Astronomy Club of Augusta Newsletter
Please go back to the Afterglow page for monthly issues.
Excerpts
October, 1999
It's Back!
After a lot of headaches and frustration, I finally have my windows back
running like it should, I hope. At least I have my PageMaker running
again and I can get back to work on the newsletter. I don't know what
happened to start the problem but it took having to reinstall windows to
get it working again. This was no easy feat because it telling me that I
already had an operating system and I couldn't copy another version.
After much jockeying around I was able to fool it into thinking it was
new and thus here we are. I want to thank all those, especially Roger
for pulling up the slack in the time of need. Because I only just got
things up and running, I'm not going to have enough time to put together
a full newsletter this month. I promise things will be back to full
running order next month. So if you have anything you would like to get
into Novembers newsletter, be sure to get it to me by no later then the
end of the month. If you need to call me, I have a new phone number -
373-3469.
I also need to add that I have a new helper to the Afterglow. Larry
Bagwell has offered his help in putting out the Afterglow. If you don't
already know Larry, he's a teacher at Aiken High School. He is teaching
an astronomy class and his class will be submitting work to be
published. I'm looking forward to what's on the way. I'm sure it will be
new and different.
Another note of interest, I am no longer with The National Science
Center's Fort Discovery. I have left to take a job at A.R. Johnson
Health Science and Engineering Magnet School. At present I'm teaching 4
classes of chemistry and 1 class of physics. Since physics is more my
field then chemistry, and the fact that this is my first year teaching,
I'm having to spend many many long hours dusting off that chemistry once
taught to me by the fine faculty at ASU, that includes Tom Crute. So if
you don't see me around much, you will know that I have my nose in a
chemistry book someplace. That or sleeping.
A Hit at Augusta Christian
On Thursday, Oct. 8th, the club put on a star party at Augusta
Christian. There were 5 scopes, supplied by Roger Venable, John White,
Chuck Watkins, Mark Moffatt and Morgan Whaley. About 100 parents and
students were there to such fine wonders like Mars, double stars, and
other Milky Way objects. Unfortunately the clouds moved in, but John
gave another one of his fine slide shows, which everyone enjoyed.
The Beginners Page
by Vickie Wing
Discussion 13 Techniques: Observing Logs
"Anyone who observes the sky should keep a logbook," is the emphatic
opinion of David Levy (1989). "If the hours we spend under the stars are
precious, an observing log helps us remember them." Relying on memory
alone just isn't good enough; as years pass, details fade away until
events might as well not have happened....So many people have told me
that they would like to start an observing log but haven't gotten around
to it. Yet it's easy and fun to do, and our observations will mean so
much more when they're recorded accurately.
The format of your log is not as important; the content is. So any
system that works is fine. Some observers prefer to draw in their logs,
while others would rather compute. Some keep a diary. And some prefer
the discipline of forms. Although forms make sure that you remember what
to put down, I find them confusing. Blank paper lets you record the
unexpected....The free form approach leaves unlimited room for the
variable star estimates, planetary drawing, times for photographic
exposures and notes from other observers.
If you observe certain types of objects systematically, you might
consider keeping separate observing logs...Why not take rough notes in
the field and then transfer the data to files on your home computer?
Levy points out that even the most casual celestial sight-seeing becomes
more meaningful is a few notes jotted down in a permanent record. Levy
laments the fact that he did not always keep good notes; reading through
his recollections; "Back then I also made many drawings a half inch to
two inches wide, but rarely included field stars. Thus there is no way
to tell the scale of the drawing or the size of what was seen. Is that
fuzzy patch the full extent of a galaxy including the spiral arms, or
only the bright central region?"
Keeping a notebook makes a more satisfied observer. It will remind you
of all the things you've seen, the way you felt while observing, the
frustrations, and the successes you've had with the hobby. And, most
importantly, it will prompt you to observe more carefully and to see
more when you observe.
A notebook is your private record of the universe. Although at first you
have to adjust to updating it, the notebook will eventually contain
unique records of your journey through the universe. It would be a shame
if all those wonderful memories of your involvement with astronomy
simply faded away with time. I too, have neglected to record my
observations even as far back as when I first started in astronomy at 12
years of age. Those times I can never recover.
>From my own past experiences of laziness; to go out for a "quick run"
and not take the time to record what I've seen, then I wasted my
observing time. Don't let yourself get into that mode.
There are numerous ways to keep your logbook, from simple notebook paper
in a three-ring binder to preprinted logs from the AL. I use a surveyors
cross-section book; it's just big enough for a 4 inch diameter drawing
with background stars and other pertinent information recorded either to
the side or on the back sheet. You can also check the AL web site for
formal forms, if you wish to go that route. After all the trials and
errors, the trick is to find what works best for you.
Clear Skies!
THE MENTOR PROGRAM
By: Vickie Wing
The following is a program that was started sometime ago in the
Astronomy Club of Augusta and has gone by the wayside in the past years.
It has been mentioned in several recent club meetings to try and bring
this program back as we are getting new members into the club. If you
would like to participate either in being a Mentor or need the
assistance of a Mentor, please advise the club President of such so he
can match you to your interests and needs.
Qualifications
To become a Mentor, only a willingness to participate is required. It is
hoped the prospective Mentor is himself/herself familiar with the
history of the Club, its current projects and goals. These will be
interesting topics to explore with the new member. Continual updates on
current activities is necessary to enable full participation by both.
Requirements
Extensive knowledge of astronomical theory is NOT necessary, as
investigation into these subjects will inevitably educate the teacher as
well as the student. Time requirements will vary but should be minimal,
maybe an hour or two per month, and less as the student progresses. The
program should continue until the student becomes a regular participant
in club activities or until the student is comfortable on his/her own.
Cordial relations with each student is desirable and will prove
beneficial to all parties. If a difficulty arises with compatibility or
personality, the Mentor should advise the President and seek
replacement.
Methods
The Mentor should immediately contact the student to explain the Mentor
Program and his/her duties. The Mentor should be the first person
contacted should the student need astronomy or observational
information, assistance with any club matter, star party information or
participation with meetings and projects.
Subjects
This is the best left to the needs of the student and discretion of the
Mentor. Tips on sky targets and observing techniques, equipment, charts,
books to study could be of great help for someone who has the desire to
learn and participate. What is interesting to the student and to the
Mentor must be complimentary.
The Mentor Program
The principal goal of this program is to assist new or existing members
achieve a well-rounded acquaintance with their personal areas of
interest in astronomy and to become supporters and future leaders within
the Astronomy Club of Augusta.
The Mentor should:
1. Show personal interest by frequent contacts with the newcomer.
2. Offer advice and information about the club and its activities.
3. Encourage the new member to attend club meetings and try to
participate in various programs and projects.
4. Assist the newcomer with astronomy projects of mutual interest.
The dictionary defines a MENTOR as "A wise and faithful teacher, guide
and friend." The duties summarized above should be individual and
personalized to each student and mentor if they are to be effective. The
Mentor Program is not difficult to understand or execute, and offers the
possibility of better-informed and active members. Helping newcomers, or
any member who might need assistance seems an obvious method of creating
satisfied and enthusiastic members. A small investment of time and
attention will ensure lasting friendships and an abundance of knowledge
to be shared with our club and community.
The Leonid Metor Storm
This November 16-19, 1999, you might be able to witness a major Leonid
storm, especially if you are in Japan or east Asia. For those living in
North America, the best time to be on the lookout for these
stratospheric streakers is between midnight and dawn early on the 17th,
when Leo is in the night sky to the northeast. As the constellation
rises, more meteors will be visible. According to Leonid experts,
observers can expect to see 200 to 5,000 meteors per hour under good
circumstances (the higher numbers only apply to east Asia). Of course,
the actual numbers are somewhat unpredictable.
Should you miss the Leonid meteors this year, you'll get another chance
next year if you live in Europe or North Africa. But if you miss that,
you'll be in for a long wait. It will be a century before any noteworthy
Leonid meteor sightings are once more in the offing.
See CALENDAR for Leonid Meteor - Star Party Invitation at Nine Mile Range
Something To Be Planning For!
Transit of Mercury across the face of the Sun, Date Nov 15, time 4:00
PM local time, lasting about one hour and a few minutes. The only way
to view this event is with an instrument that has an appropriate solar
filter that will protect the eye from instant and permanent damage. A
good view of the western horizon would be excellent since the event is
over at about 5:10 PM and the sun sets about 18 minutes later.
Web Site of the Month
http://www.quia.com/custom/3475main.html
I kind of stole this from Roger and his Jeopardy game. You'll know what
I mean when you see it. - Bill
