Florida’s Spacecoast, including the BAS, BCC Planetarium and of course the Kennedy Space Center. I think you’ll enjoy them. If you are visiting that part of Florida, check them out.

Welcome!

It’s the official launch of AstroShorts and I couldn’t be more pleased. About two months ago, AstroShorts started as an idea, a concept of serving the astronomical community with a video-sharing service. Now, instead of traveling the internet in search of astronomy and space video you can find a lot of it right here. Now you can upload your astronomy or space video on this site and find an audience that’s eager to see it.

Register for your own AstroShorts account. It’s easy, it doesn’t cost anything and we don’t share your personal info with anyone. By registering, you can access all the features in AstroShorts, form friendships with other members and share your astronomy or space video. Got a great mod for a webcam? Do you have video of your club’s public event? Do you have an astrophotography technique that you want to share? AstroShorts viewers want to see this.

Win an IPOD!

Right now, we’re running a contest for videos related to attracting new people to astronomy. Got a public outreach idea or a tutorial on how to purchase your first telescope? Upload your video today and you could be the lucky winner of an IPOD! As long as it pertains to attracting new people to astronomy, it qualifies.

Create your Account

To create your free AstroShorts account go to the top right hand corner of the main page and click on “register“. The process only takes a couple of minutes. For security purposes your account will not be activated until you respond to an email from us. You will receive this email within minutes of registering -If your spam filter is aggressive you may want to keep an eye out in the trash or spam folders. Hotmail users take note!

More video is added all the time so please visit often!

Clear Skies!

Steve Bevan