Desert Skies
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association
Desert Skies
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association
Volume XLVIII, Number 4, April, 2002
Contents
Main Meeting: Friday, April 5 at the Steward Observatory Auditorium - Room N210
Beginner's Lecture: 6:30 pm
William Herschel and the Beginning of the NGC Catalog
Andrew Cooper
Last time I gave a history of several star atlases and catalogs, this time we will concentrate on William Herschel, his sister Caroline and their work that became the start of the NGC catalog.
General Meeting: 7:30 pm
Southern Sky Observing
Tom Polakis
The speaker for the April meeting will be Tom Polakis, from Tempe. As a veteran of five trips to the Southern Hemisphere to view the southern skies, he will speak to us about how to best enjoy such a trip yourself. Additionally, you will see some of his personal highlights from trips to Chile and Australia.
Board of Director's Meeting: Tuesday, April 8, 7:00 pm at Steward Observatory Conference room N305.
Star Partied and Events:
Newsletter Schedule: Deadline for articles: Mon, April 15. Printing: Mon, April 22. Folding Party: Tues, April 23. Mailing: Wed, April 24. The newsletter is mailed at least one week prior to the following month's General Meeting.
Cover Photo: Comet C/2002 C1 Ikeya Zhang imaged by Andrew Cooper on Mar 20th at TIMPA with a 10" (25cm) SCT operating at f/6.4. Ten 1min CCD images stacked and processed.
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
Spring is here! The calendar may say the equinox occurred on the 20th of March, but for me spring started on the 21st. Late that morning I walked to lunch down the street from where I work. The air just shouted, "Spring is here!" Something in the scent on the breeze, the birds singing around me, or the first hint of summer's hot breath, it just felt like spring.
This means the nights of shivering at the eyepiece are nearly over. When I'm all bundled up in ski pants, hat, gloves and insulated boots and still shivering, the one thing that keeps coming to mind is the nights of May and June, when I observe all night in shorts sleeves, shorts and sandals. Now that is Tucson observing! The only usual problem are the insects, but this year's lack of rain is a mixed blessing, with the good news being the resulting low population of mosquitoes and other pests of the night. Yes! Spring is here.
The year has started very well and with a very pleasant surprise. Discovered on February first, comet Ikeya Zhang has exceeded expectations and become a beuatiful binocular and telescopic object. And very suddenly, it is not like we had a year's notice like so many comets, discovered while in the outer solar system and we wait for a year for the show. No, this time a comet crept in close before we found it and less than a month after discovery is an unaided eye object. With a telescope or particularly in photos the tail is a beautiful sight with streamers braided back and forth along its length.
By the time you read this, the comet will be gone from the evening sky, but around the start of the month it will swing above the sun (from our earthbound vantage point) and pop up in the morning sky. Around the mid-month new moon it will be well up and probably not much fainter than it is now. I highly suggest you make a point of observing it, particularly if you have not already done so.
Two other big events are fast approaching. April hosts both our annual picnic and our large public star party at Sabino Canyon in support of Telescopes for Telethon. More information on both events in this newsletter.
So take advantage of the warmer weather! The balmy spring and summer observing nights we enjoy so much here in Tucson are just ahead!
Andrew
Member News
We welcome the most recent members who have joined the TAAA: Kent D McCaslin, George McGee, J D and Mary Lou Metzger, Fred Rentzel, John D Rockefeller, and Tom Sarko. 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. (Updated membership lists are available at the regular meetings, so pick one up if you need it.)
Club Officer Elections are Coming
At the February monthly meeting, Steve Peterson, Shiela Conrad, and Thom Peck were nominated and unanimously approved as members of the nominating committee. Their task has been to seek out the qualified candidates for the slate to be voted upon at the May monthly meeting. Any member of TAAA in good standing who has been a member for at least 1 year is eligible and encouraged to run for office.
As of this writing, the slate of candidates is as follows:
President Andrew Cooper
Vice President Thom Peck
Secretary Jane Tongate
Treasurer Terri Lappin
Members-at-Large Robert Callanan, Steve Peterson, Bill Lofquist
Any member interested in running for an office may contact Steve Peterson at swpeterson@theriver.com, Shiela Conrad at 529-1750, or Thom Peck at 327-7825. Nominations are open until the May meeting, at which time floor nominations will also be accepted before the vote is taken.
Astrophoto SIG Dinner
4 April, 7pm
China Rose, Speedway/Rosemont
As is our usual custom, we'll be meeting the evening before the April general meeting to discuss astronomical imaging. No rules to speak of, we like film and CCD images. A laptop and video projector as well as a slide projector is available. So bring your favorite images and show them off! With a bright comet (Ikeya/Zhang) I'm hoping for some nice images. See you there!
TAAA Annual Picnic
Apr. 6 (Saturday)
This year's annual picnic will be held at the TIMPA Site and all TAAA Members and their families are encouraged to come. This is the first time that the club is holding its annual picnic at this location and we are looking forward to a great turnout! Members are invited to arrive early and enjoy some solar viewing starting at 3:30 pm. There will be a potluck barbecue starting at 5:30 pm with telescope observing taking place after dark. Bring your own food, plates, utensils and a dish to share (salads, snacks, desserts, etc.). The TAAA will supply soft drinks and barbecue grills. A card table and chairs or a camping table could be handy. This should be a super event. Won't you join us?
Telescopes for Telethon Public Star Party
Apr. 19 (Friday)
By John Kalas
It's that time of the year again for the 3rd annual Telescopes for Telethon public star party in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Wendee and David Levy have requested the support of the TAAA to make this event even better than last year (and last year was outstanding!). The activity will be held at the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area on Friday, April 19th. The $5.00 parking fee has been waived for this event. Solar viewing will be provided to Sabino Canyon visitors from 3:00 pm to sunset. Set-up for the evening viewing session will begin no earlier than 5:00 pm when the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area closes for business and must be completed by 6:00 pm. Starting at 5:00 pm, telescopes will be positioned around the tram loop near the ticket booth area and then down the tram roadway leading away from the loop toward the canyon. Telescope equipment will have to be carried to the tram loop and roadway from the main parking lot access loop. Public observing runs from 6:00 to 10:00 pm. Along with the normal solicitation of donations from the public, there will be two special donation promotions; "Rename a Star" and "Rename a Constellation", so brush up on the major stars and constellations out that night. Volunteers will be permitted to do personal observing until 11:30 pm. Everyone must leave the complex by midnight.
In case of bad weather, Saturday, 4/20, and Sunday, 4/21, have been reserved as potential rain/cloud dates. Volunteers are needed, not just for the telescopes, but to assist with the collection of donations, helping carry telescope equipment to the set-up locations and general public support duties, so please consider attending even if you don't bring a telescope. This will be a fantastic, fun activity. Please help out. John Kalas is the TAAA coordinator for this event. David and Wendee Levy, developers and national coordinators of the Telescopes for Telethon campaign, will be attending. There will be a sign-up sheet at the April monthly meeting. If you are unable to attend the monthly meeting and would like to help, please contact John at 620-6502 or jckalas@aol.com.
TAAA Library Moved
The TAAA thanks Steward Observatory for providing us a more convenient location for our loaning library. No longer will our librarians (Teresa and Claude Plymate) need to haul books into the meetings. The TAAA has purchased two cabinets on wheels that will be moved into the lecture hall during our meetings. Our members will now be able to peruse the entire collection of books during the meeting breaks.
This came about after something of a disaster. Our books had been kept in a set of cabinets at Steward Observatory for about 7 years. One night last month, between midnight and 1am, the entire wall of cabinets came tumbling down. How do we know the time so accurately? Well, a student was fortunate enough to have left the room during that hour and discovered it upon returning. The pile of our books was found lying right where this student had been working. We are grateful that no one was hurt in the mishap.
The TAAA thanks the Plymates and Sam and Phyllis Turner (the last librarians) for dutifully hauling selected books to our meetings each month. This had been a real chore for them...one we are sure they are glad to not perform again.
Girl Scout SMART Day a Huge Success
A grand time was had by 800 Girl Scouts at the annual Science, Math And Related Technologies (SMART) event. The TAAA provided two programs about astronomy to go along with the other 22 programs provided by several organizations around Tucson. We heard reports that the astronomy presentations were the best ones there, so Kudos to TAAA!! John Kalas had about 500 girls view the sun through his solar H-alpha and sunspot filters. A cloud passed by here and there, but solar observing continued through the day, so John left with a bit of sunburn. He was helped by Andrea Urban, who is an astronomy major at the University of Arizona. Terri Lappin and TAAA member Debra Davis made comets for over 200 girls. Each comet was named after three girls from each group, based on correct answers to astronomy trivia questions. The girls observed the behavior of comets and learned of the materials found in comets. The comet presentation was enhanced this year by a slide program about woman astronomers who have discovered comets. Debra, who runs the Woman Astronomer newsletter (see www.womanastronomer.com), brought a display about woman astronomers and provided much of the information used in the slide program. Everyone involved hopes to have inspired some young female minds to think about astronomy and look up!
School Star Party Program
By John Kalas
By far, the School Star Party Program is the biggest, most beneficial
and most rewarding of all club activities. And it should be. The
TAAA is the most active club in Arizona and probably the entire
west in its effort to share the science and beauty of astronomy
with school children and their families. The TAAA's history of
public outreach is long and rich. The success of the school star
party program lies with the generous members who volunteer their
time and equipment, as well as our dedicated coordinators Jeff
Buzek and Robert Wilson. So far in the first three months of 2002,
the club has accepted requests for sixteen school star parties,
requiring about 84 scopes. Despite a few weather-related cancellations,
most of the activities were very well supported and highly successful.
The following 34 members dedicated their efforts to make them
happen: Nick Applegate, George Barber, Kevin Bays, John Bianchi,
Jeff Brydges, Jeff Buzek, Robert Callanan, Alan Clark, Andrew
Cooper, Sydney DeGon, Chuck Dugan and his son, Nick, Phil Hollis,
John Kalas, Terri Lappin, Bill Lofquist, Harold Mechler, Derald
Nye, Bill Owens, Thom Peck, Claude & Teresa Plymate, Randy Quiroz,
Steve Ratts, Gary Rosenbaum, Luke Scott, Terry & Alexis Secory,
Byron Skinner, Jim Smith, John Paul Sosville, John & Deb Soule,
Michael Thompson, Sam & Phyllis Turner, Ken Wheelock, Jim Wilmot
and Robert Wilson. The TAAA and all of the schools that were serviced
by these members thank them very much.
With this kind of success come increased responsibilities. The
program has become so popular and well received that the number
of requests for school star parties continues to grow. Last year,
the club instituted a policy for a maximum of six school star
parties per month. This sounds like a lot, but in years past we
have handled up to 8 - 10 school star parties per month in peak
season (Feb. thru April). This year, the club has had to turn
away several schools due to our self-imposed maximum. Telling
a teacher that we are unable to help them with their astronomy
program is very difficult and somewhat embarrassing. With a total
membership of 380, the TAAA should be able to field enough volunteers
to handle more than six events per month. Our objective is to
build up the volunteer list so that, if each volunteer offered
to attend just one activity per month, we would be able to handle
most requests. We would like you to consider adding your name
to the volunteer list and actively supporting this worthwhile
project. If you are interested, please contact Robert Wilson at
744-0263 or rasjwilson@aol.com. Thanks.
Grand Canyon Star Party
8-15 June, 2002
North and South Rims
Well, the arrangements have been made, now we wait for June to get here! While the requests for campsites came in a rush, we can likely still fit a few in if you don't mind sharing - most are this year, so space is still available. In addition, if you've always been interested in attending but were not a camper and can't afford the lodging, have I got an offer for you! An attendee named Kim Colter (male, non-smoker, non-snorer (his description!)) has reservations at Yavapai lodge and is looking to share his room. You can contact him at coltmenk@hotmail.com or call him at 636-239-6968.
Think also about giving a twilight talk - get your chance in the spotlight and entertain the public while it gets dark enough to observe. I'm looking for talks for the general public aimed for the typical 4th grader! Let me know if you are interested. Talks should be about 30-45 minutes long, but if you've a shorter one, perhaps I can combine several talks.
I was just at the Canyon, bringing my sister and niece up to check out the most scenic spot on earth, and believe me, it is a different sight with 3 inches of fresh snow on the ground! But it did bring back what a memorable place it is - don't forget that after 11 years, I've spent something like 80 days there just for the star party. It is a memorable place, whether or not you are there for the star party, but it is a great star party too. Let me know if you have any questions regarding this event.
Dean Ketelsen, 293-2855.
Lost and Found
Found after the Desert Museum Star party, one dob mat. Contact Andrew to claim.
WEBSITES: TRIPS ON THE INTERNET SUPER-SKYWAY
CELESTIAL DUPLICITY
By Rik Hill
Spring is a great time for double star observing. There are a number of wonderful star systems available to the amateur instrument be it a 2.4" refractor or a 20" Dobsonian. Star systems such as Iota Cnc, Zeta Cnc, Beta Mon, Gamma Vir (components getting very close now) offer delightful views to both the advanced amateur and the tyro. If you have been watching the last star, also known as Porrima, over the last decade or so, you've seen the two stars approach each other and change in position angle quite rapidly. YOU CAN ACTUALLY SEE THE CHANGE IN THESE STARS! Two years ago they were an easy split for my little ETX90 but now they cannot be separated cleanly.
There are also a lot of good websites to guide your observing of these stellar multiples. To get you started there's a nice article that fills you in on the lexicon of the double star observer at:
The U.S. Naval Observatory has an on-line library of resources to help you plan double star observing at:
The highlight of that website is the full Washington Double Star Catalogue (WDS) which is searchable at:
Here you will find tabular information on essentially all double stars, for free!
If this kind of observing catches your fancy then I would recommend that you visit the The Spirit of 33 website:
This site came to prominence with the article "Double stars: The Spirit of 33" in the Sky & Telescope February ,2000 issue by 33-doubles organizer Luis ArgŸelles of Oviedo, Spain. He's also started an email list-group called 33-doubles@yahoogroups.com. It's the most active double star observing list in the world with observers from all over the world and well worth joining
Lastly, there are several other double star databases that are worth a look.
ALCOVE Database http://members.aol.com/astroalcove/double.html
SAGUARO ASTRONOMY CLUB DOUBLE STAR DATABASE VERSION 2.1 http://www.virtualcolony.com/sac/star-search-form.html
The Visual Binaries List: The Widest 100 http://www.cyburban.com/~mrf/c.htm
Armed with this you can have not only an enjoyable observing session, but a whole future of rewarding observing of these duplicitous stellar systems.
--------- + ---------
As always, if you know of a good websites you would like mentioned here, drop me a line at : rhill@lpl.arizona.edu
Steward Observatory Public Evening Lecture
Since 1924 Steward Observatory has hosted public evening lectures in astronomy. The Steward Public Evening Lectures are held twice a month at 7:30pm in the Steward Lecture Hall (N210), the same room we hold our meetings. Following each lecture, the 21-inch telescope will be available for viewing the night sky (weather permitting). The lectures and the use of the telescope are free of charge and open to the general public. The entire schedule is available at http://viking.as.arizona.edu/~taf/pubeve/pub_lect.html. The last lecture this semester is listed below.
Apr.15 Dr. Eric Bell Stardust: A Voyage of Discovery
2001 All Arizona Messier Marathon
Arizona City, AZ
April 13/14, 2002
Find all the Messier objects in one night? Yes it is possible, just barely if the Sun and Moon are in just the right positions. If you decide to participate be sure to read and follow all of this information. First arrive at the site early, don't plan on arriving by sunset. Give yourself time to setup your telescope and for it to reach thermal equilibrium. Also give yourself time to meet old friends and make new ones. Directions to the Arizona City site can be found at http://aecooper.home.att.net/obssites.html.
If you are not going to stay all night, then park near the entrance so you don't disturb others when you depart. Please give a shout a few minutes before leaving and then as you are about to depart. This will give observers time to hide so the light doesn't interfere with night vision.
There will be a check off list available at the site to record your observations. Be sure to pick one up, preferably before you start marathoning and fill in the top portion so awards can be made. It is important to remember that you must turn in your form to one of the Coordinators before leaving the site or by sunrise. We cannot accept any after these times.
If you plan on participating, then doing some homework ahead of time will pay dividends. If interested the check off list can be made available prior to the marathon for your reference. Study the list, or use your own sequences. Be prepared for the extremely unlikely case it should become cloudy.
The marathon this year has been scheduled for a somewhat later time than normal for several reasons. First the earlier date in March has interference from the moon well after astronomical twilight. The selected date has no interference of this type, is the day after new moon and will give marathoners a chance to brush up on the late risers, particularly M30!
For the selected date the following will not be available at all; M74, M77 and M33. Only M34 and M76 will only be available in the evening. Whereas M39, M31, M32 and M101 will only be available in the morning. That leaves an easy 101 objects, or 107 if you really work at it!
Concerned that you can't get a high count? Don't worry, set your own goals and don't be bothered about the high counts. The important point is for you to have a good time and not become frustrated. This is supposed to be a fun time - enjoy it!
Your efforts will not go unnoticed as there will be awards in recognition of your participation. People observing 50 or more objects will receive an 8 1/2 X 11 certificate. For first, second and third place there will be plaques suitable for mounting on your telescope. Duplicate awards will be made in case of ties.
If you don't care to marathon, don't worry - come anyway! You can do your own deep sky or planetary observing or astrophotography. There's always the chance to just relax under a clear dark sky or just socialize to your hearts content.
AJ Crayon, e-mail - acrayon@mindspring.com
Jack Jones, e-mail - spicastar@msn.com
Messier Marathon Coordinators
Saguaro Astronomy Club
saguaroastro.org
THOUGHTFUL LIGHTING BENEFITS TAAA
On Feb 19, the Southern Arizona Chapter of International Dark-skies Assn presented Budget Car and Truck Sales SA-IDA's good lighting award for relighting their lot at Oracle and Orange Grove with 90-degree cutoff fixtures. Mr. Bob Rockov received the award on behalf of Budget. The ceremony was witnessed by all Budget sales and office personnel working at the opening of that business day, and appeared on KUAT TV later in the day.
John Polacheck VP of the chapter, made the presentation, supported by Byron Skinner treasurer, Josie DeFalla, Joe Franea and Ingrid Saber. Liz Alvarez represented IDA international and Sara Rachel represented the National Audebon Society. Representing the political sector were former AZ state senator George Cunningham, previously administrator of the UofA mirror lab, and Lisa Menerick mayor of Ferrysburg Michigan. The commercial sector was represented by Dean and Donna Koenig of Starizona.
Doug Isbell of NOAO Kitt Peak and Fr. Chris Corbally of the Vatican Observatory represented the professional astronomy sector. Robert Callanan, member at large attended on behalf of TAAA. Increased awareness of effective non-obtrusive lighting and responsible actions by members of the business community improve the quality of our viewing and photography. Support those who support your interests.
Robert Callanan
DR. VEGA HONORED
Dr. Eduardo Vega former TAAA member at large and regular spring star party and picnic sponsor, founder of the Southern Arizona Chapter of IDA, lifetime member of IDA, ex board member of the Tucson Symphony and contributor to many other civic undertakings was given a recognition dinner in his honor at China Rose restaurant. Dr. Vega was accompanied by his wife Pat, son Eddy Jr. and daughters Jenny and Maria.
Emcee John Polacheck introduced various celebrities who knew and worked with Ed. Principal speaker David Levy recalled fifteen years of friendship with the Vegas and how his first encounter with TAAA was a request for $1000 earmarked to provide dark sky viewing for members. Other early dark sky-viewing contributors attending were past president Tim Hunter and Valerie Goff, widow of Bob Golf.
Other speakers included David Crawford co-founder of IDA with Tim Hunter, Mike Terrazoni of Flandreau and Ingrid Saber. Carol Hunter expressed her warm feelings by exceeding a request for a banquet with a nine entree Chinese feast fit for an emperor. Maria Vega eloquently thanked the packed room on behalf of her father and the Vega family.
The event was a special occasion for my wife Barbara and I, as we spent our first three nights at Vega Bray observatory five years ago while we looked by day for a home in Tucson. Our first friends in Tucson were the Vegas. We, like all those whose lives crossed theirs, love them dearly.
Robert Callanan
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
Su/Mo 31/ 1 20:06 - 22:24 Th/Fr 11/12 20:16 - 4:34 Su/Mo 21/22 3:09 - 4:20
Mo/Tu 1/ 2 20:07 - 23:31 Fr/Sa 12/13 20:17 - 4:33 Mo/Tu 22/23 3:49 - 4:19
Tu/We 2/ 3 20:08 - 0:34 Sa/Su 13/14 20:18 - 4:31 Tu/We 23/24 - - -
We/Th 3/ 4 20:09 - 1:31 We/Th 24/25 - - -
Th/Fr 4/ 5 20:10 - 2:21 Su/Mo 14/15 20:50 - 4:30 Th/Fr 25/26 - - -
Fr/Sa 5/ 6 20:10 - 3:06 Mo/Tu 15/16 21:48 - 4:28 Fr/Sa 26/27 FULL MOON
Sa/Su 6/ 7 20:11 - 3:44 Tu/We 16/17 22:48 - 4:27 Sa/Su 27/28 - - -
We/Th 17/18 23:47 - 4:26
Su/Mo 7/ 8 20:12 - 4:18 Th/Fr 18/19 0:44 - 4:24 Su/Mo 28/29 20:32 - 21:10
Mo/Tu 8/ 9 20:13 - 4:38 Fr/Sa 19/20 1:37 - 4:23 Mo/Tu 29/30 20:33 - 22:17
Tu/We 9/10 20:14 - 4:37 Sa/Su 20/21 2:26 - 4:21 Tu/We 30/ 1 20:34 - 23:19
We/Th 10/11 20:15 - 4:35 We/Th 1/ 2 20:35 - 0:14
Weekend Sun Sun Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn
Sa/Su Set Rise Rise Vi Set Vi Set Vi Set Vi Set Vi Vi=Visibility
30/31 18:40 6:12 6:01 - 20:05 0 21:52 2 1:25 -2 23:22 0 -3 brilliant
6/ 7 18:45 6:03 Set 20:19 -1 21:48 2 1:00 -2 22:57 0 0 conspicuous
13/14 18:50 5:54 19:24 8 20:33 -1 21:44 2 0:36 -2 22:33 0 3 moderate
20/21 18:55 5:46 20:06 4 20:47 -2 21:39 2 0:13 -2 22:09 1 6 naked eye limit
27/28 19:00 5:39 20:37 3 21:01 -2 21:34 3 23:49 -2 21:45 1 9 binoculars limit
By Erich Karkoschka
TAAA Annual Picnic
Apr. 6 (Saturday)
See article in the Club News Section of this newsletter.
Heritage Highlands Star Party (Paid)
Apr. 7 (Sunday) No. of Scopes: 8
The TAAA has been invited to provide an evening of observing for about eighty members of the residential community of Heritage Highlands at Dove Mountain. This is a great club fundraiser! Volunteers and their spouses are invited to enjoy a buffet dinner starting at 6:00 pm. The club has been asked to make a presentation to the guests at 7:00 pm. Set-up will be between 5:30 and 7:00 pm (depending on your attendance at dinner) on the patio of the clubhouse. Viewing is from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Take I-10 north to Tangerene Rd. Go east on Tangerene for about 4.5 miles to Dove Mountain Rd. on the left. Turn left (north) onto Dove Mountain Rd. and go about 2 miles to the Heritage Highlands guard shack on the left. Proceed a few hundred feet past the guard shack to the clubhouse on the left. Telescope equipment will have to be transported through the main clubhouse entrance to the patio at the rear of the clubhouse. John Kalas is the Star Party Leader for this event. There will be a sign-up sheet at the April monthly meeting. If you would like to support this activity but are unable to attend the meeting, you must contact John at 620-6502 or jckalas@aol.com to confirm dinner reservations.
Holladay Intermediate School Star Party South-Central
April 10 (Wednesday) No. of Scopes: 6-7
This will be a large star party held in conjunction with the school's science fair. The school is located at 1110 E. 33rd St. Take 22nd St. west to Park Ave. Turn left (south) on Park and proceed approx. 0.8 mile to 34th St. Turn left on 34th St. and cross over Fremont. On the north side of 34th St. there will be a back entrance gate to the school's field and basketball court. This is the set up area. Set up is at 6:45pm with observing from 7:15pm and to 9:00pm. A star party leader is needed for this event, and a sign up sheet will be available at the April meeting.
Coyote Trail Elementary School Star Party Northwest
April 11, (Thursday) No. of Scopes: 5-6
The students are from the fifth grade class. The school is located at 8000 N. Silverbell Road. Take Interstate 10 west to Cortaro Road and turn left (west) on Cortaro Farms. Proceed approximately 1.5 miles to Silverbell Road and turn right (north). Proceed approximately 1/4 mile on Silverbell Road. The school will be on the right past the Fry's food store. The set up area is on the common area inside the school grounds by the courtyard. Set up is around 6:45pm to 7:00pm with viewing running from 7:30pm to about 9:00pm. A star party leader will be needed for this event. A sign up sheet will be available at the April meeting.
UofA Science Students Star Party
Apr. 14 (Sunday) No. of Scopes: 10+
The TAAA has been invited again this year to support a star party for UofA Students taking a variety of science courses. The activity will be held at Saguaro National Park West in the parking lot in front of the visitor's center. There will be an area reserved for telescope operators and their vehicles in the parking lot away from the visitor's center (not up close to the visitors center). Viewing is from 7:30 to 9:30 pm, so set-up should be before 7:30 pm. Between 80 to 100 students are expected to arrive by vans from the UofA at 7:30 pm. John Kalas is the Star Party Leader for this event. There will be a sign-up sheet at the April monthly meeting. If you would like to support this activity but are unable to attend the meeting, please contact John at 620-6502 or jckalas@aol.com.
Erickson Elementary School Star Party East
April 16, (Tuesday) No. of Scopes: 4-5
The school is located at 6750 E. Stella Road. Take Kolb Road south to Stella and turn right. Go about 0.5 mile west to Mann. The school is located on the SE corner of Stella and Mann. Enter through a gate on the west side of the school (just south of Stella) and drive across the play ground to the NE corner and set up on one of the concrete pads. Set-up is at 7:00 pm with observing from 7:30 pm to about 9:00 pm. Terri Lappin (home - 579-0185) is the star party leader for this event. A sign up sheet will be available at the April meeting.
Agua Caliente Elementary School Star Party Northeast
April 16 (Tuesday) No. of Scopes: 5-6
Take Tanque Verde Rd. east to Catalina Hwy. Turn left on Catalina Hwy and proceed approx 1.5 miles and turn right on Prince Rd. Pass Houghton Rd, Wendell Rd and Melpomene Rd. Prince Rd. will end and take a left on Homestead Rd. The school's athletic field will be on the left. Enter the gate on Homestead and drive to the north side of the field. Set-up begins at 7:00 pm. Observing starts at 7:30 pm, and ends approximately at 9:00 pm. Jeff Buzek will be the star party leader. A sign up sheet will be available at the April meeting.
Copper Creek Elementary School Star Party Northwest
April 18 (Thursday) No. of Scopes: 8-10
This large (200-300 people expected!) activity is in support of Project Astro. Take La Canada Drive north past Lambert Ln. and Naranja Rd.. Turn right on Silverleaf and follow it until it dead-ends at the playground. Turn right down a driveway and then turn left into a gate that leads to the basketball courts. Set-up begins at 7:00 pm. Observing starts at 7:30 pm, and ends at 9:00 pm. A Star Party leader is needed for this event. A sign up sheet will be available at the April meeting.
Telescopes for Telethon Public Star Party
Apr. 19 (Friday)
See article in the Club News section of this newsletter.
Kitt Peak Tribal Night
April 20 (Saturday) No. of Scopes: 4-6
Kitt Peak is hosting Tohono O'odham Tribal night. Set up is at 5:00 for those who can do solar observing, and the event will last until 8:30. The set up area is the south side of the 36-in. parking lot, the same place we set up for family night last October. To get to Kitt Peak, take I19 to Ajo Way and proceed west for 56 miles. After you pass Pan Tak, look for the sign indicating highway 386. At the junction of 86 and 386, turn left and proceed 12 miles up the mountain to the Visitor Center parking lot. Members may drive their cars to the set up area and then return them to the parking lot at the Visitor Center. Please try to arrive before dark.
TAAA Board of Directors Meeting
Location: Steward Observatory Conference Room N305 University
of Arizona
Call to order: 7:10 pm
Board Members Present: Thom Peck, Terri Lappin, Jane Tongate,
Robert Callahan, Bill Lofquist
Board Members Absent: Andrew Cooper, Steve Peterson
Others Present: Past President John Kalas
Meeting adjourned at 9:20 pm.
Respectfully submiteed by Jane Tongate, Secretary.
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