september 4th general meeting - tucson amateur astronomy...

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www.tucsonastronomy.org

Observing our Desert Skies since 1954

September 4th General Meeting September 2015

Steward Observatory Lecture Hall, Room N210, UA Campus, 933 N Cherry Ave.

Is there a sustainable way to explore and settle our solar system? That is the question Al Anzaldua will be contemplating when he gives this month’s Introductory Presentation. Stepping stones in space might work. Come to the September 4th meeting to find out how.

Introductory Presentation 6:30pm

Moon to Moon to Mons presented by

Al Anzaldua, TAAA Member

Invited Lecture 7:30pm

Stratospheric Studies of Protostars

presented by Chris Walker, PhD Professor, Steward

Observatory

CAC Star Party Sep 11 & 12

TIMPA Star Party Sep 12 & 18

Ladies Night Out Sep 17

Kitt Peak Job Openings

Globe at Night Campaign

Sep 3 to 12

Project ASTRO Workshop Sept 11 & 12

Kitt Peak Star-B-Que Oct 17

The Art of Planetary Science

Oct 16—18

Send your name to Mars Deadline Sep 8

Inside this Bulletin

The Antarctic offers the perfect location for launching high flying sophisticated science payloads suspended from huge balloons. Chris Walker, Astronomy Professor at Steward Observatory, will talk about this technique and how it’s used to study the life cycle of the Interstellar Medium in our Milky Way Galaxy and beyond. He has over 30 years of experience designing, building, and using state-of-the-art receiver systems for THz astronomy. He has published numerous papers on star formation and protostellar evolution. He has served as dissertation director for eleven Ph.D. students and is a Topical Editor for IEEE Transactions on TeraHertz Science and Technology. Prof. Walker has worked in industry (TRW Aerospace and JPL) as well as academia.

Our September speaker, Dr Chris Walker, is the Principle Inves gator for the Stratospheric Terahertz Observatory, pictured here prior to it’s very successful 2012 flight over Antarc c which lasted 14 days while suspended from a stratospheric balloon. Photo Credit: Chris Walker

Introduction to the Fundamentals of Astronomy

An comprehensive introduction to amateur astronomy presented by the TAAA Astronomy Fundamentals SIG. Topics covered: Basics of the Science, Equipment, and Observing Techniques. Last class ends with dinner and

star party at our TIMPA observing site. Offered at no cost to TAAA members. Meets in the USGS Building, Rm 253.

November 21, 28 and December 5

Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association

SEPTEMBER 2015

This Month in Brief Usual set-up time for most group and public events is 30 minutes before the start time stated here.

TAAA Members Only For Organization Key: Public Events

TAAA Ladies Night Out

Thursday, September 17

6:30pm

Barrio Cuisine 188 E Broadway Blvd (SW corner of Broadway & 5th Ave)

Preview menu at barriocuisine.com

RSVP Susan 520-780-0136 or [email protected]

General Meeting Ben Bailey

Sep 04 (Fri) Steward Obs Rm N210 933 N Cherry Ave

6:30 PM

Board Meeting Ben Bailey

Sep 09 (Wed) UMC Cafeteria Rm 2500C 1500 N Campbell Ave

6:30 PM

AFSIG Meeting (Beginners) Dennis McMacken

Sep 10 (Thu) USGS Bldg Room 253 520 N Park Ave

6:30 PM

CAC Star Party John Kalas

Sep 11/12 (Fri/Sat) Chiricahua Astronomy Complex

Before Sunset

Outreach Star Party NW Tucson Jim Knoll

Sep 11 (Fri) CDO Baptist Church 9200 N Oracle Rd.

6:30 PM

TIMPA Star Party Dennis McMacken

Sep 12 (Sat) TIMPA 3250 N Reservation Rd

Before Sunset

AISIG Meeting (Astrophotographers)Larry Phillips

Sep 14 (Mon) Total Wine Store 5870 E Broadway Blvd

7:00 PM

Future Events

Oct 02 (Fri) General Meeting

Oct 08 (Thu) Astronomy Fundamentals SIG Meeting

Oct 09/10 (Fri/Sat) CAC Star Party

Oct 10 (Sat) Star Party at TIMPA

Oct 12 (Mon) Astro Imaging SIG Meeting

Oct 14 (Wed) Board Meeting

Oct 15 (Thu) Ladies Night Out

Oct 16 (Fri) Star Party at TIMPA

Oct 17 (Sat) Fall Kitt Peak Star-B-Que

Member Events

Oct 09 (Fri) Star Party-Boy Scouts of Southern AZ

Oct 10 (Sat) Star Party-Oracle State Park

Oct 16 (Fri) Pima County NRPR Star Party

Oct 17 (Sat) Star Party-Catalina State Park

Oct 22 (Thu) Star Party-Banks Elementary

Oct 24 (Sat) Sunnyside Neigh. Assn. Peace Garden

Oct 30 (Fri) Star Party-UA Lunar & Planetary Lab

Outreach Events

Ladies Night Out Susan O'Connor

Sep 17 (Thu) Barrio Cuisine 188 E Broadway Blvd

6:30 PM

TIMPA Star Party Dennis McMacken

Sep 18 (Fri) TIMPA 3250 N Reservation Rd

Before Sunset

Public Star Party NE Tucson Jim Knoll

Sep 19 (Sat) Agua Caliente Park 12325 E Roger Road

7:00 PM

SMSIG (Outreach) Terri Lappin

Sep 21 (Mon) Beyond Bread 3026 N Campbell

6:30 PM

Outreach Star Party North Tucson Jim Knoll

Sep 26 (Sat) Rio Vista Natural Resource Park 3974 N Tucson Blvd

6:00 PM

Public Lunar Eclipse Event Central Tucson Jim Knoll

Sep 27 (Sun) Flandrau Science Center 1601 University Blvd

6:00 PM

Save the Date - Oct 17th Kitt Peak Star-B-Que

The date is different than shown in the TAAA Calendar


SEPTEMBER 2015

Star Party at Chiricahua Astronomy Complex Sep 11 & 12 (Fri & Sat) Contact Person/RSVP to: John Kalas Email: cac-director[at]tucsonastronomy.org Phone: 520-405-3798

Chiricahua Astronomy Complex (CAC) is the club’s dark observing site, located in Cochise County approximately 100 miles from the center of Tucson. The site includes a roll-off roof observatory and a full bathroom facility. At an elevation of 4800 feet, be prepared for cooler temperatures. Try to arrive before sunset. Our use permit limits the number of attendees at any one time, so reservations are required. If you would like to attend, you must contact CAC Director John Kalas. Reservations are on a first come – first serve basis. You need to reserve for both nights if observing both nights. Depending on the number of members interested in attending, guests may not be allowed.

The TIMPA observing site is located a few miles beyond the Desert Museum. The CAC observing site is located in southeast Arizona near Sunsites, AZ. Maps to TIMPA and CAC can be found on the TAAA website. Locked gates protect both sites. Call or email the contact person to learn when the gate will be unlocked.

Member Star Parties

TAAA Star Party at TIMPA Sep 12 & 18 (Sat & Fri) Contact Person: Dennis McMacken Email: fundamentals[at]tucsonastronomy.org Phone: 520-609-7860

The AFSIG hosts the star party at TIMPA. An AFSIG representative will open the gate for an evening of viewing. The Gila Monster Observatory with it’s Meade 14” Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope will be open for your viewing pleasure. The TIMPA site features a large parking area and full restroom facilities. Be prepared for cool temperatures after sunset. Guests are welcome, accompanied by a TAAA member. We hope to see you there!

Special Interest Group Activities

Starry Messengers Special Interest Group (SMSIG) Meeting: 21 Sep (Mon) 6:30PM Beyond Bread on Campbell Contact: Terri Lappin Phone: 520-977-1290 Email: smsig[at]tucsonastronomy.org

We’re kicking off the academic year with many requests for astronomy demonstrations. There is a need to train more TAAA members on the use of our Night Sky Network Toolkits. These consist of short demonstrations (some 5 minutes long) about astronomical concepts.

At our Sept 21st meeting we’ll discuss recruiting volunteers and our Spring outreach events. We’ll also discuss other priorities for the year. One will likely be reaching out to kids from kindergarten to 3rd grade with age appropriate topics.

We meet on the 3rd Monday of odd numbered months at the Beyond Bread on Campbell. Meetings end no later than 8PM.

Learn more at http://www.globeatnight.org/

Can you count stars? Yes? You can do this!

Help increase the awareness of light pollution by submitting observations all year long.

Current Campaign:

September 3 to 12

Meeting: Sep 14 (Mon) 7:00 PM Total Wine Store (5870 E Broadway Blvd) Contact: Larry Phillips Phone: 520-777-8027 Email: astro-photo[at]tucsonastronomy.org

The program consists of a sharing of images, setups, problems, and suggestions. Bring your latest astrophoto efforts, whether it’s your first attempt and you could use some guidance, or you have been imaging a while. Astrophotography is a challenge and we can all learn from each other.

We meet in the Education Center at the Park Place Total Wine store. If you wish, come early and bring a carry-in dinner. Meetings end no later than 9PM. Our meetings this fall will be held on the second Monday of the month.

Astro-Imaging SIG (AISIG)

Astronomy Fundamentals SIG (AFSIG) Meeting: Sep 10 (Thu) 6:30 PM U.S.G.S. Building, Room 253 (520 North Park Ave) Contact: Dennis McMacken Phone: 520-609-7860 Email: fundamentals[at]tucsonastronomy.org

We are working on a series on Telescopes and Mounts, with hands-on examples. This month Ron Jones will be talking about his 4 inch reflector on an equatorial mount.

Volunteers for future meetings are being sought to demonstrate how their telescope(s) work and to discuss features about their equipment.

“The constellation of the Month” will be Corona Borealis , . . .and Corona Australis, presented by Bill Clarke.

The fall “Introduction to the Fundamentals of Astronomy” class will be held November 21, 28 and December 5. There is no charge to take this class - just sign up for it. There will be a potluck and TIMPA Star Party in the evening after the last class day.

The AFSIG meets the second Thursday of each month in the USGS Building which is located on the NE corner of Park and 6th Street. After 5pm, free parking can be found across 6th Street. Go south onto Park at 6th St. The parking lot is behind The China Pasta House accessible by an alley way. A fee is charged to use the parking garage to the east. An elevator is available on request.


SEPTEMBER 2015

TAAA Outreach Events Members are asked to support these outreach events. Details and maps can be obtained from the TAAA calendar found on our website. Sign up at a meeting, respond to Jim Knoll’s email requests, or pick up the phone. Signing up is important so you can be contacted in case of cancellation. Contact Jim at school-sp-volunteers[at]tucsonastronomy.org or 520-241-3113.

V. President Mae Smith 520-850-7137 Email: vice-president

Contacting TAAA Most contact information can be found in articles in this issue. Additional contact information can be found on the TAAA website. Our Board of Directors can be contacted as directed below. Email addresses are @tucsonastronomy.org

President Ben Bailey 520-903-7925 Email: president

Secretary Chuck Hendricks 520-247-3815 Email: secretary

Treasurer Ed Foley 520-777-9218 Email: treasurer

Members at Large

Paul Anderson

John Kalas

Bill Lofquist

520-625-5035

520-405-3798

520-297-6653

Email: mal1

Email: mal3

Email: mal2

Date/Time Speaker Title

Sep 14 Monday 7:30 PM

Dr. Daniel McIntosh University of Missouri-Kansas City

Reflections on Hubble's 25th Anniversary: The Past, Present and Future of U.S. Astronomy

Sep 17 Thursday 7:30 PM

Dr. David Campbell Dept. of Physics, Boston University

Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar Nonlinear Science: From Paradigms to Practicalities

Oct 5 Monday 7:30 PM

Dr. Mark Gordon National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Astronomy with Radio Waves: They Give More Information than You'd Guess!

Sep 8 Tuesday 7:00 PM

Dr. William Hubbard UA Lunar & Planetary Lab

Juno - Revealing Jupiter's Depths

Location

Kuiper Space Sciences Room 308 1629 E University Blvd

Steward Observatory Room N210 933 N Cherry Ave

Steward Observatory Room N210 933 N Cherry Ave

Steward Observatory 933 N Cherry Ave

Sep 12 Saturday 7:00 PM

Dante Lauretta (OSIRIS REx), Geoff Notkin (Meteor Men), Performer Flam Chen, Music by ChamberLab

Bennuval! An Evening of Space, Art, and Music—Sponsored by UA College of Science and the Galileo Circle

Fox Theatre 17 W Congress St

Information

www.lpl.arizona.edu/outreach/events

Tickets are $10, $15, and $20 foxtucsontheatre.org/presents/bennuval-an-evening-of-space-art-and-music/

www.as.arizona.edu/public-evening-lecture-series



Astronomical Events in Our Community Below is a list of astronomy presentations in the Tucson area, mostly on the UA campus. For more information, visit the websites listed. We are fortunate to live in Tucson, the Astronomy Capitol, so take advantage of these opportunities.

Quest Science Club Star Party Sep 11 (Fri) Set-up: 6:00 PM NW Tucson Volunteers Needed: 5 Leader: Jim Knoll

The Quest Science Club is having a star party for about 200 students and family members. The star party will be held at CDO Baptist Church which is located at 9200 N Oracle Rd. Observing is from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Agua Caliente Park Star Party Sep 19 (Sat) Set-up: 6:30 PM Far NE Tucson Volunteers Needed: 3 Leader: Jim Knoll

We are supporting a star party at Aqua Caliente Park for the Pima County Natural Resources, Park & Rec for about 50 people. The park is located at 12325 E Roger Road. Setup will be at the bus lanes at the north end of parking lot. Observing is from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Tucson Red Thread Families Star Party Sep 26 (Sat) Set-up: 5:30 PM North Tucson Volunteers Needed: 4 Leader: Jim Knoll

The Tucson Red Thread Families organization has requested a star party. About 100 people are expected to attend for this star party that will primarily feature the Moon which will be just a day shy of full. Bring your Moon filter or a neutral density filter to cut down on the moon’s brightness. The event will be held at the Rio Vista Natural Resources Park which is located at 3974 N Tucson Blvd. Telescopes are to be set up in the grassy area near the parking lot. Observing is from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Lunar Eclipse Observing for the Public Sep 27 (Sun) Set-up: 5:30 PM Central Tucson Volunteers Needed: 5 Leader: Jim Knoll

A total lunar eclipse will take place on Sept 27th. The moon will be just entering the Umbra (darker portion of the Earth’s shadow) as the moon rises. Flandrau Science Center is hosting a public lunar party for the event. Attendance is expected to be about 150 people of all ages. Telescopes are to be set up on the UA Mall. Passes for mall parking will not be available and vehicles will not be permitted on the grass. You will need to drop off your equipment. Flandrau staff will watch your equipment while you’re parking your car. Flandrau Science Center is located at 1601 University Blvd. Observing is from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.


SEPTEMBER 2015

Can you bring refreshments to a monthly meeting?. The TAAA will reimburse for up to $25. Duties can be shared (one person brings goodies, the other brings drinks). Look for the sign up sheet on the refreshments table or talk to Mae Smith.

We have a new Carpool/Caravan Program to make it easier for members to attend star parties at TIMPA and CAC and to make it to our General Meetings. You can sign up as a rider or driver. We need drivers! Log into the TAAA website and you’ll find a link to TAAA Conjunctions which is the name of the program.

Join or renew your TAAA membership online! Visit https://tucsonastronomy.org/application. Membership questions and address changes should be sent to membership[at]tucsonastronomy.org.

Announcements

Publications Committee Update Producing our publications has often fallen on one or two people. Although a small organization, the TAAA produces many publications each year. The monthly bulletin and a quarterly journal are obvious, but we also produce press releases, event flyers, and content on our website. Terri Lappin is establishing a group of TAAA members to collaborate on these publications. She’s contacted a few members who have already expressed an interest, but since she can’t know everyone, you are asked to contact her if you can assist with writing, editing, or desktop publishing. Photographers and graphic artists are also encouraged to get involved. This committee will likely not hold meetings but will interact by email. Terri Lappin can be reached at 520-977-1290 or [email protected].

Job Openings at Kitt Peak There is an immediate need for training and part time work at the Kitt Peak Visitor Center. Can you imagine getting paid to do what you love doing? They are looking to hire 5 to 8 new guides for their public programs. For details, check out these links.

Public Program Specialist: https://rn11.ultipro.com/spa1004B/JobBoard/JobDetails.aspx?__ID=*88B96BC3E50A40DB

Visitor Center Cashier: https://rn11.ultipro.com/spa1004B/JobBoard/JobDetails.aspx?__ID=*1693010648F7B395

Project ASTRO Workshop Sept 11 - 12, 2015

The Fall 2015 Project Astro Workshop is just around the corner. Participants will spend all day Friday, Sept 11th at Kitt Peak, including telescope tours and an evening of observing at Kitt Peak (leaving NOAO at 8:30am and returning about 10:30pm). The next day runs from 9am – 3pm in Tucson. Astronomers will be partnered with a local school teacher. This partnership will last through the entire school year as you help the teacher bring astronomy into the classroom. The workshop is free and all meals are included. All workshop participants also receive a free Universe at Your Fingertips DVD and other goodies.

You can sign up for the workshop online. They are available at https://www.noao.edu/education/astrotucson.html/

Sky & Telescope magazine subscriptions can be started or renewed through the Night Sky Network (NSN). Be sure your NSN account, which is separate from your TAAA website account, has been activated. The url is http://tinyurl.com/taaa-nsn. After logging in, look for “Magazine Subscriptions and Links” on the right. Don’t have a NSN account? Go to the link above and click on “Register”.

Astronomy magazine subscriptions can be started or renewed through our website. Once logged in, you’ll see “Astronomy Magazine” in the left hand menu.

Monthly Bulletin deadlines are the 15th of the preceding month. Send submissions to taaa-newsletter[at]tucsonastronomy.org.

http://go.usa.gov/3Aj3G

Deadline is Sept 8th

NASA's next mission to Mars, the InSight lander, will study the deep interior of Mars to advance understanding of the early history of all rocky planets, including Earth.

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

The ART of Planetary Science An open competition for artists and scientists

of all levels and types. Submissions due by September 18th.

Open Reception Oct 16th

Viewing Oct 17 & 18 (Sat & Sun) 1 - 5pm.

Visit www.lpl.arizona.edu/art for details.

Attention Artists!


SEPTEMBER 2015

Advanced Binocular Double Star Observing Progam

Asteroid Observing Program

Caldwell Observing Program

Carbon Star Observing Program

Comet Observing Program

Double Star Observing Program

Earth Orbiting Satellite Observing Program (EOSOC)

Globular Cluster Observing Program

Lunar II Observing Program

Open Cluster Observing Program

Planetary Transit Special Observing Award

Southern Skies Telescope Observing Program

Sunspotters Observing Program

Stellar Evolution Observing Program

Two in the View Observing Program

Urban Observing Program

Intermediate Programs

Binocular Double Star Program

Binocular Messier Program

Constellation Hunter Program

Dark Sky Advocate Award

Deep Sky Binocular Observing Program

Galileo Observing Program

Lunar Observing Program

Messier Observing Program

Meteor Observing Program

Outreach Observing Award

Sketching Observing Award

Sky Puppy Program

Solar System Observing Program

Southern Skies Binocular Program

Universe Sampler Program

Beginner Programs Advanced

Advanced Binocular Program

Analemma Observing Program

Arp Peculiar Galaxies Northern Observing Program

Asterism Observing Program

Bright Nebula Observing Program

Dark Nebula Observing Program

Galaxy Groups and Clusters Observing Program

Herschel 400 Observing Program

Herschel II Observing Program

Hydrogen Alpha Solar Observing Program

NEO Observing Program

Occultation Observing Program

Planetary Nebula Program Observing Program

Radio Astronomy Observing Program

Variable Star Observing Program ...and more including the Master

Observer Award

The Astronomical League Observing Programs are designed to provide direction for your observing, teaching you skills useful for the full enjoyment of our hobby. Each program has a set of requirements. Upon completion of the requirements, you qualify for a certificate and are awarded a pin. This program is only for those who are members of the Astronomical League.

Upon completing the requirements for a program, submit your observations to the TAAA ALCOR. Our ALCOR will review them and then forward them onto the appropriate program coordinator for further review. If they are complete you will be awarded your certificate and pin at one of our meetings.

For more information, ask our ALCOR or visit http://www.astroleague.org/observing.html

Our ALCOR is Paul Anderson

Support Our Sponsors

Star Guy Brian V Deis www.mrstarguy.com

september 4th general meeting - tucson amateur astronomy...

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