Astronomer delights, educates public at Snellville Farmers Market

Snellville will surprise you every time. I expected just another day at the Snellville Farmers' Market yesterday,  when a man set up a huge apparatus near me. I wasn't quite sure what it was at first. I thought it might be some sort of photography equipment. It turned out to be a telescope - a really HUGE telescope.

Now you might ask, why would someone be using a telescope during the daytime? William (Bill) Smith uses a solar filter to view the sun safely during the day. Today he was interested in getting a good look at sunspots.

Bill adjusts the keypad. His telescope is equipped with GPS. He said his set-up cost around $3,000 "with all the toys."

Bill, who has 45 years' of astronomy experience himself, said that the newer equipment makes it much easier for people new to astronomy to enjoy it.

Bill with one of his new young fans

The kids (and many adults) were really mesmerized by the views in the telescope and Bill's knowledge on the subject. He explained to the children that they should never look at the sun, either directly or through binoculars, and that he uses a special solar filter on his telescope that allows him to view the sun safely. 

Bill Smith will not be at the Snellville Farmers' Market each week - he just enjoys astronomy and is not a vendor at the Market. But if atmospheric conditions and Bill's schedule are right, you will be able to meet him there and drop a dollar or two in his "Starving Astronomer" fund to thank him for the astronomy lesson!

For more information about Bill Smith, email him at wasmith[AT]mindspring.com