For many of us, the joy of gazing up the starry sky is part of an indelible memory, and the same is true for Bill Yeung, President of Hong Kong Astronomical Society and amateur astronomer, whose stargazing journey took off in his childhood home in Mongkok, Hong Kong. "I was 12 or 13 years old then, and with a less serious level of light pollution, even the sky in Mongkok was visibly starry. It was that bedazzling sight that aroused my interest in the exploration of the universe." In the eyes of Bill, stargazing can easily be a fun-filled outdoor activity for senior citizens, with the right grasp of astronomical knowledge, caution on safety and adequate rest. 

Astronomical Discovery for the Romantic

Associating the discovery of new planets and the status as the world's first discoverer of comet with romance, Bill Yeung is currently the world's second ranking amateur astronomer, and his passion for the infinite universe has not ceased a bit. In 2002, with painstaking effort, Bill discovered a periodic comet which he named 172P/Yeung. "Comets are rare and tend not to have a long period of presence, because the solar wind would evaporate the commentary materials every time the comet passes by the sun," said Yeung. "There are hitherto just two to three Chinese comet discoverers in the recent 200 years, and that is why 172P/Yeung is a comet that carries huge meaning to me." And it is 172p/Yeung and the 2,000 other asteroids he discovered that serve as a constant drive for Bill's astrological exploration.

A Hobby for All

Hong Kong Astronomical Society, incidentally, is comprised of students, the employed and retired, with one to two astrology enthusiasts aged 70 and 80. "You're always welcome to look up at the sky in search of stars, as long as you're interested in stars," said Bill. "A basic pair of astronomy binoculars cost about HKD300 and should suffice for beginners. While retirees' abundant time on hand means they can actively participate in stargazing activities, it's a good idea for them to sleep for a few hours before the activities, which are usually held at night. Circumspection on safety is necessary as stargazing activities are mostly held in remote areas, so be sure to tell your friends and family about your whereabouts in advance, and do whatever that is only within your capabilities."

The Astrologic Window to Science

Apart from 172P/Yeung, J002E3 is another asteroid discovered by Bill. "J002E3 is really the third stage of the Apollo 12 Saturn V rocket launched in 1969. It had been dragged by the earth's gravity before it was pulled away by the moon. By proving the power of the earth's gravity alone, the discovery of J002E3 is a great scientific feat."

Hong Kong Astronomical Society will continue to promote astrology conservation and public awareness on scientific knowledge while organising stargazing activities for senior citizens. Get your friends together for this outdoor activity that combines astrology and science – who knows, you could be the next person to have an asteroid named after you!

For more information, visit www.hkas.org.hk/activity.aspx or ring (852) 2547 4543.

Special Thanks:
Bill Yeung, President of Hong Kong Astronomical Society