The ATT: Europe's Biggest Astronomy Forum
Fred Hissink
More
than 2500 amateurs from the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and France visited
the ATT in Germany on the 13th of may, Europe's biggest astro show.
120 exibitors (60 professionals and 60 private participants) showed everything
they could offer to fill the stomachs of hungry observers and photographers.
The
ATT is an activity organized by the "Verein fur volkstumliche Astronomie
Essen
e.V'. In the beginning of 2006 the association in Essen merged with the
"Walther-Hohmann-Sternwarte Essen e.V.'. Nothing changed for the organisation
of the ATT; the realization of the 22th edition has been a great success and
the high number of visitors reflects the importance of the ATT.
It's a well-known picture:
hundreds of nervous amateurs waiting in line for the doors to be opened" A lot
of them are carrying lists with astro-wanna-haves'. A astro-show like the ATT
is very good for your hobby, but a nightmare for your wallet (and spouse" )
Honey, I shrunk my wallet!
The
ATT is held at a very large school which has a giant basement. Normally, this
place is filled with students, but today eager amateurs are spread all over the
place looking for astro stuff and discounts.
The lure of glossy white tubes"
Large telescopes aimed at the sky and at the wallet of the visitors! This
picture was taken at lunch time, normally you can hardly reach the booths and
sometimes there are two or three rows! Every exhibitor has attractive
discounts; especially eyepieces, filters and other small
accessories are very
popular.
Daniel Da Pont and Kris Chiang
from William Optics were present to meet and greet their customers and dealers.
WO has a very good relationship with both, so being at the ATT reflects the
commitment of the company.
Pictures: Daniel Da Pont and
Kris Chiang; the author holding the ZS80 II ED APO; Kris and Daniel unpacking
the van; Kris talking at the booth to a
customer.
There's
no ATT without the presence of Markus Ludes (APM Telescopes) Daniel showed him
the new Megrez 90mm FD APO (holding the telescope in his right hand, left on
the picture) The Megrez 90 has an integrated two speed-focuser.
Like a child in a candy store"
Everything you've dreamed of, you find it on the ATT! But, the ATT has another
important function besides being the largest European astronomical forum: it's
also a social 'get-together' for amateurs who want to meet and talk about astro
stuff. Sharing experiences makes up an important part of the hobby!
Picture left: "Wow, what an
eyepiece! I need an extra counterweight with this one! Something nice to put on
display in our living room when not in use, but" I think my spouse has a
different meaning of "nice'"'.
Picture right: the official
announcement of the ATT.
Picture right below: the bad condition of
your piggy bank after the ATT.
