Perhaps we would see increases in public attendance with lower prices, we have had much bigger crowds at SPOC in years past well before the Grim. Hundreds were not that unusual. That includes SLAS members and public, star party support remains but has waned a bit. Gas prices are not my reason for not wishing to drive out on ify nights, clouds are.
We went through a few years ago when oil briefly hit $140 per barrel.
Same questions were asked and there was little noticeable difference in attendance. A few people mentioned gas prices as reasons for not going to a start party (on cloudy nights) but when the weather was good we saw as many people as we normal. I think this will be the same.
Bob
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Jay Eads Sent: Saturday, April 23, 2011 12:06 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Will the cost of gas change your dark site visits or your attendance at outreach events?
Bob,
I agree with you. I asked the question initially because I was curious if anyone thought the impact would change any driving habits in terms of observing. My wife said it best. "This is your hobby, you'll cut something else out so you can still go." Yep, she's right. I know gas won't stop me, the weather is right now, but I'll adjust in other areas.
Also, I have lived in Europe and my wife and I have 3 couples from Denmark, England/Britain and France that are close friends. Petrol prices are often reflected by taxes that are collected to pay for other transportation needs. It also encourages people not to own a car but to use public transportation, even for vacations (plane, train etc.). Our friends in Denmark don't own a car, don't feel the need. Our friends in England own two cars but mainly take public transportation to work. Our friends in France own one car and use it a lot more as they are in the country. One thing not mentioned is the fact that in Europe (western Europe) you also have high costs to register your car. The registration fee for a car can be up to really expensive and is based on a high % of the cars value. Imagine owning a car and having to pay $8000.00 a year just to register it (the tax on a car valued at $20,000 at a 40% tax rate). In addition, many roads are toll roads and so you have to pay to drive on them. Don't drive in Italy or in France if you don't know how to avoid the toll roads and in many cases, just have plenty of change anyway. Bottom line, driving in Europe is more expensive than here. I just wish we had their public transportation.
In terms of visitors to Star Parties I actually think we just may see an increase. Why? While if your in the Tooele area, SPOC is a lot closer than going into SLC and Wheeler is right in the middle of a major metro area and they are both free to the public. When money gets tight, families often look to do things that are free and fun. Sounds like a Star Party evening may be in the plans for some families as the weather improves (will it?).
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