20151003ACA Star Gaze

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Dear ACA Members,

Every once in a while, you actually can do astronomy in the rain! Thank you so much for your enthusiastic support of ACA at SEED this year. We were faced with nothing but falling lemons today, but somehow you were able to make lemonade anyway. We had 20 ACA participants, and a full 25% were new members this year.

We appreciate those who showed "can do" sportmanship and tenacity to focus on science throughout the day. Though attendance may have been down for obvious reasons, I’m sure that we talked with hundreds of students this year, both upstairs in the lab and outside under the tent.

Many thanks to those who came to prep and load the truck the week before, even though rain threatened then too. And thanks to some who updated and presented totally new posters on their own time. You were so well prepared, it's no wonder all went well. We had a great variety of programs and stations focused on our solar system.

The ACA showed amazing agility in meeting the challenge of developing many spontaneous interactive presentations. Few organizations have such imaginative members who can adjust their presentation plans and still provide inspiration on such short notice. Though it can be frustrating to see so few of the students who seem to have a spark of interest in science and astronomy, not all of the them were just doing time at SEED today. If you also looked for that spark in their eyes, you may have noticed a few who have the potential to change our world and theirs for the better. The rewarding part is not in how many you were able to talk with, but in those few who actually felt that spark of early interest that you may remember from long ago. Who knows, we may have talked with one of the first colonizers of Mars or to the scientist who figures out dark energy or to the one who discovers something we have not yet imagined! Every life has a pivotal moment, and today’s quickly reorganized interactive displays may just be the beginning point of 100 years of scientific interest for one of those students.

The ACA adjusted quickly and successfully to the challenge that was presented. Even through the downpour, we seemed to have practically non-stop interaction right up until we began cleanup near 3:00 pm. I’m sure some of us developed a few more gray hairs during the day, but I also suspect that the students were not the only ones to gain more insight during this enriching experience. I hope that each of you felt satisfaction in your effort to help push the interest of science a little deeper into our solar system. We are proud that the ACA was so well represented. Even before we packed up to leave, some of you already had the beginnings of new ideas for next year’s presentations.

In spite of the rainy weather, we did a tremendous job for which I wish to thank each of you. Each of us deserves a heartfelt congratulation for our earnest efforts in making this year’s 2015 ACA SEED one of those moments that many will remember!

Stan Howard
ACA Vice President of Observing

The count is in:

Just a quick note to say THANK YOU! The 30th Annual S.E.E.D. was a huge success, with right at 3600 people in attendance. Thanks for braving the thunderstorms this morning. I will follow up later with some more information, but I just wanted you to know how much we appreciate you being an exhibitor this year!
John M. Hutchens Director of Special Programs Ruth Patrick Science Education Center

20151023ACAROMin

The Astronomy Club of Augusta met for its monthly meeting on October 23, Friday 7:00pm at the RPSEC at USC Aiken, SC. There were 29 attending.

Stan began the meeting by announcing that our President, Mark Moffatt, had resigned from office. Stan thanked Mark for his time and contributions to the club on behalf of the rest of the members. Thanks Mark! Stan stated that after discussion, the remaining officers agreed that they could manage the club business as a group until elections next spring.

Stan also announced:

1. Our next star gaze to be held on Nov. 7 at NMR-DSO.

2. The Leavelle McCampbell Middle School Outreach is still looking for volunteers. This outreach is to be held on Friday Nov. 13. Please see Ray after the meeting and go to our web site for more information.

3. Our Annual Holiday Christmas Dinner will be held on Dec. 19, and final arrangements will be posted on the web site and announced at the next two meetings. Cathy Axel agreed to host our festivities. (Please see more below.)

4. Also, despite poor weather (rain downpour!), participation at SEED was good. Stan thanked all that helped setup and “man” the stations that ACA had. We were split under the concession tent and upstairs in the second floor lab room. Pictures will be shown when available.

Kenneth introduced our speaker John Sutherland, GRU Director of the Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship. John spoke of the Biological Effects of Radiation in Space. Basically, on Earth we are protected from the ionizing radiation present in space by Earth's atmosphere and its magnetic field. Manned space missions expose crews to a several types of radiation, and the shortest possible manned mission to Mars takes about three years. The Martian atmosphere is not as dense as Earth's, and Mars has no magnetosphere to deflect ions. While there is extensive scientific literature on the biological effects of X-rays, gamma-rays, and neutrons,
data on ions from protons to Fe+26 was limited. John went on to tell about the research program at the AGS

(Alternating Gradient Synchrotron) and the new NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL), with special attention to studies of the effects of ion beams on mammals. He gave us a very informative talk with an enthusiastic Q&A period afterwards.

A great refreshment table was offered by Pat and Angie Rotier. Thank you! It was delicious!

During the refreshments, Kenneth told us that Cathy Axel agreed to host our Annual Holiday Dinner. Cathy announced that she was taking suggestions and inviting volunteers to help out with the Christmas Party this year. All those who are interested in helping out Cathy, please see her or one of the officers. Thanks Cathy!

After refreshment time, we all moved outside where several telescopes were being set up for Lunar observing.

Those who set up scopes included Steve M., John W., and Morris M. Morris had his 6” Dobsonian reflector out and was showing some great views of the moon. John had a scope set up and was training Maryglenn in its use. Steve M. set up his scope and was taking images of the moon. Gary S. had the big scope in the planetarium open until 10pm.

Lots of participation and fun was had by all. Members and guests began leaving around 10:30.

Respectfully submitted,

Ray Owens, Secretary