Desert Skies
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association
Desert Skies
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association
Volume XLVI, Number 8, August, 2000
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Contents
BEGINNERS LECTURE: Aug 4, 6:30 pm at the Steward Observatory Auditorium - Room N210. This month's topic is Low Tech Astronomy by Michael S. Smith.
GENERAL MEETING: Aug 4, 7:30 pm at the Steward Observatory Auditorium - Room N210. Topic is New Insights into the Tertiary Structure of Planetary Nebulae by Dr. William A. Miller.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: Thursday, Aug 10, 7:00 pm at Steward Observatory Conference room N305.
STAR PARTIES AND EVENTS:
Newsletter Schedule: Deadline for articles: Monday, Aug 10. Printing: Tuesday, Aug 22. Folding Party: Wednesday, Aug 23. Mailing: Thursday, Aug 24. The newsletter is scheduled to be in the mail at least one week prior to the following month's General Meeting.
Cover: Members hold a work party to prepare the 16-foot dome at Kitt Peak for transport to TIMPA.
Office Name Phone Email
------ ---- ----- -----
President John Kalas 620-6502 jckalas@aol.com
Vice-President Andy Cooper 795-3585 acooper@pobox.com
Secretary Jane Tongate 623-4056 triton@dakotanet.net
Treasurer Terri Lappin 579-0185 tlappin@as.arizona.edu
Member-at-Large Robert Callanan 818-1315 tucsonbac@aol.com
Member-at-Large Bill Lofquist 297-6653 wlofquist@aol.com
Member-at-Large Steve Peterson 326-5303 swpeterson@theriver.com
Chief Observer Wayne Johnson
Newsletter Editor George Barber 822-2392 barbergj@flash.net
Star Parties Maggie & Jeff Buzek 760-4578 jeffbuzek@aol.com
AL Correspondent Laurel Dunlap 544-7780 taloftaaa@earthlink.net
Astrophoto SIG Dean Ketelsen 293-2855 ketelsen@as.arizona.edu
Computers SIG Rodger Tanner 574-3876 rtanner@seds.lpl.arizona.edu
TAAA Mission Statement
We are a resource for anyone interested in astronomy. It is our mission to nurture a person's natural curiosity about the night sky. By giving people a knowledge and understanding of astronomy, we enhance their enjoyment of the solar system and beyond. Through our public activities and school evening observing sessions, we bring astronomy to persons of all ages. Our regular meetings and observing sessions offer members a forum to meet others with similar interests and experiences and to learn from one another.
Membership in the TAAA
Regular membership $ 23
Senior (over 60) membership $ 21
Student membership $ 15
Add for Family membership $ 5
Add for Astronomical League (optional) $ 3
Add for contribution to Southern Arizona
Section of I.D.A. (optional) $ 3 (recommended minimum)
Add for Sky & Telescope Magazine $ 29.95
Add for Astronomy Magazine $ 29
Rates for membership are given above. Family Membership includes two adults plus minor children. Members may subscribe to Sky & Telescope or Astronomy magazine (or both) at the time of membership renewal, saving substantially over the regular subscription rates. To assure we understand what you are paying for, please identify which class of membership and what options you want. Send one check made payable to TAAA to cover membership dues, magazine subscription(s) and any contributions to:
4 Easy Steps to Membership Renewal
Call the Treasurer if you have any problems. Send address changes to the above address.
Desert Skies Publishing Guidelines
All articles, announcements, news, etc. must be submitted by the newsletter deadline noted above. Materials received after that date will appear in the next issue. All submissions are retained by the editor unless prior arrangements are made. Partial page article submissions should be submitted in Word compatible files via e-mail or on a floppy disk. Full page articles, artwork, and photos should be camera ready. We will not publish slanderous or libelous material! Send articles, announcements, etc. to:
or e-mail: jckalas@aol.com
Desert Skies is published monthly by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association, PO Box 41254, Tucson, Arizona 85717
President's Message,
WOW!! What an annual picnic! Ed and Pat Vega were outstanding hosts for this year's picnic. A large turnout of TAAA Members was treated to a great barbecue followed by some pretty good observing at the Vega-Bray Observatory in Benson. This year's event had a few new features; a fascinating talk by Professor Stephen Jacobs of the Optical Sciences Dept. at the UofA and a raffle drawing with prizes donated by Ed Erbeck, Jr. of "Crazy Ed's Optical". See the article under Club News. Many thanks to the Vegas for inviting us to their fabulous facility and to Crazy Ed for the great prizes. Next year's annual picnic will be held at the Vega-Bray Observatory/Skywatcher's Inn on Saturday, April 21, 2001. Mark your calendars!
Our early monsoon season resulted in the July 1st Empire Ranch Star Party being clouded out. Hopefully, the weather will not interfere with our upcoming activities for 7/29 at Empire Ranch, 8/5 at TIMPA, and 8/26 at TIMPA. The club is not scheduling an official Perseid Meteor Shower observing session due to the fact that there will be a very bright Moon up during the shower's peak, Aug. 10-12.
The activity level relating to the development of the TIMPA Site is picking up. On June 16th, a work party visited Kitt Peak to "strip" the siding off of the observatory support building. Future work parties will; cut the support building in half and transport it to TIMPA, disassemble the observatory dome and transport it to TIMPA, excavate the observatory and pier footers, and prep the footers for concrete pouring. Soon we expect to hear from the TIMPA Organization about the bathroom design. Once the design is approved, this project will require TAAA Member participation to locate and secure cost-effective construction materials and to support construction work parties. There will be lots of activities required. It would be great to have your help.
John Kalas
Beginner's Lecture
"Low Tech Astronomy"
By Michael S. Smith
Michael S. Smith will present this month's Beginners Lecture. Michael has been a member of the TAAA for many years, but most members probably know him best by his "Under Dark Skies" column in the Arizona Daily Star. Since November 1984, Michael has written over 560 columns about the night sky...not bad for a project he thought would last 6 months! His feature "Dark Skies" now appears weekly in the Caliente section of the newspaper.
Michael will discuss a number of items, including how to easily create an analemma (what's that?), the importance of following sunrises and sunsets, and lunar libration (huh?). Come enjoy this potpourri of astronomical topics at this month's Beginners Lecture.
Main Meeting
"New Insights into the Tertiary Structure of Planetary Nebulae"
By Dr. William A Miller
As many of you know, planetary nebulae are the death throes that an average sized star undergoes. This month's lecture will give an overview of what goes on in the fusion furnace of a dying star and how this process leads to the creation of higher elements in the periodic table (i.e., lithium through iron). We will discuss some of the new ideas on what occurs to create the complex structures that allow for some of the beautiful images we have seen from the Hubble Space Telescope as well as other imagining sources.
Dr. William A. Miller, M.D., will give this month's presentation. Dr. Miller has been an amateur astronomer for many years and has recently joined TAAA as a member. He works as an emergency room physician, but is also currently going back to school to pursue a second calling. He is studying astronomy / planetary sciences and has a special interest in the newly formed discipline of astro-biology, the study of life in the Universe and the search for extra-terrestrial life. His hobby interest has been in planetary nebulae.
Member News
We welcome the most recent members who have joined the TAAA: Ed Erbeck Jr, Henry and Heidi Fly, Bill Gillespie, William A Miller, Melvin and Janette Simister, William Veith, the David Watson Family, and Janet and Don Waugaman. Glad to have you join! If you haven't already, be sure to pick up a new members pack at a meeting. Hope you'll make it to our star parties or meetings so we can all get to know you.
2001 Calendars
The new 2001 Astronomy Calendars are here! The same company that produces Astronomy Magazine publishes these calendars. We will begin selling these calendars at the August meeting. The cost is $10 each (~$3 off the regular selling price), or $9 each for more than one. This calendar, which features a full-color astronomical photo each month, has daily information about astronomical events, both historical and observational...plus space for adding important events you need to remember. This year's photos are stunning! From Hubble and NASA images to a beautiful Tony and Daphne Hallas print of the Orion Nebula, this is the calendar to have!
TAAA Annual Picnic Review
by John Kalas
Another successful annual picnic was enjoyed by the attendees due to our fabulous hosts, Ed and Pat Vega, a great turnout by club members, some special activities, and a little luck with the weather. As usual, the Vega-Bray Observatory and Skywatcher's Inn in Benson were a terrific setting for the event. Ed Vega was proudly giving tours of the new facilities at the site, especially the new 12-foot dome at the south end of the elevated observing deck.
The barbecue grills were put to the test, cooking up a wide variety of entrees. TAAA Members brought a delicious selection of dishes to share with the others; salads of all sorts and delectable deserts, as well.
When the barbecue wound down, the first special activity of the
evening took place. Professor Stephen Jacobs of the Optical Sciences
Department at the UofA presented the first of three talks describing
his nifty Night Spectra Quest product. All attendees received
a card containing a built-in diffraction grating along with the
typical spectra produced by various common lighting sources. Professor
Jacobs demonstrated the function of the card utilizing several
different light sources, i.e. incandescent, fluorescent, mercury
vapor, neon, sodium vap
or, etc. Using the diffraction grating built into the card everyone
could easily see the spectra that each light source produced.
A very practical use for this product is to identify the type
of light produced by outdoor lighting fixtures. The talk was so
popular that Professor Jacobs offered to present it three times
to accommodate everyone. The TAAA appreciates this "extra added
attraction" to the picnic and thanks Professor Jacobs and Ed Vega
for arranging the presentation.
Immediately after the second talk, the other special activity of the picnic took place. Previously, the TAAA had been contacted by Ed Erbeck, Jr., owner of Crazy Ed's Optical, a mail order business supplying optics and astronomy accessories. Ed had recently relocated his business from California to Pearce, AZ and had heard about the TAAA. He offered to supply a very nice group of astronomy-related accessories as raffle prizes for our picnic. Ed joined the club at the picnic, also. The raffle prizes included; two planispheres, two LED flashlights, two reflex QuikFinders, two Telrad finders, and a super H/B AstroAtlas. By the time the raffle was to take place, it had become dark enough outside that attendees would not be able to see their raffle tickets. Therefore, the raffle was held inside the Skywatcher's Inn. The attendees, shoulder-to-shoulder, filled three adjacent rooms during the raffle. The winning numbers had to be relayed into the adjoining rooms so all could hear. Despite being a little cramped, everyone seemed to enjoy the raffle drawing. Many thanks to Crazy Ed for donating the great prizes and welcome to the TAAA.
The fantastic evening continued with observing all around the
observatory grounds. The main observatory, the roll-off roof observatory,
and many member telescopes were put to good use as the dark sky
yielded its treasures. Considering the closeness of the picnic
date to the monsoon season, the evening turned out just fine for
viewing.
The TAAA is indebted to the Vegas for hosting another outstanding TAAA Annual Picnic. The club anxiously awaits next year's event scheduled for April 21, 2001. Mark your calendars!
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Outstanding Newsletter Editors of 2000
Mr. Chuck Allen
President, Astronomical League
One of the most difficult jobs in any club is that of newsletter editor, and the Astronomical League's Mabel Sterns Award honors those dedicated volunteer newsletter editors. This award is named in honor of the first newsletter editor of the League. Now in its third year, there were dozens of excellent nominations, and the competition was very intense. The judges complained that this year was very difficult work because all of the newsletters were only of the highest quality.
Our first place winner is Glendon L. Howell, editor of the Back Bay Observer, newsletter of the Back Bay Amateur Astronomers in Chesapeake, Virginia. In the words of the BBAA president, Kent Blackwell, "Glen has been doing an outstanding job as our newsletter editor for about 20 years." Recently, Glen has become very active in efforts to protect the beauty of our night skies. Last fall, he and other BBAA members held a very successful joint meeting of the International Dark-Sky Association and the Virginia Association of Astronomical Societies. Based upon Glen's encouragement, a major Norfolk area newspaper ran a front-page article about this meeting including a beautiful front-page photo of a starry night. Glen's enthusiasm led the paper to be very supportive, and this brought the subject of light pollution to local officials and the general public. For his many years of dedicated service as astronomer and newsletter editor, the Astronomical League proudly presents the 2000 Mabel Sterns Award to Glendon Howell.
Our second place award winner is Jim Anderson, editor of "Observations," newsletter of the Chester County Astronomical Society in Thornton, Pennsylvania. In addition to producing the club's outstanding newsletter, Jim serves his club as Astronomical League correspondent, as an observing awards coordinator, and he has established a new e-mail service for the newsletter. The judges received letters from not only the club president, but also the vice-president describing Jim's dedication to astronomy. He not only produces an award-winning newsletter, and has done this for many years. In addition, he is always active with club meetings and public outreach programs. Jim is a remarkable astronomer and well deserving of this award.
Michael Cissell, editor of "Via Stellaris," the newsletter of the Van Braun Astronomical Society in Huntsville, Alabama, wins third place in the 2000 Mabel Sterns competition. Michael produces a very classy, professional looking newsletter. Michael includes excellent graphics, formatting, and astronomically interesting sidebars. This newsletter is a work of art, and our judges were impressed with Michael's talents.
Our fourth place winner is Tom Klekamp, from Mandeville, Louisiana. He is the editor of the Pontchartrain Astronomical Society newsletter, "PAS Times." According to Barry Simon, president of the PAS, "Tom has been doing a really great job with our newsletter." In addition to other achievements, Tom is a leader in the community. Thanks to Tom's tireless efforts, Mandeville, Louisiana now has a very comprehensive outdoor lighting ordinance that will preserve the night skies, conserve energy, and improve visibility through reduced glare.
Fifth place is awarded to Frank Baratta, editor of the RVAS Newsletter, in Roanoke, Virginia. Frank has been providing outstanding service to the Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society for nearly a decade. Club president, John Goss put it best by stating, "Our newsletter is the cornerstone of our club, it binds our members together, and in fact, many members stated that the RVAS Newsletter is their favorite benefit of membership.
The following astronomical editors received very impressive letters
of recommendation from their organizational presidents. All of
them deserve special awards for their dedication to astronomy
and outstanding achievements. Arranged in alphabetical order,
they are:
Cincinnati [Ohio] Astronomical Society, Editor: Bill Gwynne
Eastbay [California] Astronomical Society, Editor: Ellis Myers
Kalamazoo [Michigan] Astronomical Society, Editor: Richard Bell
Longmont [Colorado] Astronomical Society, Editor: Jim Sapp
Louisville [Kentucky] Amateur Astronomers, Editor Pat Peak
Peoria [Illinois] Astronomical Society, Illinois, Editors: John
Barra, Michael & Jessica Frasca, and Calene Fleming
Southwest Montana Astronomical Society, Editor: Mel McCarver
Spokane [Washington] Astronomical Society, Retired Editor: R.L.
Dietz for many years outstanding service
Springfield [Vermont] Telescope Makers, Editor Wayne Zuhl
To apply for the 2001 award, the society president should send a letter of nomination and a sample newsletter to Bob Gent, Vice-President, Astronomical League, 325 Cloudes Mill Drive, Alexandria, VA 22304-3080. This award is for Astronomical League members only, and the next award deadline is March 31, 2001.
Astronomer volunteers and teachers needed for Project ASTRO - Year Five!
The NOAO Educational Outreach Office is now accepting applications from TEACHERS and ASTRONOMERS (professional, amateur, and students) who wish to take part in Project ASTRO's fifth year in Tucson. This program forms partnerships between scientists and teachers and provides training, materials, and support for participants. Partnerships will take place next academic year (2000/2001) and the training workshop is scheduled for October 13-14, 2000.
Applications will be accepted through August 30. Consider applying as an astronomer partner (a degree in astronomy is NOT required) and get involved in this worthwhile teacher enhancement program. For more information about Project ASTRO visit this web page: http://www.noao.edu/outreach/astro/ or contact Ginny Beal, gbeal@noao.edu, or 318-8535.
GPIDA
By Sam Herchak
There's a new "club" in town and we're looking for some motivated people who want to make a difference. More on that later. First, a quick report on the annual International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) meeting in Tucson.
I had not planned to attend because I didn't have the whole weekend off from work. But a mirror-making project that involves a friend in Tucson got me to jump on my motorcycle and head down for the day. Sure glad I did! It's one of those events (like RTMC) that make you kick yourself for even thinking of not attending.
I arrived just as Chris Luginbuhl (US Naval Observatory-Flagstaff) finished his summary of the new IDA Model Code Handbook. It's a total compilation of the individual IDA Info sheets, addressing outdoor lighting from top-to-bottom, and includes a model lighting ordinance. This constantly updated document is only available online at this point (www.nofs.navy.mil/about_NOFS/staff/cbl/LC_Handbook_v10.html), but expect a single file you can download in the future.
Later Bob Gent (IDA's volunteer Public Relations Officer in Washington, D.C.) spoke of the tremendous amount of media coverage IDA and the light pollution topic received in 1999. From USA Today to Time magazine, the word is getting out. Even the lighting manufacturers are calling to learn more from IDA.
Then David Crawford (founder and Executive Director of IDA) started the business portion of the meeting with great news. Through some hard work by volunteers, IDA captured two grants totaling $250,000 from the National Science Foundation and the Pauley Foundation. Although the money is spread over several years and comes with restrictions on how it can be used, it easily exceeds IDA's total revenue for 1999.
More good news. The highly energetic and persuasive Elizabeth Alvarez has become Associate Director of IDA. Membership is up to 4,100+ in 71 countries. Coalitions have formed with influential groups such as the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) and the National Park Service (NPS).
After the lunch break, we learned about some new lighting issues. Joan Roberts spoke on "chronotherapy" and how the human immune system follows a circadian rhythm. Look for cancer treatments to take place at night (I believe) in the future. Eunice Waggoner, from IESNA's Aging Eye Committee, talked about how seniors are easily blinded by bad lighting. An alliance with the large and influential AARP is thus a real possibility.
There's more good news. Many more of our counties and municipalities have passed or strengthened ordinances controlling outdoor lighting. More local sections of IDA are forming every month. So what are you waiting for? Get on the bandwagon!
Oh yes, the new club. GPIDA! The Greater Phoenix section of IDA was born just this May and we've already had two meetings. The progress to date is inspiring. There's a GPIDA list server, a soon to be GPIDA website, and our first Light Pollution Symposium, hosted by the Arizona Science Center this August 25th at 7:00 P.M. Our guest speaker is an expert on astronomy and lighting alike, Chris Luginbuhl from the Naval Observatory. Please come join us and learn what you can do to BRING BACK much of our night sky.
A quick thanks to the small group of people who made GPIDA a reality: Jim Deck, Stanley Gorodenski, Jack Jones, Peggy Kain, and Thad Robosson (SAC). Dale Noss and Bill Peters (EVAC). Christine Shupla (AZ Sci Ctr). And most importantly, the glue that brought us together, Jennifer Keller. THE DARK SKY; LET'S NOT MAKE LIGHT OF IT!
SKY & TELESCOPE NEWS BULLETIN
Drive around town or to the nearest star party and show your support of dark skies with the International Dark-Sky Association license- plate frame. The IDA -- an alliance of astronomy enthusiasts, lighting engineers, and city planners -- is leading the drive to replace bad lights with good ones. For every "Stars Up, Lights Down" license-plate frame sold, Sky Publishing (a lifetime corporate member of the IDA) will donate $3 to the IDA. To order yours, visit our online store at http://store.skypub.com/ or call 800-253-0245.
TAAA Empire Ranch Star Party
July 29 (Saturday)
The Empire Ranch has been our normal dark-sky observing site for quite a number of years. Empire Ranch is about 4000 feet in elevation, so be prepared for cool temperatures and try to arrive before sunset. Stay as long as you like, but let everyone know when you are ready to leave; someone may be taking astrophotos. Bring a telescope if you have one, but you don't need one to attend. Any member would be glad to let you look through their telescope. There are no restroom facilities at the site, so be prepared. Bring insect repellant, just in case. Attendees should park their vehicles either perpendicular to the airstrip facing toward the center of the strip or parallel to the airstrip along either side facing west. That way, when you are ready to leave, you will not have to backup and turn on your bright white backup lights. One nice advantage of belonging to the TAAA is the opportunity to observe among friends. Help in finding an object or the sharing of equipment always goes on at our star parties. If you haven't attended a star party yet, you're missing the best part of belonging to the TAAA. See the directions at Empire Ranch.
TAAA Star Party at TIMPA
August 5 and August 26 (Saturdays)
What makes this event special is that our novice members can get help with observing issues or equipment problems. There will be experienced members present who would be more than happy to help. If you don't own a telescope, don't worry. There will be lots of scopes set up and everyone is invited to look through them. This is a great way to check out the different telescope designs before you make that all-important decision to buy. There is no scheduled talk for this activity. Just come out with lots of questions and we'll do our best to get you the answers you need. Arrive at about 7:30 pm for a group question and answer session. It should be dark enough to observe by 8:30 pm. If you have friends who might be interested in amateur astronomy, bring them along. Be prepared for mosquitoes and bring some insect repellant. Directions to the TIMPA site are located on the outside flap of this newsletter.
UofA Optical Sciences Students Star Party at Kitt Peak
August 19 (Saturday)
Again this year, the Optical Sciences Dept. at the UofA has invited the TAAA to participate in their "New Student Mixer" at the Kitt Peak picnic area. They have OK'd up to ten telescopes for the event. All TAAA volunteers will be invited for dinner at the picnic ramada prior to the star party. The specific timing for the event was not available by newsletter printing. Details and a sign-up sheet will be available at the August 4th meeting. If you cannot make the meeting and would like to participate, call John Kalas at 620-6502 to volunteer.
DARK SKIES (no twilight, no moonlight) for Tucson in 24-hour MST: 18=6pm, 20=8pm, 22=10pm, 0=12am
RISE, SET, VISIBILITY for sun and bright planets: rise for morning object, set for evening object
Mo/Tu 31/ 1 20:54 - 4:06 Fr/Sa 11/12 3:25 - 4:17 Mo/Tu 21/22 20:28 - 23:11
Tu/We 1/ 2 20:56 - 4:07 Sa/Su 12/13 4:17 - 4:18 Tu/We 22/23 20:26 - 23:54
We/Th 2/ 3 21:36 - 4:08 We/Th 23/24 20:25 - 0:43
Th/Fr 3/ 4 22:12 - 4:09 Su/Mo 13/14 - - - Th/Fr 24/25 20:23 - 1:39
Fr/Sa 4/ 5 22:46 - 4:10 Mo/Tu 14/15 FULL MOON Fr/Sa 25/26 20:22 - 2:41
Sa/Su 5/ 6 23:20 - 4:11 Tu/We 15/16 - - - Sa/Su 26/27 20:20 - 3:48
We/Th 16/17 - - -
Su/Mo 6/ 7 23:54 - 4:12 Th/Fr 17/18 20:33 - 20:53 Su/Mo 27/28 20:19 - 4:31
Mo/Tu 7/ 8 0:30 - 4:13 Fr/Sa 18/19 20:32 - 21:25 Mo/Tu 28/29 20:18 - 4:32
Tu/We 8/ 9 1:09 - 4:14 Sa/Su 19/20 20:30 - 21:58 Tu/We 29/30 20:16 - 4:33
We/Th 9/10 1:51 - 4:15 We/Th 30/31 20:15 - 4:34
Th/Fr 10/11 2:36 - 4:16 Su/Mo 20/21 20:29 - 22:33 Th/Fr 31/ 1 20:42 - 4:35
Weekend Sun Sun Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn
Sa/Su Set Rise Rise Vi Set Vi Rise Vi Rise Vi Rise Vi Vi=Visibility
5/ 6 19:15 5:41 4:26 4 20:06 3 4:48 9 0:44 -2 0:23 0 -3 brilliant
12/13 19:09 5:45 5:01 7 20:03 2 4:42 8 0:20 -2 23:57 0 0 conspicuous
19/20 19:01 5:50 Set 19:59 2 4:36 7 23:56 -2 23:31 0 3 moderate
26/27 18:53 5:54 19:12 - 19:54 1 4:30 6 23:32 -2 23:05 0 6 naked eye limit
2/ 3 18:44 5:59 19:17 9 19:48 1 4:24 5 23:07 -2 22:38 0 9 binoculars limit
By Erich Karkoschka
Kitt Peak Work Party
July 16th, 2000
By Andrew Cooper
Our first of several work parties necessary to prepare and move the 16-foot dome from Kitt Peak was very successful. Our call for help resulted in ten people, ready and able. I guess scheduling it on a full moon weekend was a good idea. Everyone came well equipped, the philosophy most applied was to bring anything that might be needed, probably the right idea, but we had enough tools to disassemble the Titanic.
What was pleasantly surprising was the competence and skill of those who volunteered. When pointed in the right direction everyone set to work with little direction. Everyone broke into teams and started to remove screws rapidly, with panels starting to disappear a few minutes later. With competent workers the task ended up taking less than two hours to accomplish. We will have to be sure to provide for more work next time to make good use of everyone's effort.
The only problem came with the discovery that the lowest screws
holding the hardboard were solidly rusted in. Not only that, but
the screws were hard metal that would not drill, so drilling off
the heads was not an option. This might have been a serious problem.
But hardened metal is also brittle metal and it turns out they
could be broken rather easily. A few snapped off heads and the
last screws were gone and the task was done.
Also adding to the event was the tour of the wildlife of Kitt Peak, including a 10" spiny lizard and a bat that were evicted from between the siding and the hardboard panels.
Thanks go to Kevin Bays, Robert Crawford, Ed Finney, Steve Furlong, John Kalas, Thom Peck, Patrick Price, Steve Ratts, and Tom Rolfsmeyer for their time and effort.
Special thanks to Claude and Teresa Plymate, our Kitt Peak Liasons,
who made sure we stayed out of trouble. The use of their ancient
AURA pickup truck to help shuttle supplies and people down to
the dome was also useful. Though I think the mouse we saw running
from under the seat to the engine compartment explains a lot.
As Teresa commented, the engine ran more smoothly with number
eight mouse on duty.
The next work party will probably be to prepare the site and foundation at TIMPA. Further events will cut the support structure into sections and haul it to TIMPA, and another day to disassemble the dome itself and haul it off the mountain. Keep tuned for further notices
TIMPA Site Soil Testing
by John Kalas
The club has decided to proceed with the testing of the soil at
the TIMPA proposed observatory site to ensure that the construction
of the observatory building and telescope pier footers is proper.
TAAA Member, Bruce MacIlroy, has generously offered to assist
us with this task. On Saturday, 7/22, Bob Schwartz and I visited
the site to obtain a soil sample. Bob wielded the pick, loosening
the soil, while I shoveled out the dirt. We dug down 11/2 feet
and then took the soil sample, about a half of a 5-gallon pail.
Bob will submit the sample to Bruce for analysis. We should receive
results of the testing in August. The results will help us design
the proper concrete footers for the observatory.
Bob Schwartz was kind enough to donate a rugged blueprint table that he used during the construction of his new residence. The table has a welded steel tube base with a thick plywood top. It will make a great star chart table for the observatory. While we were out at TIMPA, we dropped the table off at our storage cage in the TIMPA Barn. Many thanks to Bob for his thoughtfulness.
What is TIMPA, Anyway? See the TIMPA Page for more information
Watch the newsletter for announcements about TIMPA activities and how you can help.
TAAA Board of Directors Meeting - June 8, 2000
TAAA Board of Directors Meeting - May 11, 2000
EDITOR'S NOTE: These minutes were not available for inclusion in the June or July editions of the newsletter and are presented here for the benefit of the members. The following information provides summaries of the topics discussed at the board meeting. Complete minutes of this meeting will be available for review at the next monthly meeting from Jane Tongate, TAAA Secretary.
Location: Steward Observatory Conference Room N305, University
of Arizona
Call to Order: 7:23 pm
Board Members Present: John Kalas, Terri Lappin, Ingrid Saber,
and Robert Callanan
Board Members Absent: Andrew Cooper (excused), Bill Lofquist,
Daniel Manrique
Meeting adjourned: 9:30 pm
TAAA Board of Directors Meeting - July 13, 2000
Location: Steward Observatory Conference Room N305 - University
of Arizona
Call to Order: 7:15 pm
Board Members Present: John Kalas, Andrew Cooper, Terri Lappin,
and Steve Peterson
Board Members Absent: Jane Tongate, Bill Lofquist, and Robert
Callanan
Meeting adjourned: 8:35 pm
Will be posted when the mailed newsletters are sent.
Can be found on the TIMPA Page
Can be found on the Empire Ranch Page
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