REACH FOR THE STARS
Speaking to Charles Duarte, MAstr (Masters in Astronomy), Fellow Member of the Royal Astronomy Society (UK) and head of the Gibraltar Amateur Astronomer’s Society. BY SOPHIE CLIFTON-TUCKER
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HAT IS THE GIBRALTAR AMATEUR ASTRONOMERS SOCIETY, AND WHO WAS IT FOUNDED BY? After obtaining a Master's Degree in Astronomy, I decided to create the GAAS back in 2013 with the help of a small group of fellow astronomers. The aims were and are to provide a forum for discussion of astronomy matters and share knowledge, as well as to meet other fellow stargazers, whether just getting started in astronomy or as a seasoned observer and/or astrophotographer. It’s also a great way to learn about telescopes, eyepieces, cameras, and the Universe.
HOW MANY MEMBERS ARE THERE? WHEN/WHERE DO YOU MEET? WHAT DO YOU DO? Since its founding in 2013, membership in the society 30
has been limited to members interested in astrophotography, and currently, we meet in Spain at least once a month. We have a Facebook page of nearly 700 followers, and Facebook groups of over 2000 members. I would like to establish a club locally to develop and create awareness of the sky above us, bring together local people from our community to share our passion for astronomy and the wonders of the Universe. I receive many requests from local parents asking how their children can join the society, but without premises, it's difficult.
WHEN DID YOUR INTEREST IN ASTRONOMY BEGIN? When I was in school from a very young age, I was interested in all kinds of science things. There weren't many books on astronomy at the time, but I read all the ones in John Mackintosh Hall library. TV series like Star Trek and Lost in Space when I was growing up did influence me quite a bit. I do remember the first trips that were
made into space, like the Gemini and Apollo missions. It wasn’t until later in life when I could afford a telescope, that I saw for the very first time a close-up of the Moon; I remember the excitement I felt seeing it.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT IT? I had to think about this for a long time. But I think the best thing is being able to share what I have learned about the Universe with others and enjoy their enthusiasm and amazement.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT/EXCITING DISCOVERY, IN YOUR OPINION? There have been many significant discoveries, mostly in the past fifty years. Still, I will stick with last year's breakthrough and one in particular, which proves a theory going back decades. I am talking about the first image of GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2020
