GC4QDTB Geocaching in Spaaaaaaace - K-Dub (Event Cache) in Ontario, Canada created by thebruce0

This cache has been archived.

thebruce0: Time to retire this. Thanks to everyone who came, and I hope the event served as an inspiration to keep looking to the skies! :)

GC4QDTB ▼

A cache by thebruce0 Message this owner

Hidden : Wednesday, November 6, 2013

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Geocache Description:

The moment we've all been waiting for!
Let's celebrate the first official logging of the geocache on the ISS!

Wait, what?

On the night of November 6th, 2013, astronaut Rick Mastracchio will be launching into space from Kazakhstan for a 6 month mission - and on arrival he'll be the first to in person officially log the first to find for the geocache that was placed there by Richard Garriott in 2008.

To celebrate this milestone, Groundspeak is awarding geocachers who attend an event on November 6th or 7th a special "Geocaching in Space" souvenir! These events are being published worldwide.

So, in partnership with the Nerd Nite KW crew, this event in Waterloo will be taking place at the University of Waterloo on Wednesday November 6th, to help raise awareness for... space? Astronomy? Astro-geocaching? Science? Weightless fun? Well all of the above, really.

Additionally, being the first Wednesday of the month, this event coincides with a public event - at UW's Gustav Bakos Observatory (yes, there is a space telescope observatory at UW!), there is a half-hour presentation about astronomy by Robert Henderson, followed by a tour of the observatory, and weather-permitting, the chance to view some spectacular sights in space, through the telescope!
And it's free :)

The Gustav Bakos Observatory, named in honour of the first astronomer at the University of Waterloo, houses a twelve-inch telescope, which is located on the roof of the Physics building. The observatory has been in operation since 1967. (for more information about the observatory, visit this link)

So, details about this event:

Where:

The Physics building at the University of Waterloo
Room # PHY 313 (Location and parking details below)
Room capacity is 60-80, and the current Will Attend count is nearing 60!

When:

6:00pm - doors open!

What:

Here's an outline of the event schedule:
6:00-7:00pm - interactive games, photo opportunity, passing space-time until
7:00-8:00pm - brief presentation about geocaching in space, followed by trivia and door prizes!
There will of course be a logbook to sign, and trackable item boxes for discovery and trade.

Optional (and recommended):
8:00pm - In room PHY308 (down the hall from 313) Astronomy talk by Robert Henderson for about 30 minutes, followed by a public tour of the observatory and viewing of things in space!
Alternatively - You may leave early to head up to the observatory on the roof and line up for viewing (this monthly opportunity can be popular and busy, and there may be line ups depending on the state of the sky)
Note: The observatory tour will of course be dependent on weather.

Entirely optional (but highly recommended!):
11:14pm - Watch live coverage of the launch of Rick Mastracchio's mission to the ISS available on
A) NASA TV, or NASA.gov
B) NASA's mobile app (iOS or Android)
C) NASA's cable tv channel
(The live launch coverage will also be replayed on the 7th and available later, if you're unable to watch it live on Wednesday night - but note: the launch coverage won't be shown at this event, since it's after 11pm our time)

Why:

Because, SPAAAAAAAAAAACCCCCEE!!

Who:

YOU!

Additional details:

Posted coordinates are for the observatory atop the Physics building at the UW
Use your geosense to locate the room event's room PHY313! :) (it's not hard to find in the physics building)
Parking is available at any lot on the UW campus for $5/day (public transit is also an option :). Lot D is the closest to the Physics building, but small; lot C and N are best bets (lot M is $6).
(Full campus PDF map)
GRT bus routes stopping nearby are the 200 and 201 iXpress routes, and 7D or 7E mainlines.
Study up for trivia and watch this listing! Space and geocaching related questions will be asked (of course, what else?)
How else do you get to celebrate someone else's FTF?
We have room for lots of people - but the room to be used will be announced shortly. This event and the 8pm presentation and observatory will all be taking place in the same location (except the observatory tour, which is on the roof).
The event will be friendly and welcoming to all ages, including children!