Astronomy Outreach Resource Kit

Since I am very enthusiastic about Astronomy Outreach events, one of my first activities for this IYA2009 site is to define and list the contents of my astronomer's outreach kit which I have put together for myself when I attend activities away from my observatory. The contents of this 'kit' are varied and useful for many different applications. In spite of all the items listed, the kit is very easy to take along for events as I just sling the kit over my shoulder.

1   Green laser pointer (with spare batteries; mine uses 2 AAA batteries)
1    Camera; digital or film, lightweight and equipped with built-in flash
1   Pocket Sky Atlas (2007) - sold by Sky & Telescope
                                (excellent and physically small star atlas - a must have item)
1   Binoculars, small; size10 x 25 - mine are Meade's compact binoculars
1   Observer's Handbook, for current year - published by RASC in Canada
1   Handbook of Constellations (Small book from National Audubon Society)
                    What a treat !! ; many constellation charts and mythological stories.
1   Guide to the MOON (fold up map from ASTRONOMY Magazine)
1   Planisphere (or 'star wheel') - 5 inch size at least; select appropriate observing latitude
1   6 inch (15 cm) straightedge or ruler for drawing lines or measuring short 'stuff'
1   Personal Note Book; contains various sky object tables, small charts and misc. data, like
                                   distances to Messier objects and common stars.
AN (As Needed) writing material - small notebooks or pads of paper; Post-It's get too messy.
AN (Small removable stick-on labels) for writing on and sticking on various items
AN   Black ink pens ( not red ink!)
AN   SHARPIE Permanent Marker Pens (Preferably Black)

1 ea. Rolls of RED and BLACK 'duct' tape for minor repairs and to cover exposed and
          unwanted white lights, mostly on flashlights.
AN      One size fits all knit cap to help keep a head warm. (usually brought along as an extra)
AN      Hand warmers - non-toxic chemical type recommended.
AN      A small sandwich bag with assorted sizes of rubber bands
1 ea.     Bull's-Eye Level (about 1 inch in diameter) - to level tripods and/or mounts
1 ea.     Tweezers
1 ea.      Celestron Len's Pen (to clean/brush various optics)
AN       Lens cleaning papers or cloth (already packaged) - for those 'stubborn' jobs
1 ea.      Screwdriver - small flat bladed type and small Phillips type (use for just small screws)
1 ea.      Compass (a good quality magnetic type for determining North or other directions)
1 ea.      Scissors (inexpensive school type with safety cap on blades to prevent poking)
AN        Travel Pack of Wet Wipes (for cleaning hands, face, or even astro gear)
1 ea.      Pocket Calculator (ordinary or scientific)
AN      Spare astro friendly Red Light (operational, of course); no replacement bulbs - use lights
                with red LED's.
1 ea.     Small pocket type Magnifying lens (to aid in reading small print or pictures
1 ea.      Tape Measure (short, maybe about 6 ft or a couple of meters)
AN       Batteries, spare (one or two 9V type, AA type, AAA type, 357 disc type, 2032 disc type)
AN       Band-Aid's ( assorted sizes, colors, styles) for those small unexpected body 'dings'
1 ea.      Swiss Army Knife (a blade for almost every need)
AN        extra Pens and Pencils
1 ea.        Insect repellant (with Deet)
1 ea.      Shoulder bag (see photo) or small back-pack, or a container of your choice.
AN        spare eyeglasses or contact lenses.

This 'Messenger Bag' is now what I am using for my Outreach gear.
It is roomy and has several compartments to stow different items, plus it fits nicely over a person's shoulder.
Right at the moment, the weight of all of the outreach gear that I include is about six pounds (lbs) or about 2.7 kg.
This particular bag can be purchased from the IYA2009 website shop.
( www.astronomy2009.org )
Questions or suggestions? Email me