ACA Calendar of Events
2011-12
Encourage your family to study astronomy!
20110507 ACA Challenge Letter
Helpful Information about Refreshments and Programs
June Minutes
Club Star Gaze
July 2, Saturday,
8:00 PM at NMR-DSO
Moon rise: 0538 Moon Set: 2043 Dark sky
Monthly Meeting
The Public is invited!
July 15 , Friday,
7:00 PM at ASU
Moon rise: 1954 Moon Set: 0548 Lunar: Full Moon at 2:40AM Eastern Daylight Time.
2-minute talk: Gary Osburn: Mare Crisium
Club Business: Awards
Program: Adaptive Optics to Correct for Atmospheric Distortion
Speaker: Neil Miller
has taught college level algebra-based physics, astronomy, and earth and space science for 16 years. He has been teaching at USC–Aiken since 2003 for approximately 100 students each year, and is currently the Senior Instructor of Physics. He teaches two astronomical observing sessions a month at the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, and is in charge of the weather station for the campus.
Refreshments: Dave & Sharon Dunlap
Observing after the meeting
July Minutes
Annual Club Picnic, Lunar Study, Perseid Meteor Count, & Vesta Fiesta!
August 6-7, Saturday,
7:00 PM to Sunday 6:30 AM Waffle Breakfast, at NMR-DSO
Moon rise: 13:22 Moon Set: 2349 Dark sky
Wear socks & shoes, pants.
Bring what you have of: binoculars, telescope, planisphere, AL Lunar or Messier list,
lounge chair, sleepbag, towel, bug spray, tea table.
Prep your food ahead, take an afternoon nap, and come hungry!
Make your plans for a great time to get to know each other, share astronomy experiences,
observe moon to 11:30PM, observe Vesta at opposition,
group count the Perseids until Waffle Breakfast at 6:30AM.
Sign up now (if you haven't already), Bring your whole family! - Get in on a great experience.
Monthly Meeting
The Public is invited!
August 19 , Friday,
7:00 PM at ASU
Moon rise: 2202 Moon Set: 11:12.
2 minute talk: Frank DeRoller: Earth's Moons?
Michelle Maurer: Astronomical League and How It Helps Us
Program: Meteorites, and Their Stories
Speaker: Anita Westlake
is past president and founding member of the Meteorite Association of Georgia. She has collected meteorites for about 8 years,
and has over 205 different specimens from around the world. Anita is currently the Librarian at the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville, GA,
and is frequently asked to identify rocks that the public brings in as "meteorites".
Several of her articles have been published in Meteorite magazine.
Refreshments: Walt Kubilius
Observing after the meeting:
Bring binocs, planisphere.
August Minutes
August Minutes with photos
Monthly Meeting
The Public is invited!
September 09 , Friday,
7:00 PM at RPSEC
Moonrise: 17:03 Set: 03:31
2 minute talk: Dave Dunlap: Mare Imbrium
Prizes awarded for answers to Observing Questions include:
1. Name the 11 large Maria we can see on the Moon.
2. What is the line of light and dark on the Moon called? Why is it so useful?
3. Name the eight stars that form the Teapot in Constellation Sagittarius. (See the diagram here.)
4. Name the heart of Scorpius. What color is it?
5. Name the stinging tail of Scorpius.
Program: Apollo15: Astronaut James B. Irwin
Speaker: Mark Moffatt
is a past president of our club. Mark earned his AL Lunar Award in 2006 and has an ongoing interest in the Moon.
Refreshments: Kenneth Beard
Lunar Observing after the meeting:
Bring binocs, planisphere, AL Lunar list.
SN2011fe SuperNova observing at M101.
Club Star Gaze
September 24, Saturday,
7:00 PM at NMR-DSO
Moonrise 03:00 Set 16:20 Dark sky
Wear socks, shoes, pants.
Bring what you have of: binoculars, telescope, planisphere, AL Messier list,
Observe the Milky Way Galaxy, Fall Constellations, great stars, clusters, and nebula.
5:00 PM SEED Volunteers come early to finalize our projects.
6:00 PM Officers' Meeting
6:30 PM Combined light supper.
September Minutes
Rain date Observing, Oct.1,Sat.7PM, NMR-DSO, BringYourOwnSnacks
Meteor Shower, Oct.6
Monthly Meeting
The Public is invited!
October 07, Friday,
7:00 PM at RPSEC
Moonrise 15:36 Moon set 02:24
-clear
Calendar update
PRIZES awarded for Answers to Observing Questions (See Q&A here!)
Program: Supernova Remnants
The death of massive stars, evolution & defining characteristics of supernova remnants,
interest in these remnants, why they are important to observe, how we observe them, and more.
Speaker: Joshua Wood
2007 BS in Physics, Rutgers. 2009 MS in Physics, Indiana U. of PA.
Focus: numerical simulations of semiconductors.
2009 Started PhD, Clemson. Advisor: Dieter Hartmann.
Research focus: numerical simulations of supernova remnants,
concentrating on the acceleration of particles in the remnant itself.
New Member Orientation, Q&A
Refreshments on the Lawn: Ervin Davenport
Lunar Observing, after the meeting. Bring binocs, planisphere, AL Lunar list.
International Observe the Moon Night, Oct.8, RPSEC
ACA Solar Observing on the Lawn
The Public is invited!
for SEED and National Astronomy Day
October 15 , Saturday,
10AM-3PM at RPSEC
Have it both ways: Focus on the SUN! and out to the Asteroids!
Bring your solarscope, spectroscope, solar viewers, DAWN Mission materials.
Wear socks, shoes, light clothing to cover, hat, sun block.
For SEED volunteers.
Club Star Gaze
October 22, Saturday,
7:00 PM at NMR-DSO
Moonrise 01:47 Set 14:45 Dark sky
Bring what you have of: binoculars, telescope, planisphere, AL Messier list.
Wear warm layered clothing, hat, shoes & socks. It is always colder than expected after dark.
Observe the Milky Way Galaxy, Fall Constellations, great stars, clusters, planets, and asteroids.
October Minutes
Monthly Meeting
The Public is invited!
November 04, Friday,
7:00 PM at RPSEC
Moonrise 14:08 Set 01:14 Lunar
PRIZES awarded for Observing Answers See Q&A here!)
2-minute talks: Virginia Adams: Caroline Herschel
Mark Moffatt: How to Find Kies Pi
Program: Astronomy Apps
Pat will review of several of the latest astronomy programs for the Ipad as well as PCs running Microsoft Windows.
This includes: The Sky by Software Bisque, Sky Safari for the Ipad, Iphone, AstroPlanner for Windows, Gas Giants for the Iphone, Ipad, NASA App for the Ipad, and several of the best web sites for astronomers.
He will also bring some really cool publications including Star Atlases, Charts and other observational aides for getting the most out of the hobby.
Speaker: Pat Noisworthy
Pat has been an amateur astronomer for 40 years. He has owned many telescopes.
During the mid 80s, he gave up the hobby for a few years. He got back in when computerized goto telescopes came on the market along with short focus apochromatic refractors. (Easy target finding!!)
Pat has a Masters degree in Science Education from Memphis University.
Teens are welcome to sit up front.
New Member Orientation, Q&A
Refreshments: Gary Osburn
Lunar Observing after the meeting
Bring your binoculars, AL Lunar list, warm layered clothing, hat. It is colder after dark.
Club Star Gaze
November 19, Saturday,
6:30PM at NMR-DSO
Moonrise 00:39 Set 13:23 Dark sky
Bring what you have of: binoculars, telescope, planisphere, AL Messier list.
Wear warm layered clothing, hat, shoes & socks. It is always colder than expected after dark.
Winter constellations coming up!
November Minutes
Annual Holiday Club Dinner
December 03, Sat,
6:00 PM at Bobby's BBQ
Reserve a place for you and your family now.
Moonrise 13:07 Set 00:59 Lunar
Gift Exchange: $5-15. On arrival, your astronomy, science, or other gift will be displayed on the gift table, and you can choose a number from the pot. After our meal, you can choose any gift when it is your turn/number. Then offers for swap can be made. All gifts will then be opened. This makes for a lot of speculation, intrigue, negotiating, and fun! It's not the gift that counts but the happiness we bring to each other.
All, especially children, are encouraged to make something, satellite models (many available free online), paper weights, mugs, night lights, or other.
Club Star Gaze
December 17, at NMR-DSO, Saturday, 5:30PM (4:30-see below)
Moonrise 00:00 Set 11:58 Dark sky.
Happy Holidays are here! so
Come and see
The Winter Constellations, Asterisms, Andromeda & other Galaxies,
Open & globular Clusters, Bejeweled Doubles, Planets Jupiter & Venus.
and more!
Wear
warm, layered clothing, hat, shoes & socks.
Bring
what you have of: binoculars, telescope, planisphere, AL Messier list.
Most importantly bring yourself, family, and friends.
We always have plenty of telescopes to share,
and plenty of people to help you find things in the heavens above!
If you do have a telescope, but aren't sure it is working,
Come at 4:30PM
- before dark.
We will help you get it working and collimated,
so you can spend your time enjoying the view after dark.
Don't miss the break
with Chili, Punch, Hot Chocolate
and Cake!
December Minutes
Monthly Meeting
The Public is invited!
January 06, Friday,
7:00 PM at ASU
Moonrise 15:24 Set 05:10, Lunar
Take your seat at 6:55. Five(5) Minute DVD of our SEED experience starts promptly at 7PM.
Program: Astronomy Jeopardy
Host: Michelle Maurer
will give you the answers! But you must ask the questions!
John White: Grand Final Orbitrator of the Universe!
Come for a fun evening of astronomical enlightenment while you and your team figure out the solutions.
Categories: Beginner, Easy, Intermediate, Challenge.
Planned so youth can also compete!
Refreshments: F&D DeRoller
After the Game: New Member Orientation, Q&A
Collimation and tracking help for Celestron c8 NGT.
Lunar App for You
Observing Q&A 2012 Winter
Telescope Grab & Fly
Telescope Repair
January 21 28, Saturday,
5:00PM at NMR-DSO
If you have a telescope, but aren't sure it is working,
We will help you get it working and collimated,
so you can spend your time enjoying the view after dark.
Everyone can come, learn, and volunteer to help.
Club Star Gaze
January 28, Saturday,
6:00PM
at NMR-DSO
Moonrise 1007 Set 2320 - crescent, then dark sky.
Come and see
Constellations, The Winter Hexagon & other Asterisms, Andromeda & other Galaxies.
Find open & globular Clusters in Gemini, Bejeweled Doubles.
Observe Jupiter, its moons and understand how they move, Great Red Spot (GRS) at 7:04PM,
Sparkle with Canopus! The best time to see this "southern" star!
Wear
warm, layered clothing, hat, shoes & socks.
Bring
what you have of: binoculars, telescope, planisphere, AL Messier list.
Most importantly bring yourself, family, and friends.
We always have plenty of telescopes to share,
and plenty of people to help you find things in the heavens above!
Break :
Chili, snacks, & hot chocolate
Discuss/decide Roper Mt. trip
Sparkle with Canopus! The best time to see this "southern" star!
January Minutes
Monthly Meeting
The Public is invited!
February 03, Friday,
7:00 PM at ASU
Moonrise 14:06 Set 03:50 Lunar
2-minute talk: EBlaxton: How Water got on Earth
2-minute talk: JWhite: Telescope Parts 1
PRIZES awarded for Answers to Observing Questions (See Q&A here!)
Program: Astronomy’s Counter Arguments to the 2012 Doomsday Prophecies
Every few years we become preoccupied with the latest doomsday prophecy. Quite often these prophecies are based on misinformation or a general lack of knowledge of basic scientific principles.
As we approach December 21, 2012, the prophesied end date for the Mayan calendar, we are once again inundated with bad science. Some of the 2012 doomsday scenarios include ideas of rogue planets hitting Earth, our destruction from solar activity, and even unusual alignments in the stars triggering catastrophic events.
In this talk we will review the origin of the Mayan predictions for 2012 along with other related doomsday prophecies. In each case, we will also discuss how an understanding of astronomical principles can debunk each and everyone of these claims.
Speaker: Louis Rubbo,
earned his PhD degree in Physics at Montana State University in 2004. From 2004-07 Dr Rubbo was a postdoctoral scholar at the Center for Gravitational Wave Physics at Pennsylvania State University. In 2007, he joined the Coastal Carolina University faculty as assistant professor of astronomy. His areas of expertise include gravitational wave astronomy, general relativity, archeoastronomy, and physics and astronomy education. As a participant in the Adopt a Scientist program, Dr. Rubbo exposes high school students to what it means to be a scientist and the wide variety of careers and lifestyles that are available with a science education.
Dr. Rubbo presented an outstanding program on Gravitational Waves at our ACA March 2011 meeting. We look forward to his new topic. See his website (http://kingfish.coastal.edu/physics/rubbo/index.html).
Refreshments: Michelle Maurer
New Member Orientation, Q&A
Lunar Observing - wear warm clothing
Prepare for National Astronomy Night
February 18, Saturday, 4-6:30PM at NMR-DSO
Rain date: February 25, Saturday,
4-6:30PM at NMR-DSO
Everyone can come, learn, and volunteer to help.
Club Star Gaze
February 18, Saturday, 6:30PM at NMR-DSO
Rain date: February 25, Saturday,
6:30PM at NMR-DSO
Moonrise 0440 Set 1516 - dark sky.
Moonrise 0838 Set 2204 -Conjunction of Venus, Jupiter, and crescent moon.
Come and see
Constellations, The Winter Hexagon & other Asterisms, Andromeda & other Galaxies.
Find open & globular Clusters in Gemini, Bejeweled Doubles, Alphard in Hydra, and many Messier objects.
Observe Venus, Jupiter, and Mars
Sparkle with Canopus! Good time to see this bright "southern" star!
Wear
warm, layered clothing, hat, shoes & socks.
Bring
what you have of: binoculars, telescope, planisphere, AL Messier list.
Most importantly bring yourself, family, and friends.
We always have plenty of telescopes to share,
and plenty of people to help you find things in the heavens above!
Break :
Snacks, hot chocolate provided.
Winter Star Party
Feb.20-26, Florida Keys
February Minutes
Monthly Meeting
The Public is invited!
March 02, Friday,
7:00 PM at RPSEC
Moonrise 12:47 Set 02:29 Lunar
2-minute talk:
Club Business: Nominating Committee volunteers
PRIZES awarded for Answers to Observing Questions (See Q&A here!)
Program: The InterStellar Medium
will start with a general summary of the I S M, which serves as the source of stellar birthing materials as well as a graveyard for their remains. We will see some of the most spectacular images in astronomy, with an explanation of the physical phenomena behind them. Jay and his colleagues from Western Michigan are involved in studies of the surrounding gas around the super-star, Eta Carinae. Learn more about using this source as a unique laboratory to determine fundamental atomic properties that are currently in question.
Speaker: Jay Dunn,
PhD GA State University 2007, Post Doctorate Researcher, Physics Dept., VA Polytechnic Institute and State University 2008-10, Last year he was Temporary Associate Professor, ASU Physics and Chemistry Dept., teaches physical science, quantum mechanics, and astronomy. Jay has mentored at least eight college students in research that lead to published papers. His research focuses on Spectral Analysis of FeLoBAL Quasars and Ultraviolet Studies of Active Galactic Nuclei. http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/500961. Jay has won numerous awards and scientific memberships. In 2002-4 Jay co-developed and managed 2 Astronomy events and 1 Physics event for the Georgia Science Olympiad for 7th and 8th grade students. Jay is now ___________ at _______ College, near Atlanta. Last May, Jay presented a good program to our club about Outflows in Active Galactic Nuclei. He was a member of our club, and helped us on Astronomy Night. We are pleased that he wants to come back and speak to us again, and look forward to his contributions and keeping in touch.
Refreshments: volunteer needed!
New Member Orientation, Q&A
Observing on the Lawn
ACA and ASU Astronomy Night - for the Public
March 03, Saturday evening. -Cancelled due to rain!
Celebrate 2 Events on 1 Dark Night:
1.
Messier Marathon1,2,
and 2. Globe at Night,
March 17, Saturday,
6:30PM at NMR-DSO
Moonrise 03:22 Set 14:12 Dark sky
MM Leader: Mike Bush
Bring binoculars, telescopes, planisphere, lounge chair.
Wear warm, layered clothing. Some like sleeping bags, gumby outfits.
Chili, Pistachio cake, Coffee
The Nominating Committee for 2012-13
includes Gary O., Virginia A., and Mike B..
They will call you to ask for your service as an officer and as a member.
They will also ask you what you would like and what you can do best this coming year.
Please think about this now and be prepared to assist them to the best of your ability.
If they have not reached you by March 26, please email them with a good time to call you. Thank you.
Monthly Meeting
The Public is invited!
March 30, Friday,
7:00 PM at RPSEC
Moonrise 11:34 Set 01:09 Lunar
PRIZES for Telescope Parts Contest, JW
2-minute talk: KBeard: Saturn
2-minute talk: MMoffatt: Current Event
2-minute talk: SHoward: Future of the ISS
2-minute talk: GSenn: ToV: Transit of Venus, June 5
Club Business: Nominating Committee report, Budget, Upcoming Events
PRIZES awarded for Answers to Observing Questions (See Q&A here!)
Refreshments: G&S Osburn
Lunar Observing on the Lawn
March 31, Sat.8:30PM, Earth Hour
March Minutes
Lunar App for You
Observing Q&A 2012 Now
Telescope Grab & Fly
ACA Caravan Trip to Roper Mountain
- Most Excellent Adventure!
April 13 - 15
Moonrise 02:01 Set 13:07 Dark sky
ACA Telescopes / Challenge on the Lawn
for National Astronomy Night
The Public is invited!
April 28, Saturday,
6:30 PM at RPSEC
Moonrise 11:21 Set 00:30 1st Qtr Moon
Bring your planisphere, binoculars, telescope.
Wear socks & shoes, layered clothing.
Take the basic astronomy skill challenge, get stickers, get stamped, and win prizes!
Last year was great - This year is even better!
See Gary Senn on Channel 6, Apr.24, Tuesday, Noon hour show.
April Minutes
Monthly Meeting
The Public is invited!
May 04, Friday,
7:00 PM at RPSEC
Moonrise 17:51 Set 04:11, Lunar
2-minute talk: MMoffatt: Seti
Club Business: Election, Calendar
PRIZES awarded for Answers to Observing Questions (See Q&A here!)
Program: Galaxies in the Local Universe and Beyond
Galaxies are brilliant collections of stars, gas, and dust.
They exhibit a dazzling array of shapes and sizes, from spiral galaxies like the Milky Way, to giant elliptical galaxies, to small dwarfs.
After an overview of the basic structure and contents of galaxies, Dr. Aller will brieftly discuss
what is known about galaxies in the local universe and in the most distant observed galaxies.
She will also illustrate examples of nearby galaxies which can be observed with personal telescopes.
Speaker: Dr. Monique C. Aller,
is a third-generation professional astronomer who earned her PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Michigan in 2007
with a dissertation on Supermassive Black Holes: Their Masses, Host Galaxy Relationships, and Cosmic Distribution.
From 2007-2010 she was a postdoctoral researcher at the ETH Zurich (Switzerland) studying galaxy evolution as part of the COSMOS project.
Since Fall 2010 she has been working at the University of South Carolina in Columbia as a postdoctoral fellow.
There she has been studying interstellar dust in other galaxies, such as is probed by quasar absorption systems,
and star-formation in unusual environments, such as polar ring galaxies.
We first met Monique when she gave a fine presentation at the MASC 2011 in Orangeburg.
