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Desert Skies
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association
Volume XLVII, Number 10, October, 2001
Contents
Beginner's Lecture: Oct 5, 6:30 pm at the Steward Observatory Auditorium - Room N210. This month's topic is Piggyback Astrophotography with a 4.5" Newtonian by Ed Finney.
General Meeting: Oct 5, 7:30 pm at the Steward Observatory Auditorium - Room N210. Tonight is Members Night, with topics given by various TAAA members.
Board of Director's Meeting: Tuesday, Oct 9, 7:00 pm at Steward Observatory Conference room N305.
Star Parties and Events:
Newsletter Schedule: Deadline for articles: Mon, Oct 15. Printing: Mon, Oct 22. Folding Party: Tues, Oct. 23. Mailing: Wed, Oct. 24. The newsletter is mailed at least one week prior to the following month's General Meeting.
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 sun, moon, and stars. 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
Annual Dues
Family Membership includes two adults plus minor children. Persons under 18 may join at a special Reduced Family Membership rate ($15/yr) upon parental or guardian acknowledgement of participation in TAAA activities. Call the Treasurer to request the required form.
Options (add to above membership rates)
Donations are accepted for any of the TAAA funds: SA-IDA/Light Pollution, TIMPA, Education, 30" Telescope & Land, or General Fund.
Renewal Information
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association
PO BOX 41254
Tucson, AZ 85717
Mailing Address or Email Changes
Send changes to the above address or email the treasurer.
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. The editor retains all submissions unless prior arrangements are made. Partial page submissions should be submitted in Word compatible files via e-mail or on a floppy disk. Full-page articles, artwork, and photos can be submitted camera ready. We will not publish slanderous or libelous material! Send submissions to:
c/o George Barber
15940 W. Ridgemoor Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85736
or e-mail: barbergj@flash.net
Desert Skies is published monthly by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association, PO Box 41254, Tucson, Arizona 85717
I am writing this under a sky dark with stars, the moon has set and the real work of the evening can begin. The CCD and mount are aligned and focused, ready to go. Fortunately, the process is automated once on target and I can spend time just watching the sky or enjoying good company.
Waiting for the computer does give one time to think of the recent events and the immensity of space. The events of the last week have shaken us all. So what do we do from here? We do what we always do... live our lives. But hopefully, with a little more appreciation for what we have.
In order to help in that appreciation, we have again arranged for the use of the renowned Kitt Peak skies for a star party/barbeque this month. I hope you can join us for a little camaraderie, renewing friendships and doing what counts in life. We are also planning an outing for the Leonids next month, in conjunction with our monthly TIMPA star party.
I hope everyone can join us for our semi-annual public event at the Desert Museum on the 20th, all scopes are needed as this event has grown each year. This is our chance to share with our community an appreciation for the universe around us and the beauty of the skies that drives us to build ever larger telescopes to explore the heavens.
For the first time in months, we have a full school star party schedule, events all across town that give all members another chance to give something back to our community. Show a child and their families the stars! I realize that school star parties are so often one of the events that give a little sanity to my life. Every time I see a child's eyes light up with the view in the eyepiece, a little light is added to my own heart.
Faced with the vastness of the universe, the hatreds that caused so much tragedy seem so petty and insignificant. Maybe we can show a few of our fellow citizens something that restores a little of that childlike wonder that so expresses the best of humanity.
Andrew
Beginners Lecture
Piggyback Astrophotography with a 4.5" Newtonian
Speaker: Ed Finney
In the second of two Beginner's lectures on piggyback photography, Ed Finney will discuss modifications made to his 4.5-inch reflector to improve its optical quality and mechanical stability and to permit it to carry a 35mm camera for time-lapse photography. He will also reveal some of the "lessons learned" in the first 3 rolls of film.
Main Lecture
Member's Night
Again we give everyone a shot at the limelight. Dust off those photos, bring in your latest projects, and show them off! As usual any member can sign up for their 15 minutes of fame. Contact Andrew Cooper at taaa@seds.org or 235-3283 to sign up; first come first in front of the audience.
Astro-Photo Special Interest Dinner
4 October, 7pm
China Rose, NW corner Rosemont/Speedway
As is our standard, the Astro-Photo SIG will be meeting the evening before the October TAAA meeting. The monsoons have passed and there have been some good opportunities for getting some new astro-photos. I know there were some good crowds at Empire a couple weeks ago, and I've been having fun with my home-built 10" and Lumicon Off-Axis Guider for a few nights. So join us at the China Rose to see what is new image-wise and make some plans to go out now that we have good weather again. I know we have a Kitt Peak outing in a couple weeks, the All-Arizona Star Party and my annual fall trip to the Chiricahuas, all good opportunities for taking some great new images. See you there!
Dean Ketelsen, 293-2855
Star Party Volunteers
By: Robert Wilson
If you are on the star-party volunteer list, or if you would like to be, please submit current information to the volunteer coordinator. The list I have is old and not as effective as it should be when I have to recruit members to cover some of our events, and it is important that we be able to provide the required number of volunteers for school star parties. Please send your name, email address, a phone number, and the area in which you live relative to central Tucson (e.g., NW, C, SE, etc.) to rasjwilson@alo.com or call me at 744-0263. Thanks, and I'll be in touch.
Calendars for 2002
We are now selling calendars for 2002. Kalmbach Publishing who publishes Astronomy Magazine produces these stunning calendars each year. Ann Scott will sell them at our meetings until our supply runs out. The cost is $10 each (~$2 off the regular selling price), or $9 each for more than one. They make great gifts. 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.
Solar Weekend in Tucson
A three-day solar program will be held in Tucson October 5th through 7th at the Sheraton Tucson Hotel located at 5151 East Grant Rd. The first day (Friday) is for teachers and the second day (Saturday) is geared towards amateur astronomers. Attendance for both these events is limited and there is a small attendance fee. Sunday there will be solar observing at Ft Lowell Park, which will be open to the general public, so even if you don't attend the Saturday or Sunday event, you can still drop by the park and see what the sun is up to.
Saturday's event is a series of lectures and panel discussions with speakers Jack Newton (world renowned astro imager and author), Dr. Antonio Sanchez Ibarra (Solar physicist from the University of Sonora), David Lunt (optics designer and founder of Coronado Instruments), Rick Fienberg (editor in chief Sky & Telescope), and David Levy (world famous comet finder). There is a $25 fee for Saturday's event ($45 for both Saturday and Sunday).
Additional information can be learned at www.coronadofilters.com, by calling Coronado Instruments at 520-740-1561, or by e-mail at info@coronadofilters.com. Checks, payable to Coronado, can be mailed to Coronado, 9121 East Tanque Verde Rd. Ste 105, PMB 320, Tucson, AZ 85749.
TAAA Fall Star-B-Cue at Kitt Peak
By: John Kalas
The TAAA has scheduled a star party and barbecue at the picnic grounds up on Kitt Peak on Saturday, 10/13, starting at 4:00 pm. A maximum of 60 TAAA Members and families will be allowed to participate. The ramada gas-fired barbecue grill will be fired up starting at 4:30 pm and members are invited to cook their dinners between 4:30 and 6:30 pm. Bring a dish to share with other members. The grill will be turned off at 6:30 pm. Telescope observing will commence after sundown and will be concluded by 11:30 pm. All members must be heading down the mountain by midnight. Be prepared for cold temperatures.
There will be a sign-up sheet at the October 5th meeting. Because of the popularity of this event, attendance will be initially limited to TAAA Members and their immediate family members only. If, after all TAAA Members have had an opportunity to sign up, there are any openings or cancellations, the attendance of guests will be considered. If you are unable to attend the October meeting, phone and e-mail reservation requests will be taken on a first come, first serve basis after 9:00 am Saturday, 10/6. Contact John Kalas at 620-6502 or via e-mail at jckalas@aol.com.
It is very important for all attendees to abide by the rules established by Kitt Peak and respect the facility. Adherence to the rules will help to continue TAAA activities on Kitt Peak in the future.
When leaving the picnic grounds after dark, if possible, use your parking lights until you have reached the main road and are headed downhill after exiting the picnic area.
A Halloween Star Party!
By Terri Lappin
Halloween...little ghosts, goblins, and space aliens abound! What better time to treat these creatures to a peak through your telescope? This year we have a full moon, so faint stuff is out, but Mars will be in the west and Saturn will be rising in the east. The best part is spending the evening out in the October night air. It's far more pleasant than being indoors with the doorbell ringing every few minutes! Several TAAA members have participated in this event and I've heard from plenty of members about how much they enjoyed themselves, not to mention the kids and the parents. Here are a few guidelines to help make your Halloween a success.
Set up your telescope near the sidewalk with a jack-o-lantern or similar attention getting, but dim, light source nearby. Spooky music gets attention too! Make sure power cords don't become trip hazards. Leave your patio lights off to draw kids away from your front door and towards you and your telescope. Be sure to have a stepladder handy for the little ones. The tendency is for people to support themselves by leaning against the telescope so politely warn them not to touch the telescope. It's best to use an eyepiece with some eye relief. These are easiest for the public to use. While most masks have large openings for eyes, kids may see better if they remove their masks. I also recommend using an eyepiece you didn't pay too much for since it will most likely be smeared with make-up or sticky fingers.
If you live in a neighborhood with bad lighting, use this casual observing session to make your neighbors aware of light pollution and how it affects our ability to see the night sky. Don't make it a lecture, but just make them aware of the problem.
I am interested in hearing your Halloween observing experiences. Tell me how many kids/adults look through your telescope and what objects you showed them. I hope that TAAA members can make every Halloween into a successful neighborhood star party.
TAAA 2001 Holiday Party
Tentative plans have been made to hold this year's Holiday Party in the Rillito Room at the Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club on Friday night December 14th. There will be more details (time and expense) available at the October 5th meeting. Menu offering will be announced in the November newsletter. Reservations may be made starting at the October meeting.
Beginners Lecture Speakers Needed
Note: The phone number and e-mail for Ray Wallace was incorrect in last month's newsletter. The corrected information appears below:
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 294-1197, or e-mail at raywallace@altavista.com.
Newsletter Cover Photos Needed
Perhaps you've noticed that every month, the cover of the newsletter prominently displays a photograph either documenting a club activity, or which ties in with the main lecture for the month. We have our usual contributors, but sometimes no one has an appropriate photo and we have to scramble. I would like to build a library of photos, which could be used in our newsletter whenever we needed a specific subject. If you would like to contribute, please send your photo to the newsletter editor. Be sure to include your name, so we can credit you, as well as details on how you obtained the photograph.
WEBSITES: TRIPS ON THE INTERNET SUPER-SKYWAY
Barsoom!
By Rik Hill
Time and Tide
Recently, on television, a multipart docudrama called LONGITUDE was aired. It is based on the historical book of the same name by Dava Sobel (author of GALILEO'S DAUGHTER) and is an excellent work, I highly recommend it. It details the efforts of astronomers and horologists to help sailors determine their positions at sea with accuracy and precision. Most particularly it centers on the life and work of John Harrison, a master horologist who finally solved the problem by making the most accurate clocks ever seen at that time.
Finding longitude at sea was one of the biggest problems in astronomy for the late 17th and first half of the 18th centuries. It required that a clock at sea be very accurate and keep Greenwich time so that the difference between that and local time of the ship underway, determined by star observations or solar measurements, could be used to then determine position. A prize was established by the British government and standards set for the attainment of that prize.
I read the book on the plane to Madeira island where we attempted to observe the occultation of Titania mentioned in this column last month. On the way back I stopped for a few days in London and seeing these clocks was very high on my list. Currently they are on exhibit at the Royal Observatory Greenwich (RGO), an outstanding British astronomical museum that should be on the list of every astronomical traveler to England.
But, not many are likely to be traveling those distances for a while. Here's where the internet can take you on the tour! The RGO, in conjunction with the National Maritime Museum (also a must see and just down the hill from RGO) have put together a wonderful website about the Harrison clocks and how they led to the accurate determination of longitude at sea. The URL is:
http://www.rog.nmm.ac.uk/museum/harrison/
All four of the clocks that Harrison built to meet these standards are shown on the website along with an abridged history. One could wish that they had little MPEG animations of them in action but just to see them is pretty good. They are works of art not only in their movement but also in their presentation. The polished brass and steel, the deep rich color of the oak gears is a wonder. The more you learn about these the more you will marvel at the mind of Harrison and intricacies of these chronometers.
The book by Sobel and the video/DVD of LONGITUDE are available from a number of sources like Amazon.Com, and barnesandnoble.com as well as your local bookstores like Barnes & Noble or Borders.
A review of the docudrama can be found at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_241000/241228.stm
The RGO also has a nice 45 min. video about Harrison and his clocks available, along with their own little concise history of Harrison. They can be ordered online at:
http://www.nmm.org.uk/system/index.html
Take a few minutes to check this out. I think you find it well worth your.....time!
As always, if you know of a particularly good website you would like mentioned here, drop me a line at rhill@lpl.arizona.edu
All Arizona Star Party
October 12th & 13th
Join amateurs from all across Arizona at the 2001 All Arizona Star Party. Put together by our freinds from the Saguaro Astronomy Club we will again use the Arizona City site for two nights of stargazing. For more information and directions see our website's Calendar page or contact Andrew at taaa@seds.org. Further details will be posted on our page when we get them.
Name a Space Telescope
By: Andrew Cooper
The upcoming SIRTF (Space Infra-Red Telescope Facility) is looking for a name. This is the latest in the NASA Great Observatories series. The previous telescopes in this series have been named for recent astronomers; Hubble Space Telescope, Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, Chandra X-Ray Telescope. Submissions must be submitted on-line and accompanied by a short essay (250 words or less). A few name selection rules... (1) The Observatory name must be simple and easily pronounced. (2) The Observatory does not have to be named after a person. However, if a personal name is proposed, that person must be deceased, in accordance with NASA's long-standing practice. (3) The Observatory cannot use a name already adopted by any previous, present, or future astronomical observatory (domestic or international). (4) The Observatory name cannot include terms reserved for ongoing NASA flight programs (e.g., Explorer, Discovery, Navigator). Submit your idea at http://ipac.jpl.nasa.gov/naming/name_contest_guidelines.html
White Sands Star Party
By: George Barber
The white sand dunes of pure gypsum were the setting for the third annual White Sands Star Party. This was certainly the most unique place I have ever observed. Imagine pitching your tent and setting up your telescope in a place that looks like Nome, Alaska but isn't freezing cold!
Sponsored by the Alamogordo astronomy club, the Alamogordo Space Museum, Apache Point, National Orbital Debris, and National Solar Observatories, and in cooperation with the White Sands National Monument, the star party was a public event designed to raise awareness of Project ASTRO. About 100 astronomers and family members participated in the three-day event, lasting from September 21 through 23. These astronomers journeyed from New Mexico, Colorado, Kentucky, Texas, and Arizona.
Friday and Saturday evenings started with a keynote speaker, followed by a constellation talk. Friday's speaker was John Briggs, from the National Solar Observatory. His presentation was "George Ellery Hale and his Magnificent Solar Telescopes". The Saturday evening presentation was "Working in a Professional Observatory", by Jack Dembicky of the Apache Point Observatory.
After the talks, the telescopes were open for public viewing until 11:00 pm. We had around 100 people each night who entered the telescope area and enjoyed the various objects we showed them.
Numerous activities were scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There were project ASTRO activities for the kids, IMAX films, free admission to the Space Museum, and tours of the above observatories. The Alamogordo club also provided a Saturday evening pizza party for all of the astronomers!
The skies over the national monument are normally quite dark, but the state of alert at nearby Holloman Air Force Base generated a light dome in the east. Friday's skies started clear, then became cloudy at about 11:30 pm. Saturday's skies were very challenging at first, with only the tiniest "sucker holes" available. But those who were persistent were rewarded, because by 10:30 pm the skies cleared and were rather steady. Both evenings, thunderstorms over the distant mountains provided a stroboscopic backdrop to our viewing. A few meteors also streaked the skies.
In the darkness of Saturday morning, a mysterious monolith, 1 foot x 4 feet x 9 feet, appeared atop one of the sand dunes. As the sun rose, the theme from "2001 - A Space Odyssey" awoke all of the campers! I'm still waiting for the 1000x increase in my I.Q. , or at least a moment of enlightenment.
All in all, I enjoyed the opportunity to attend the White Sands Star Party, and hope to do so again in the future.
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
Su/Mo 30/ 1 - - - Th/Fr 11/12 19:17 - 1:36 Su/Mo 21/22 21:47 - 5:11
Mo/Tu 1/ 2 FULL MOON Fr/Sa 12/13 19:16 - 2:45 Mo/Tu 22/23 22:40 - 5:12
Tu/We 2/ 3 - - - Sa/Su 13/14 19:15 - 3:55 Tu/We 23/24 23:35 - 5:12
We/Th 3/ 4 - - - We/Th 24/25 0:30 - 5:13
Th/Fr 4/ 5 19:26 - 19:38 Su/Mo 14/15 19:14 - 5:04 Th/Fr 25/26 1:26 - 5:14
Fr/Sa 5/ 6 19:24 - 20:12 Mo/Tu 15/16 19:12 - 5:07 Fr/Sa 26/27 2:20 - 5:14
Sa/Su 6/ 7 19:23 - 20:51 Tu/We 16/17 19:11 - 5:07 Sa/Su 27/28 3:15 - 5:15
We/Th 17/18 19:10 - 5:08
Su/Mo 7/ 8 19:22 - 21:35 Th/Fr 18/19 19:28 - 5:09 Su/Mo 28/29 4:09 - 5:16
Mo/Tu 8/ 9 19:21 - 22:26 Fr/Sa 19/20 20:11 - 5:10 Mo/Tu 29/30 5:05 - 5:17
Tu/We 9/10 19:19 - 23:24 Sa/Su 20/21 20:57 - 5:10 Tu/We 30/31 - - -
We/Th 10/11 19:18 - 0:28 We/Th 31/ 1 FULL MOON
Weekend Sun Sun Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn
Sa/Su Set Rise Set Vi Rise Vi Set Vi Rise Vi Rise Vi Vi=Visibility
29/30 18:09 6:15 18:56 7 4:14 -2 23:32 0 23:43 -2 21:43 0 -3 brilliant
6/ 7 18:00 6:20 18:25 - 4:27 -2 23:25 0 23:18 -2 21:16 0 0 conspicuous
13/14 17:51 6:25 Rise - 4:40 -2 23:20 0 22:53 -2 20:47 0 3 moderate
20/21 17:43 6:30 5:26 7 4:53 -1 23:15 0 22:27 -2 20:19 0 6 naked eye limit
27/28 17:36 6:36 5:09 3 5:06 -1 23:11 0 22:00 -2 19:50 0 9 binoculars limit
By Erich Karkoschka
Immaculate Heart Middle School Star Party North
October 8 (Monday) and October 9 (Tuesday) No. of Scopes: 3, each
night
Rather than one large event, this star party is being split into two groups and will be held on two, successive evenings. We will be supporting the 6th and 7th grade science classes of Karen Fisher. The star parties are actually going to be located at the Iris Dewhirst Trail parking lot which is located at the east end of Magee Road. Take Oracle Road to Magee Road (1 mile north of Ina Road) and turn right (east). Proceed east for approximately 1.5 miles to the end of the road. The parking lot will be on your right. The set-up area will be located near the center of this parking lot. Set-up is at 6:15pm with observing from 6:45pm to 8:30pm. Note: this parking lot closes at 9:00pm so be sure to allow adequate time to pack up your equipment. Jeff Buzek will be the star party leader for both evenings. A sign up sheet will be available at the October meeting.
Desert View High School Star Party South-Central
October 11, (Thursday) No. of Scopes: 3
This star party is to support Jim Treat's science class. The school is located at 4101 E. Valencia Road (on the north side of Valencia, east of Alvernon and West of I-10). Set-up will be at 6:00 pm in the faculty parking lot's southeast corner. Observing will run from 6:30pm to 8:30 pm. A star party leader is needed for this event and a sign up sheet will be available at the October meeting.
TAAA Fall Star-B-Cue at Kitt Peak
October 13 (Saturday)
See article in the Club News section.
Christ Presbyterian Church Star Party Northeast
October 17, (Wednesday) No. of Scopes: 4
This star party is to be held at the St. John on the Desert Presbyterian Church located at 2695 N. Houghton Road. Take Tanque Verde Road east to Houghton and go north for approximately 1 mile. The church is on the west side of the street. The set up area will be at a designated area of the parking lot. Set-up is around 5:45pm with viewing running from 6:15pm to 8:30pm. A star party leader is needed for the event, and a sign up sheet will be available at the October meeting.
Donaldson Elementary School Star Party Northwest
October 19, (Friday) No. of Scopes: 8
This is to be a large event and a strong showing on our part is needed. The school is located at 2040 W. Omar Drive. Take Ina Road west from Oracle Road to la Cholla Blvd. Turn left (south) and proceed for 1/2 mile. You will see a gate to the school entrance on the left side of La Cholla. Proceed through the gate and look for an open area on the north side of the school buildings. This is the set up area. Set up is at 5:30pm with observing from 6:00pm to approximately 8:30pm. A star party leader is needed for this event and a sign up sheet will be available at the October meeting. Note: a $100.00 donation will be provided to the TAAA and free pizza and soft drinks will be provided to all TAAA volunteers!
Desert Museum Public Star Party
October 20, 2001 (Saturday)
The Desert Museum is hosting its annual Fall star party. This is always a very popular and fun event, with hundreds of people attending. We need as many TAAA members as possible to make a good showing.
Plan to start setting up at 5:45 pm in the Museum's lower parking lot. Viewing begins with the crescent moon (which sets at 9 pm) and continues until 11:00 pm. Remember that the museum will be closed at this time. The event will be canceled if there is thick cloud-cover or rain. Be sure to prepare for quickly falling temperatures after sundown. Refreshments will be on sale.
The Desert is on the far west side of town. Take either Gate's Pass or I-19/Ajo, and follow the signs.
Desert Springs Academy Star Party Southeast
October 23, 2001, (Tuesday) No. of Scopes: 3-4
The academy will be holding this event at Pantano Christian Church at 10355 E. 29th Street. Take Speedway Blvd east to Houghton Rd and turn right (south). Continue south until you reach 29th and look for the church on your left. The set-up area is on a parking lot that is located on the southeast side of the church. Set-up is at 5:45pm with viewing from 6:15pm to 8:00pm. A star party leader is needed for this event and a sign up sheet will be available at the October meeting.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory Star Party Kitt Peak
October 27, 2001, (Saturday) No. of Scopes: 5-7
Take Ajo Way (Route 86) west from I-19 about 56 miles. Go past Pan Tak on the Tohono O'odham reservation and look for the 386 junction and the sign for Kitt Peak. Turn left and proceed 12 miles. The Visitor Center parking lot will be on the left where the road ends, and the Visitor Center will be straight ahead. Members should check in at the Visitor Center for directions to the set-up area, which will be at the 36" just opposite the WIYN telescope . Members may drive to the set-up area to unload and then return their cars to the visitor lot. Members should understand that there will be testing at the 36", so it is imperative that we follow all observing protocols, especially when returning with cars to pick up equipment at the end of the evening. Set-up is at 5:00pm. For anyone interested in doing solar observing, set-up is at 3:00pm. The event will last until 9:30pm. Robert Wilson will be the star party leader. A sign up sheet will be available at the October meeting.
Whipple Observatory Visitors Center Star Party
November 10 (Saturday)
Observing will begin after 6:15 p.m. courtesy of telescopes provided by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association and Sonora Astronomical Society.
Binoculars and small flashlights are useful to bring. Please cooperate with staff directing parking when you arrive. The parking spaces nearest the building are reserved for TAAA/SAS members and their telescopes. Visitors should park along the driveway or in the parking area outside the gate or along the road as directed. (Please note: Visitors will be allowed to park cars next to the building in the space usually reserved for telescopes until 4 p.m. At that time, visitors will have to move their cars to other parking spaces so that telescopes may be set up.) For more information call 670-5707. In case of threatening weather, call 670-5707 after 3 p.m. on the 10th for information about star party cancellation. Se habla Espanol. See website http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/cfa/ep/starparty.html for location and background information.
TIMPA Work Party
27 October
Keep up the progress! We again go to the TIMPA site and continue the progress we have made all summer. We will be working on the observing pads to ready this area of the site for use. Contact Andrew Cooper at taaa@seds.org if you would like to join in the effort.
TAAA Board of Directors Meeting - September 11th, 2001
Location: Steward Observatory Conference Room N305 University
of Arizona
Call to Order: 7:10 pm
Board Members Present: Andrew Cooper, Thom Peck, Terri Lappin,
Jane Tongate, Bill Lofquist.
Board Members Absent: Steve Peterson, Robert Callanan
Other Members Present: Past President John Kalas, Liz Kalas.
Changes to the agenda: Item 9 was added to the agenda.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Tongate, Secretary
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