Desert Skies
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association
Desert Skies
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association
Volume XLVII, Number 8, August, 2001
Contents
BEGINNERS LECTURE: Aug, 3, 6:30 pm at the Steward Observatory Auditorium - Room N210. This month's topic is Starhopping - The Easy Way to Find It by Andrew Cooper
GENERAL MEETING: Aug 3, 7:30 pm at the Steward Observatory Auditorium - Room N210. Topic is Light Pollution Down under or How I (miss) spent My Sabbatical by Tim Hunter.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: Monday, Aug 13, 7:00 pm at Steward Observatory Conference room N305.
STAR PARTIES AND EVENTS:
Cover Photo: Comet 2001 A2 Linear taken on the 14th of July at TIMPA with a 10cm telescope and a Quantix Camera with a KAF1600E CCD. Twelve 1 minute images were stacked and processed in Maxim DL tracking on the comet which moved substantially during the exposure sequence.
Office Name Phone Email
------ ---- ----- -----
President Andy Cooper 795-3585 acooper@pobox.com
Vice-President Thom Peck 327-7825 thomas.peck@optics.arizona.edu
Secretary Jane Tongate 623-4056 triton@dakotacom.net
Treasurer Terri Lappin 579-0185 tklappin@earthlink.net
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 586-2244 mrgalaxy@juno.com
Newsletter Editor George Barber 822-2392 barbergj@flash.net
Star Parties Maggie & Jeff Buzek 760-4578 jeffbuzek@aol.com
AL Correspondent Doug Smith 797-0663 dsmith71@ix.netcom.com
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: barbergj@flash.net
Desert Skies is published monthly by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association, PO Box 41254, Tucson, Arizona 85717
Clouds! But then these summer storms are the price we pay for a climate that is otherwise friendly to astronomy.
There was a well-timed break... a draught of cool clear sky to slake the thirst. And a relatively moonless Saturday night at that! Not what I expected given that the afternoon was punctuated by the roar of thunder and rain on the roof. But the satellite shots gave hope and I drove through rain flooded Tucson streets with the CCD rig loaded in the back. Across Gate's Pass to Avra Valley and was greeted by the Milky Way coming in to view in the late twilight.
Despite a scheduled TIMPA star party no one was there! But as I set-up John Paul Sosville drove up and together we enjoyed a deep clear night. The transparency was fantastic, and the Milky Way stood out dramatically overhead. The seeing however was abysmal, an extreme low frequency shift in the image. Put the focal reducer in and use the CCD at minimum magnification. All night blazing away with the CCD at Comet Linear, and all the old deep-sky favorites through the Milky Way. The Moon heralded the parade of shallow-sky objects to follow, a beautiful crescent moon, a brilliant Venus less than half a degree from Saturn, followed in succession by Jupiter and Mercury. When the dawn lit the sky there was a chain of planets hanging over the Tucson Mts. A beautiful morning to end an unexpected night!
Several times in the night I considered how much better the site would be when developed. A few observing pads with power, or permanently mounted and polar aligned instruments awaiting users. These improvements will make what is not mostly empty ground into a facility we can all enjoy. Terri showed us the vision the Long Range committee has developed at the last meeting, now to take those plans and turn them into real facilities. A great deal of work is needed to get there, but if taken in small steps a very achievable goal. Work parties will be scheduled each month, each with a simple goal in mind. Let's pitch in and create something we can all use.
Andrew
Beginners Lecture
Star hopping - The Easy Way to Find It
Speaker: Andrew Cooper
Goto Scopes, Digital Setting Circles, or nothing. You can find anything with nothing but a chart and a finder scope, just a few simple techniques will let you get there. A little practice and the sky will become a much friendlier place.
Main Lecture
Title: Light Pollution Down under or How I (mis)spent My Sabbatical.
Speaker: Tim Hunter
While on sabbatical last year studying radiologic techniques, Tim Hunter spent time in Adelaide, South Australia and New Zealand. While there, Tim met with many amateur astronomers and gave talks on light pollution. He also discussed light pollution with several community leaders and lighting engineers. In this lecture Tim will describe what he learned (well, probably not the radiologic techniques) and the light pollution situation down under.
Tim Hunter has been an amateur astronomer since 1950 and is interested in astronomical imaging. He is the owner of two observatories, and is a past President of the TAAA and past Chairman of the Western Region of the Astronomical League (WRAL). He is also a prime example of someone whose hobby has run amok, spending more time and money on it than common sense would dictate. Since 1986 he has been interested in the growing problem of light pollution. In 1987, he and Dr. David Crawford founded the International Dark-Sky Association, Inc. (IDA). IDA is a nonprofit corporation devoted to promoting quality outdoor lighting and combating the effects of light pollution.
Member News
We welcome the most recent members who have joined the TAAA: Walter Kennedy, Tommy Paige, and John Teel. 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.
Parking Lot Changes at the UA
Cherry Avenue is still closed making it nearly impossible to get from the south side of the University Mall to Steward Observatory. It is highly recommended that members park at the lots north of Steward Observatory and walk down Vine, crossing 1st and 2nd Streets to reach the lecture hall. The lot on the south side of 1st Street at Vine has been permanently closed for construction, but the lot on the north side of 1st Street is still available. Handicapped parking is available in the small lot immediately northwest of Steward Observatory (reach it by going south on Highland, then east on 2nd St). There are a very limited number of spaces. The handicapped spaces on Hawthorne are not recommended, as crossing Cherry in front of Steward is not easy.
Calendars for 2002
Can you believe it? The 2002 calendars are already out. Kalmbach Publishing who publishes Astronomy Magazine produces these stunning calendars each year. We will begin selling them at the August meeting and they do go fast. They will be at every meeting until January or until they sell out. The cost is $10 each (~$2 off the regular selling price), or $9 each for more than one. This calendar, which features a full-color astronomical photo, image, or painting each month, has daily information about astronomical events, both historical and observational...plus space for adding important events you need to remember. This year there are a number of European Southern Observatory images and a super Hubble image of the area near Eta Carina.
Proceeds from the sale of these calendars will be used appropriately as decided by the board. Thank you to all who support the TAAA through the purchase of the yearly calendars.
Beginners Lecture Speakers Needed
First, we'd like to thank Ray Wallace for taking the position of Beginner's Lecture coordinator. He will be a great asset in making our club meetings informative and helpful.
Have you ever considered giving the Beginner's lecture? It's not as hard as you might think. The club is always looking for someone who is willing to share the benefit of their experience. And, if you can't come up with a topic, Ray has a number of topics, which would greatly benefit those who are new to astronomy, as well as the seasoned astronomer. This gives you a chance to learn something new, as well as help others. So, step up to the spotlight! Give Ray a call at 586-2244, or e-mail at mrgalaxy@juno.com.
Astro-Photo Special Interest Group Dinner
2 August, 7pm
China Rose (NE corner Speedway/Rosemont)
First an apology - I was out to the Grand Canyon Star Party and missed the newsletter deadline for last month's newsletter, then was on vacation during the normal meeting date, so I apologize for not organizing and missing the last meeting.
So in the meantime, I hope some of you have had a chance to get out and take some pictures. If the monsoon clouds part long enough to get a few shots, I'm hoping to catch comet Linear C/2001 A2, which is still bright and up nearly all night long. If you have anything new, or old, for that matter, to share with us, see you there!
Dean Ketelsen
Support Your Club
The following responsibilities are still in need of volunteers. Please consider helping the club out by offering to support the tasks. Descriptions of the tasks are as follows:
Daytime Resources Needed
By John Kalas
Every so often, the TAAA gets a request from a school to give an astronomy presentation or solar observing session to children in the classroom. For example; the club received two requests in late June from the Parks & Recreation Dept. to speak to kids enrolled in their summer programs at two elementary schools. Robert Wilson and myself handled the activities. We observed the sun and the moon. Currently, our school star party program is geared to evening activities. Most of our star party volunteers work during the day and it is difficult to take time off from work to supply the requested service. What we need are a few retirees to volunteer to help with daytime requests. If you would be interested in helping out, please contact John Kalas at 620-6502 or at jckalas@aol.com.
Kitt Peak Docents
The National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) at Kitt Peak needs docents to conduct daily public tours of its telescopes and to assist visitors in the Visitor Center. Docents are required to work two six-hour shifts per month (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Benefits include training, transportation, and free meals. Interested persons should contact Robert Wilson at 318-8440 or rwilson@noao.edu.
IDA Membership Drive
Our friends at the International Dark Sky Association are holding a membership drive. As an added incentive they are holding a drawing for a Meade ETX Autostar telescope for anyone who renews a membership or brings in a new member, you are entered once in the drawing for yourself and each additional new member. Not that you should need an incentive to help with this organization's cause; educating the public and protecting the dark skies we all value. Visit http://www.darksky.org or call 520/293-3198 for more information.
Grand Canyon Star Party
By Elaine Osborne, Elk Creek, VA
Happiness is........ Grand Canyon Star Party. WOW!!!! I just wanted to drop you a line and tell you how very much I appreciated your time and energies you give into making the 2001 Grand Canyon Star Party such a great experience for both the amateur astronomer and the visitor to the Canyon. It truly was a memory making time for me.
What a great group of amateur astronomers. Their expertise in observing, telescopes, and couch potato chair making, to just being downright helpful and friendly, and last but not least, great cooks!!! (:> I made treasured new astronomy friends at my first GCSP. Meeting such a great bunch of folks, not to mention John Dobson. I am surprised my soul could handle so much WONDERFUL!!! in one trip. without a doubt made the 2,200-mile one-way trip well worth it and I certainly have it on my calendar for next year.
The speakers each night were so interesting and most informative. I so enjoyed your presentation along with Joe's, Dennis', Steve's and John Dobson. Such a great idea. I have been to several star parties but this one was so unique.
I would not have missed the wonderful GC visitors who came to look through our scopes. Gee each and everyone so willing to see and awe at the heavens. The children I loved the most. Their expressions of delight when seeing M-13 or finding the eyes in the Owl nebula. One family that had a 9 year old and a 14 year old son that were so enthused, just kept asking all kinds of questions. How do you find that in your scope? Where can I get a scope like that? Is it hard to find something? Finally I just let them take a trip to M-97. We started by finding it on the star chart, using the bull's eye of the Telrad and guiding the scope onto target. Then I said well look in the eyepiece and see if you see that fuzzy round ball? (I had showed them in a picture I had of M-97.) If only you could have heard their excitement. I don't know who enjoyed them finding it the most, them, or me. One thing for sure I know of a family that will be purchasing a telescope when they get home. as they were leaving I heard them discussing that very subject.(:> Mars did show himself didn't he? Guess you could say he was the star of the evening....(:> That was what I was asked several times during the evening. What is that bright red star over there? Yes, Dean what you have continued to accomplish each year it truly a wonderful service.
Even though this is the first I have attended the GCSP. I am sure this opportunity of exploring and learning a little more about our universe has been carried away by many visitors to Yavapai Point in past GCSP years. As you well know, and I tend to forget living in an area where I see wonderful skies, folks living in city conditions never see our night sky. You must pat yourself on the back and say job well done Dean. You have truly given a gift money can't buy.
Also, thank you for my "Happy Birthday" scarf with the glowing universe on it. That was most thoughtful of you and I will always think of the Grand Canyon Star Party and the swell folks there as I display it on each of my observing ventures. If ever in our area, please know you and your family are always welcome here on Echo Ridge in Elk Creek Va. You have my e-mail and Tommy and I both would love to show you our side of the country.(:> No splendor as the Canyon but nice Blue Ridge Mountains.
Again, many thanks for a wonderful Star Party.
Grand Canyon Star Party
By Dean Ketelsen
Here are the figures on astronomers and participants who attended the Grand Canyon Star Party. For those who requested fee waivers, there were 80 astronomers total. There are a few I know did not come so they were subtracted from that number. A few others who showed up on the site census were added to the number, so 80 is a pretty good guess how many at least intended to come. Of that number, 50 were from Arizona, and for the first time, the Phoenix area outdrew Tucson 23 to 20. The other 7 were from Sedona, Page, Prescott, Kingman, etc... California came in second at 9 attendees, Texas with 3, Illinois, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Virginia with 1, and of course, Kentucky with 13. Of those 13, I don't know how many were telescope-working astronomers - I don't think I met them all, but for now am counting them as 13.
At the site census, over the 3 evenings 50 astronomers were counted (plus 13 makes 63 counting the Kentuckians). Since the census was a quick walk-thru, looking for new folks, those setting up later or those who only stayed a night or two were easily missed, so would expect a lower number. However, on this census, we recorded their stay, so could then estimate a total volunteer effort. Summing up the observers by their stay length, it totals 320 volunteer-nights (63 observers staying an average of 5.1 nights). This is likely a minimum number as we likely missed some as mentioned above.
As you know it is tough to guess attendance. We likely averaged
between 125-150 for the twilight talks spiking at about 200 for
John Dobson's Monday talk. I bring 500 star charts to give away
for the talk beginning and gave all but 50 away (one per family),
so over the week we hit 450 families (who were there at the talk
beginning anyway). The daytime crews haven't all reported in,
but Sim Picheloup from Houston had upwards of 750 folks in 4 days
who saw Venus from the front of the
Yavapai cafeteria. Steve and Rosie Dodder set up most every day
for solar viewing, as did Mike and Mary Turner the second half
of the week, as well as a half dozen others who set up early in
the Yavapai parking lot before the evening observing.
WEBSITES: TRIPS ON THE INTERNET SUPER-SKYWAY
Barsoom!
By Rik Hill
The sky on a cloudy evening.
Monsoon came early this year and there has rarely been a clear night. This is welcome in the desert though it's a mixed blessing to the amateur astronomer. Night after night I go out to check the sky in hopes of monitoring my variable stars or doing video of Mars but I'm thwarted by clouds and met with the smell of a wet desert and lingering moisture in the air. This affords a welcome opportunity to try and catch up on administrative matters or data processing.
But when the clouds last weeks on end, as they often do for my house near the mountains, you can often lose track of what is happening in the sky or what constellations are available at what time. Well now, no matter what your PC is (even a 286) you can get a quick handle on what's going on and it all fits on a floppy disk!
The name of the program is SkyGlobe, produced as shareware by KlassM Software Inc. (P.O.Box 1067, Ann Arbor, MI 48106). It is available all over the web but a couple of my favorite sites are:
for version 3.6
http://www.csulb.edu/~gordon/skyglobe.html
http://www.physics.csulb.edu/100lonline/skyglobe/skyglobe.html
http://coke.physics.ucla.edu/laptag/Astro.dir/astrocls.dir/Labs.html
for version 4.0
http://astro4.ast.vill.edu/skyglobe.htm
This is an easy-to-use planetarium type program were you don't even need a mouse to operate it. It runs off DOS. I used to run it (back in the old days) on a 286 with CGA but now use the Pentium. The latter URL has a little captured screen example. I have not played with the version 4.0 much yet so will talk about 3.6 here.
You can choose locations for something like 200 cities and Tucson is one of them. It will get the initial time from the system clock but you can change that by minute, hour, day, month, year and millennium. This little program shows stars to below what they eye will see at most sites (about 6.5-7 mag.) You can zoom out to see the whole sky or zoom in until the Pleiades fill the field of view. Panning is easy and all constellation figures and boarders can be displayed, RA and Dec and the Alt-Az positions. There is a lot of different labeling that can be displayed, enough to hide the stars! The database has all Messier objects and more. The brighter stars are identified and can be brightened or dimmed to look like your sky (or the sky you wish you had!).
The ZIP file for this program (ver. 4.0) is only 1.33Mb Version 3.6 is less than half that! You'll have the whole sky on a floppy.
Unfortunately I have not found this for Mac or Linux/Unix but if you do find it for those systems PLEASE let me know! It will, however, run in a DOS emulator window on these systems so if you have that you're in business.
So let it rain and storm (except for the lightning), you can still enjoy the night sky from the comfort of your chair. Now all you need is a CD with night sounds like crickets, birds etc.
As always, if you know of a particularly good website you would like mentioned here, drop me a line at: rhill@lpl.arizona.edu
Project ASTRO Volunteers Needed
Once again this year, we have the opportunity to work with grades 3-9 science teachers and their students in or out of the classroom. The Project ASTRO-Tucson program needs amateur astronomers. There will be more information next month, or contact Connie Walker, the programs coordinator for the educational outreach department at the National Optical Astronomy Observatory, at: cwalker@noao.edu
Appreciation
By Steve & Sharon Koerber
Sky Works
We would like to thank John Kalas for submitting Sky Works name for appreciation by TAAA and its members. We enjoy being a small part of such a wonderful group of avid amateur astronomers. A plaque, as Andrew Cooper has suggested, is way over the top! Although we would love the recognition in the form of a plaque, it certainly isn't necessary. Good and loyal customers are its own reward. We truly appreciate you.
TAAA seems to be almost devoid of the type of fragmentation that so often occurs in clubs of this type. You know, everyone with his or her own agenda. I think what encourages us the most is that the members realize the benefit of having three telescope stores to choose from! The beauty of Tucson is that there is enough room for all of our shops. And, of course, encourages our competitive nature which in turn brings the members the best possible price for the product right here in Tucson!
We appreciate all the support we get from TAAA members. Our business is growing every month. We couldn't have done it without you! We make a promise to all TAAA members that we will continue to maintain fair and honest selling practices and if ever our sales team speaks negatively of our competition or of their product please let us know. We will rectify the problem immediately.
In addition, we would like to thank John and the rest who have helped us so much with our Project Astro program. The education of new amateur astronomers is the best benefit of owning a telescope store.
P.S. Our address is 7401 East 22nd Street (not 7404).
Exceptional Service by Young Astronomers
by Bob Gent, Vice-President, Astronomical League
Now in its fourth year, the Horkheimer Award for Exceptional Service by a Young Astronomer, recognizes outstanding service by League astronomers under the age of 19. The League continues to grow at a fast pace, and with nearly 260 member societies and approaching 19,000 members this year, we had a record number of dedicated young astronomers nominated for this award. This year's judges were all past presidents of the Astronomical League: Barry Beaman, Orville Brettman, and Jim Fox. The judges had their work cut out for them this year. Here are the results for 2001:
First Place: Ryan Hannahoe
Our 2001 winner is Ryan Hannahoe, from Leesport, Pennsylvania,
and he will be a sophomore in high school this fall. Ryan will
receive the $1,000 cash award at the ALCON awards banquet on July
28 in Frederick, Maryland.
Ryan is a member of the Berks County Amateur Astronomical Society, and he is well known at BCAAS meetings since he serves as his club's program committee chair. Ryan can be counted on to always be there to promote astronomical activities. He has a passion for astronomy, and his enthusiasm is always glowing. Over the past year, he volunteered to help organize and run dozens of public star parties and events. After hearing of our need for help with a League website, Ryan took action. He designed the site for the 2001 joint astronomical convention (ALCON 2001), which will include meetings of the Astronomical League, IOTA, ALPO, and IDA. This is a very impressive achievement for a high school freshman. Ryan has also given the Youth Activities Committee a breath of fresh air with renewed enthusiasm. He also developed and runs a new web page to promote "Youth in Astronomy."
Always looking for ways to help the League, Ryan has written several articles for the Reflector, our quarterly newsletter. He has also been instrumental in the fight to preserve the beauty of our night skies in Pennsylvania. Ryan has written letters and met with elected officials, including US Congressmen to discuss how to solve the problems of light pollution. A new Pennsylvania light pollution law may soon pass, and Ryan has been there every step of the way to help push it along.
Ryan has a long list of awards. He recently completed the construction of his 6-inch Newtonian telescope, and last year at Stellafane, Ryan won first place in the junior level for telescope making. Ryan has won awards from his local astronomy club, and he has competed in the science fair with his telescope-making project. He has written a paper on telescope making techniques. Never leaving any rock unturned, Ryan also started a new high school astronomy club, which immediately joined the League and IDA. We could write a long essay about Ryan's other outstanding achievements. There is no doubt why Ryan won this award!
Second Place: Jonathan Casselman
Our second place winner is Jonathan Casselman, a high school graduating
senior from home school in Deer Park, Washington. A member of
the Spokane Astronomical Society, Jonathan served on the staff
for AstroCon 1999 in Cheney, Washington. You may have seen him
there helping keep this outstanding convention running smoothly.
Jonathan has received a long list of awards, including many impressive astronomical achievements. He has written numerous articles published in astronomy club newsletters, and he has written for the Reflector. He has already completed eleven of the Astronomical League observe programs, including the Herschel 400. He is likely the youngest person ever to complete the Herschel 400!
Jonathan has also tackled the problem of light pollution, and he works with his utility company on the installation of Hubble Skycaps to control light pollution. His report on the "Dark-Sky Preservation Project" is quite impressive, and it sets the standard for others to follow. With people like Jonathan tackling light pollution, we are in very good hands.
In the words of the Spokane Astronomical Society Vice-President, Bill Cotten, "Jonathan's dedication and determination have influenced adult and youth members to strive for their own goals and to realize that it is not impossible to reach for the stars." We will be hearing more for this outstanding young man in his future astronomical endeavors.
Third Place: Jeff Venable
Jeff Venable is the third place winner in the 2001 Horkheimer
Service Award. Jeff is a member of the Colorado Springs Astronomical
Society (CSAS) and he will be a senior this fall at Coronado High
School in Colorado Springs, Colorado. CSAS Vice-President, Chris
Earley, writes, "At 16 years of age, Jeff is more than a mere
attendee at our club functions, he is indeed at the very core
of our club's success. Jeff never backs down from a challenge,
but rather embraces the opportunity to improve himself and other
astronomers. As the youngest person to ever serve on our board,
Jeff has readily stepped up to the plate and assumed additional
duties and responsibilities to bring the
joys of astronomy to everyone in the Colorado Springs community...
Jeff continually supports the public star parties we hold throughout
the area in spite of a busy scholastic schedule. Jeff's unique
position in our club as a young astronomer provides us with new
insights on how best to present astronomical ideas to the many
students in our area." Jeff is an active member of the planning
committee for the annual four-day star event, "Rocky Mountain
Star Stare," and he is well respected by all.
Mr. Earley concludes his nomination by stating, "I can think of no person who better embodies the ideals of this award than Jeff Venable."
Fourth Place: Erik Sogn
Erik Sogn is an award winning, home-schooled senior, from Portland,
Oregon. He is a member-at-large in the Astronomical League and
a member of the Rose City Astronomers.
Over the past eight years, Erik has spent more than 600 hours volunteering at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. When he joined as a volunteer at the age of ten years, he was the youngest classroom assistant ever to join the OMSI team. Every summer, he has taught "Crazy Constellations," an astronomy class for elementary students. Erik writes, "No matter what my future career may be, I know I will always volunteer and reach out to others with what I know about astronomy. I will always take the time to help others find the North Star."
Erik was selected by Stanford University's Education Program for Gifted Youth as well as other educational programs for exceptional high school students. Last summer, Erik attended the National Summit of Young Technology Leaders in Austin, Texas, where he won a special certificate of achievement. This honor was reserved for the top one-tenth of one percent of all high school students.
Fifth Place: Kimberly Parish
Kimberly Parish, a student at Potter Gray Elementary School in
Bowling Green, Kentucky, won fifth place in this year's competition.
Kimberly is a founding member of the Hilltopper Astronomy Club
in Bowling Green.
Kimberly is currently enrolled in Astronomy 104 at Western Kentucky University, where she is the first elementary student ever to enroll in a college course at Western. At the mature age of ten, Kimberly says, "Since I was little, I've been interested in planets and galaxies, but at the university I learn about the different laws, like Newton's..."
Last April, Kimberly was one of only six students from the USA selected to attend NASA's "Brightest Stars Space Camp" in Huntsville, Alabama. While there, she studied with other bright students selected from international countries.
Sixth Place: Courtney Hale
Courtney Hale, member of Astronomical League through the American Association of Amateur Astronomers, is our sixth place winner for 2001. She is a 13-year-old and attends Robinson Middle School in Topeka, Kansas.
Courtney regularly volunteers her time during the open houses in Crane Observatory at Washburn University in Topeka, and according to Brenda Culberson, the Observatory Director, "She is a devoted young assistant who is more dependable than some of my paid assistants. She shows up in all temperatures to help with viewing sessions and special events we conduct." Courtney presents astronomical information to the general public, whose numbers range from 20 to 300 during the sessions. She has also learned to run the 110-year-old telescope we use in the observatory as our main instrument. During the year of 2000, we had 1225 people attend open houses and special viewing events. Courtney assisted in most of the 26 sessions held last year.
Other young people see her do these things, and they catch her excitement for viewing. Courtney has shown people that our youth still have what it takes to make it in the sciences.
Award Background
This award is made possible by the generous support of Mr. Jack
Horkheimer. The award is established to honor of Arthur P. Smith,
Jr., the president of the Astronomical League from 1964-66. Mr.
Smith inspired Mr. Horkheimer to become active in astronomy. Each
year at the Astronomical League's convention, the League presents
a check for $1,000.00 plus a plaque to our first place winning
young astronomer. All finalists win a complimentary membership
in the International Dark-Sky Association. The winner also receives
a complimentary trip to the Astronomical League convention and
awards banquet.
Any Astronomical League member under the age of 19 on the date of the application deadline is eligible to apply. The deadline for the next Horkheimer Service Award is March 31, 2002. The award is based upon service to the League or to any League society. This service could be educational outreach, observing skills at public star parties, or other astronomical achievements. Young League astronomers are eligible to apply for the National Young Astronomer Award, the Horkheimer Service Award, and the Horkheimer Planetary Imaging Award. We look forward to seeing many nominations and applications for future awards.
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, s=et for evening object
Tu/We 31/ 1 3:15 - 4:06 Sa/Su 11/12 20:41 - 23:36 Tu/We 21/22 21:14 - 4:26
We/Th 1/ 2 4:07 - 4:07 We/Th 22/23 21:49 - 4:27
Th/Fr 2/ 3 - - - Su/Mo 12/13 20:40 - 0:14 Th/Fr 23/24 22:25 - 4:28
Fr/Sa 3/ 4 FULL MOON Mo/Tu 13/14 20:39 - 0:58 Fr/Sa 24/25 23:02 - 4:29
Sa/Su 4/ 5 - - - Tu/We 14/15 20:37 - 1:50 Sa/Su 25/26 23:42 - 4:29
We/Th 15/16 20:36 - 2:50
Su/Mo 5/ 6 - - - Th/Fr 16/17 20:35 - 3:57 Su/Mo 26/27 0:25 - 4:30
Mo/Tu 6/ 7 20:48 - 21:05 Fr/Sa 17/18 20:33 - 4:22 Mo/Tu 27/28 1:12 - 4:31
Tu/We 7/ 8 20:46 - 21:34 Sa/Su 18/19 20:32 - 4:23 Tu/We 28/29 2:02 - 4:32
We/Th 8/ 9 20:45 - 22:03 We/Th 29/30 2:55 - 4:33
Th/Fr 9/10 20:44 - 22:32 Su/Mo 19/20 20:31 - 4:24 Th/Fr 30/31 3:50 - 4:34
Fr/Sa 10/11 20:43 - 23:02 Mo/Tu 20/21 20:37 - 4:25 Fr/Sa 31/ 1 - - -
Weekend Sun Sun Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn
Sa/Su Set Rise Set Vi Rise Vi Set Vi Rise Vi Rise Vi Vi=Visibility
4/ 5 19:17 5:40 19:20 - 2:44 -3 1:16 -1 2:42 -1 1:14 0 -3 brilliant
11/12 19:10 5:44 19:35 - 2:52 -3 0:56 -1 2:21 -2 0:49 0 0 conspicuous
18/19 19:03 5:49 19:43 8 3:01 -3 0:39 -1 1:59 -2 0:23 0 3 moderate
25/26 18:55 5:53 19:45 6 3:12 -3 0:24 -1 1:38 -2 23:57 0 6 naked eye limit
1/ 2 18:46 5:58 19:42 6 3:24 -3 0:10 -1 1:15 -2 23:31 0 9 binoculars limit
By Erich Karkoschka
Tucson Children's Museum Star Party (Downtown)
August 4, (Saturday) No. of Scopes: 3
This star party is the third and last of three the TAAA is supporting during the summer months for this facility. The Children's Museum is located at 200 S. 6th Avenue. Take Broadway, west to downtown Tucson. Turn left (south) on Scott Avenue and proceed to 12th Street. Turn left (east) on 12th Street. The museum will be to your right side. The set up area is located on the southeast corner of the museum lawn and is at the intersection of 6th Avenue and 13th Street. Set up is at 7:45pm to 8:00pm with observing from 8:30pm to around 10:30pm. A Star Party leader is needed for this event, and a sign up sheet will be available at the July meeting. Please consider supporting this worthwhile event!
The Inn and The Gardens Star Party
August 10 (Friday)
The TAAA has been requested to provide a star party for this senior care facility. About five (5) telescopes are needed. Set-up will be at 7:00 pm with observing running from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. This facility is located just behind (to the south) of a larger senior care facility called The Fountains at La Cholla. Take La Cholla Blvd. either south past Orange Grove or north past Sunset and turn east on W. Rudasill Rd. Go past The Fountains senior care facility to N. Fountains Ave. and turn right (south). Follow N. Fountains Ave. along a construction site and to the rear (south) of The Inn and The Gardens senior care facility. Set-up will be in a parking area. John Kalas (620-6502) will be the star party leader for this event. There will be a sign-up sheet at the August meeting.
TAAA Star Party at TIMPA
August 12 (Saturday)
Bring your lawn chair for a special treat! This month's star party will coincide with the Persied meteor shower. You'll be able to enjoy the normal telescope viewing, with an abundance of meteors streaking across the sky.
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, a warm evening, and the possibility of a rain shower.
U of A Optical Sciences Center Star party (Southwest/Kitt Peak)
August 18 (Saturday) No. of Scopes: 5-6
This star party is to support the graduate students of the U of A Optical Sciences Center. The viewing location is at none other than one of our favorite locations, Kitt Peak! It is suggested that you check out the Kitt Peak web site at http://www.noao.edu/outreach/kpvc/Directions.html for complete directions and other information. Students and guests will begin arriving at 5:00 pm. Dinner will be provided to all TAAA volunteers beginning at 6:00 pm. Set up should begin around 7:15 pm if you haven't already done so by then. Viewing is from 7:45 pm to 9:00 pm. The set up area is located near the ramada in the picnic area. John Kalas will be the star party leader for this event. A sign up sheet will be available at the August meeting. This promises to be an extremely fun event! Considering the time of year, don't forget to bring some warm weather gear and possibly some wet weather gear.
TAAA Star Party at Empire Ranch
August 18 (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, the possibility of mosquitoes, 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. 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 back up and turn on your bright white backup lights. One nice advantage to 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 to Empire Ranch on the outside flap of this newsletter.
TIMPA Update
The nifty signs, donated by TAAA Member Pat Heimann, have been installed at the TIMPA Site. One sign is located to the left side of the entry gate on Reservation Road. Another is placed at the start of the driveway heading back to the parking lot where our star parties are held. The third sign is temporarily located in the TAAA's storage cage inside the TIMPA barn. Thanks again, Pat!
A work party is being scheduled for Saturday, 8/25, to go up to Kitt Peak to transfer the observatory support structure to the TIMPA Site. John Kalas is coordinating this activity. The welded steel structure will be cut in half and many helpers will be needed to lift the sections onto the truck. There will be a sign-up sheet at the August meeting. If you would like to help, but will be unable to attend the meeting, please call John at 620-6502 or e-mail at jckalas@aol.com.
TAAA Board of Directors Meeting - July 9, 2001
Location: Steward Observatory Conference Room N305 University
of Arizona
Call to Order: 7:15 pm
Board Members Present: Andrew Cooper, Thom Peck, Terri Lappin,
Jane Tongate, Robert Callanan.
Board Members Absent: Bill Lofquist, Steve Peterson.
Other Members Present: Past President John Kalas.
Meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Tongate, Secretary
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