My Journey Into Amateur Astronomy My Journey Into Amateur

24 Pages·2013·26.93 MB·English

by  Charles Beucher

Published by the Astronomical League Vol. 65, No. 4 September 2013
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THE ASTRONOMICAL LEAGUE 1
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2 THE REFLECTOR ✶ SEPTEMBER 2013
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Y,
OR
AT
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OBSER 4 President’s Notes
N
HER
UT Texas Star Party; Mid-States Regional Meeting
O
N S
OPEA 5 International Dark-Sky Association
UR
O (E 6 Reflector Mail
NIELL
MA 8 Looking For Young Astronomers
O
O R
ARTIN 9 League Officer Nominations/2014 Youth Awards
M
ND 10 My Journey into Amateur Astronomy
A
A,
A, ES Author dedicates his journey to outreach in astronomy
AS
DIT: N 11 2013 Walter Scott Houston Award
CRE
USTER; 12 Tinker, Scalar, Kibur, Sky
CL Galaxy formation, jigsaw style
UBLE
DO 14 2013 Mabel Sterns Newsletter Editor Awards
HE
C 1850, T 15 2013 Leslie C. Peltier Award
G
H: N 16 2013 Horkheimer Youth Service Awards
AP
OGR 18 Planting Cosmic Seeds
OT
H
TITLE P 19 StarTalk Radio
Podcasts hosted by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson
20 Observing Awards
22 Coming Events
Our cover: This image of M46 and planetary nebula NGC 2438 was taken with Bob
Runyan’s adapted LX200 cradle-mounted EON120 refractor/ST8i CCD camera.
Autoguiding by his piggybacked ED80/Orion SSAG. Acquired with MaximDL/CCD and
processed with MaximDL/CCD and Photoshop. Taken from Bob’s AstroAsylum dome
observatory located in his backyard in Shelton, Nebraska. Bob is a longtime member
of the PVAO (Platte Valley Astronomical Observers; www.pvao.us) and the
Astronomical League. His personal website is rcfotos.selfip.net/Runyan.
To our contributors: The copy and photo deadline for the December 2013 issue is
October 15. Please send your stories and photos to our magazine editor, Ron Kramer
([email protected]), by then.
The Astronomical League invites your comments regarding the magazine. How
can we improve it and make it a more valuable resource for you, our members?
Please respond to the editor’s email address above.
The Astronomical League Magazine
Vol. 65, No. 4 • ISSN: 0034-2963 • September 2013
A FEDERATION OF ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETIES
A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
To promote the science of astronomy
• By fostering astronomical education,
• By providing incentives for astronomical,
observation and research, and
• By assisting communication among amateur
astronomical societies.
Astronomical League National Office:
9201 Ward Parkway, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64114
THTEH EA SATSRTORNOONMOIMCIACLA LL ELAEGAUGEUE33
Texas Star Party 2013 Another highlight of the KC
AS
It was my pleasure to trip was visiting NEZ,
attend my first Texas Star McDonald Observatory. ARTI
Party in May. My traveling The observatory complex M S. M
buddy for the trip was Tom has been a leader in O
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return trip to TSP over was great to see the MPLI
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first one. Riding Prude Ranch’s GRAP
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Dave Clark, chairman of vintage school bus added OT
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tphree sTeenxtaesd Swtaitrh P tahret y2,0 w1a2s Astronomical up the mountain. to the charm of our trip TITLE P
League Award for his outstanding contribu- I enjoyed attending the Southwest
tions to astronomy over many years. Region meeting of the Astronomical
It was a real honor to finally meet in League. Last year’s first-place winner of
person many of the people I have been in the League’s Jack Horkheimer/Parker
electronic communications with for many Service Award, Samantha Carter,
years, including Steve and Amelia attended the meeting.
Goldberg. In addition, I met and chatted Several foreign countries were repre-
with many people I had not met before. sented and attendees traveled from all parts
Thanks to Larry Mitchell for sharing so of the U.S.
many views with me through his 36-inch Mid-States Regional Meeting
telescope the first night. of the Astronomical League
It was great to see Anne Adkins, the Just a few days after TSP ended, I traveled
League’s publication chair, again. She is north to attend the Mid-States regional
such a crucial part of the success of the meeting. The Omaha Astronomical
League’s observing manual program. She Society hosted this year’s meeting in
also is an integral part of the Texas Star Mahoney State Park, west of Omaha. This
Party operation and serves as secretary of natural setting gave an excellent touch to
the Southwest Region of the Astronomi- the overall convention experience. The
cal League. Continued on page 22
A rapt audience at the MSRAL A star-b-que was held at the
business meeting. Strategic Air and Space Museum.
N N
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Far left: Bill Bond, past MSRAL chair,
presents Amateur of the Year
Award to John Johnson. Left:
MSRAL speaker Richard Harshaw.
Right: Paul Sheppard, Canadian
visitor to the Texas Star Party. Below,
left: Eliot Neel, winner of the
JEFF HOUSTON GARY PITTMAN tICoelrlaegrsk cp.o rBepeseel-onmwtsa, kAriignsthgrt oc:n oMonmcteDiscota.nl BaLleedlao Ogwub,e sce eArnvwateatorr:dr yC .taor rDoallve NEZ
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4 THE REFLECTOR ✶ SEPTEMBER 2013
CI) IDA Dark Sky Places The International Dark
A/STS Updated Guidelines Sky Parks have excep-
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UBBLE International Dark Sky environment. The ttoem eabcehr, iannddiv Dideucaelm mbeemr, bthere oRfe iftlse catfofirli aist em saoilceidet dieirse acntldy
HE H Place was Flagstaff, International Dark Sky to members-at-large as a benefit of League member-
D T Arizona, which was Parks program has three ship. Individual copies of the Reflector are available at
AN $2.00 each or as an $8.00 per year subscription through
A, ESA, dtieosniagln Dataerdk aSnk yIn Cteormnma-u- tBierorsn,z eG,o wldi,t hS iGlvoeldr, and the RLeeaflgueec tnoarti oannadl oCffiluceb. IRSSoNs:t 0e0r3 D4-e2a9d63li.nes
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CREDIT: 2013, there were four Dark Sky Communi- award and the darkest skies, followed by JSuenpete imssbueer. .i.s.s..u..e...............................................AJuplryil 1155
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Y,” A Hungary, Scotland, and Namibia. Valley National Park earlier this year. parties, provided specific credit is given to the writer(s),
X the Reflector, and the Astronomical League. Any other
A
AL Several applications are currently in International Dark Sky Reserves use of material, including graphics and photographs,
G
NG progress. www.darksky.org/component/content/ is subject to express permission from the Editor and
APH: “RI International Dark Sky Communities article/36-night-sky-conservation/87- the AstronomicNala Lteiaognuea.l Officers
GR www.darksky.org/component/content/ international-dark-sky-reserves President
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TITLE P international-dark-sky-communities the epitome of IDA’s mission. 9201 WAsatrrdo nPoamrkiwcaaly ,L eSaugituee 1 N00a t•io Knaanl sHaesa Cdqituy,a MrteOr s64114
According to the IDA website, an Interna- According to the IDA website, an Interna-
816-444-4878 • [email protected]
tional Dark Sky Community is “a town, city, tional Dark Sky Reserve is “a public or Vice President
municipality, or other legally organized private land possessing an exceptional or John Goss
932 Lee Lane • Fincastle, VA 24090
community that has shown exceptional distinguished quality of starry nights and
540-966-4606 • [email protected]
dedication to the preservation of the night sky nocturnal environment that is specifically Secretary
through the implementation and enforcement protected for its scientific, natural, educa- Ann House
67 Virginia Street
of quality lighting codes, dark sky education, tional, cultural, heritage and/or public
Salt Lake City, UT 84103
and citizen support of dark skies.” enjoyment mission of a large peripheral 801-671-8447
To qualify for such a designation, a area. The International Dark Sky Reserve [email protected]
Treasurer
community has to achieve and document a consists of a core area meeting the mini-
Tom Lynch
community-wide lighting code, promote mum criteria for sky quality and natural 43 Elm Street • Lynbrook, NY 11563
responsible lighting, show dark sky stew- darkness, and a peripheral area that 516-593-8580 • [email protected]
Executive Secretary
ardship, and be an outstanding example for supports dark sky values in the core and
Ron Whitehead
surrounding communities to emulate. None receives benefits from them as well. The 3685 Beacon Hill Court • Beavercreek, OH 45440-3553
of the Dark Sky Places awards are easy to International Dark Sky Reserve is formed 937-233-5843 • [email protected]
National Office
achieve. There is an extensive application through a partnership of multiple land
Joe Alburty, Office Coordinator
and review process, which is coordinated by owners and/or administrators that have Astronomical League National Headquarters
Amee Hennig ([email protected]). All recognized the value of the starry night 9201 Ward Parkway, Suite 100 • Kansas City, MO 64114
816-DEEP-SKY
applications are reviewed independently by through regulation and/or formal agreement
National office: [email protected]
lighting experts separate from the IDA staff and/or long term planning.” Society rosters: [email protected]
and board using the criteria available at Similar to the International Dark Sky League sales: [email protected]
National Observing Program Coordinators
www.darksky.org/index.php?option=com_ Parks program, there are three tiers for
Michael G. Benson Aaron B. Clevenson
content&view=article&id=142. International Dark Sky Reserves: Gold, [email protected] [email protected]
The most recent recipients of the Silver, and Bronze. Gold represents the Reflector Staff
International Dark Sky Community Awards highest award and has the darkest skies, Editor Advertising
Ron Kramer Representative
were the Isle of Saark, Channel Islands, followed by Silver and Bronze. Reserves are
Mobile: [phone] Mary Riley
United Kingdom, and Homer Glenn, Illinois. special places not only for their dark skies [email protected] 312-799-1713
[email protected]
International Dark Sky Parks but also for their cultural heritage and their Assistant Editor
www.darksky.org/index.php?option=com_ ongoing efforts to protect their dark skies Kevin Jones
[email protected] Design/Production
content&view=article&id=86 and cultural values. The most recent
Chuck Beucher
According to the IDA website, an Interna- International Dark Sky Reserves are Assistant Editor [email protected]
Kristine Larsen
tional Dark Sky Park is “a park or other NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia, [email protected]
Photo Editor
public land possessing exceptional starry which received a Gold Award in 2012, and
Coming Events Editor Terry Warner
skies and natural nocturnal habitat where Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales, John Wagoner 614-425-7336
[email protected] [email protected]
light pollution is mitigated and natural United Kingdom, which received a Silver
Letters to the Editor
darkness is valuable as an important Award this year.
Send to: [email protected]
educational, cultural, scenic, and natural Take some time to peruse the IDA website Subject line: “Letter to Editor”
WWW.ASTROLEAGUE.ORG
resource.” Continued on page 17
THE ASTRONOMICAL LEAGUE 5
DTheea rA Emdeitroicra,n Astronomi- eTnhoeu lgohss i notfo n tehwe bcalouosdes. HENSLEY
cal Society’s Division for may be real but I see a AN
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A
Planetary Sciences is lot of interest that isn’t Y H
arranging a Pro–Am being met. The Sonoma OS B
OT
Workshop on Thursday, County and New Hamp- H
P
October 10, 5–10 p.m. at shire programs are doing
the Sheraton Hotel, an amazing job meeting
Denver, Colorado. the need, but they’re only
We are trying an scratching the surface.
experiment at our scien- A few years ago when
tific meeting this fall: a the kids on my home
workshop bringing together professional block were just about to start high school
and amateur astronomers interested in and playing basketball on one’s driveway, I
Solar System objects. The idea is a work- approached them and mentioned I was
shop where professionals present opportu- going to set up my telescope (an ancient 6-
nities for collaborating with NASA missions inch EdSci reflector) and asked if any of
and amateurs show samples of their them would be interested in coming to my
observations. house. That night there were only a handful
Examples include observing Pluto during but over the next few months that number
the New Horizons flyby; observing Jupiter’s grew to 12–15 boys and girls.
These neighborhood kids have knocked on
my door several times since then to ask if
I’ll bring out the telescope; it’s always a
treat to treat them. And these kids aren’t
top-of-their-class either, just regular kids
clouds while Juno flies over the poles; who get a thrill from not just seeing and
taking images of Comet ISON to find time- learning about the sky, but the personal
variability; measuring light-curves of attention as well. The questions they pose
asteroids; following up on NEOs; searching show a curiosity that the school system
for Moon impacts, perhaps related to doesn’t satisfy. Only a few have pursued
NASA’s Lunar Atmosphere and Dust anything science-related but at least I
Environment Explorer (LADEE) robotic planted the seeds. So I hope there’s hope.
mission; and observing Mars during the Peter Birren
Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution
(MAVEN) mission.
Dear Editor,
The workshop will be held the week of the
I’m Dr. William Warren—vice president,
American Astronomical Society’s Division of
observing chairman, newsletter editor and
Planetary Sciences annual meeting in
co-founder of the Flint River Astronomy
Denver, Colorado. To attend the DPS
Club in Griffin, Georgia. FRAC has been an
meeting you need to register (www.aas.org/
Astronomical League affiliate since our
meetings/45th-meeting-division-planetary-
founding in 1996. I am also Master Ob-
sciences) but the evening workshop will be
server #4, and ten or eleven years ago an
open to all.
article of mine, “How to Become a Master
Participants wishing to present (five
Observer,” appeared in Reflector.
minutes, five slides) should send title and
My present offering, “Why I Observe,” is
description (less than 200 words) to
my response to a growing but less well-
[email protected].
publicized problem than the “graying” of
Fran Bagenal
astronomy that you addressed so superbly
Professor of Astrophysical and Planetary
in the last two Reflectors: reduced atten-
Sciences, Laboratory for Atmospheric
dance at club observings. I’ve written a
and Space Physics
book on motivation and that, combined with
UCB 600 University of Colorado
my MO status, has made it rather easy over
3665 Discovery Drive
the years for me to inspire our members to
Boulder, Colorado 80303
go out and observe.
No more, however.
Dear Editor, In recent years, our members have
In the June issue, several articles mention become increasingly resistant to efforts to
the waning interest in astronomy as a hobby persuade them to buy observing gear or use
for the youth of today. Much in those gloomy the equipment or telescopes they already
articles is correct, sometimes not going far have, come to our monthly observings, learn
6 THE REFLECTOR ✶ SEPTEMBER 2013
how to observe, or participate in the League ested in the sciences and lower their There are many “astro-apps” available,
observing pin programs. And since we are interest in sports you might get some to get and the numbers are growing. Many of these
fairly typical of League affiliates everywhere, an interest in astronomy too. are written by people trying to improve the
the problems we face (e.g., graying, reduced Sincerely, Rodger W. Gordon hobby. Some others are for commercial gain.
attendance at observing sessions) are likely Regardless, most of these apps enhance
the same ones that other clubs are facing. Editor’s Note astronomy and are very useful.
In my article, rather than telling readers I certainly understand the comments New telescopes still sell, but far too many
why they should observe—which sounds regarding youth and astronomy. The instruments wind up in closets or garages
rather preachy to me—I’ve taken the more organization which I am presently involved because people lose interest too quickly. We
personal approach of telling them what in, the Astronomical Society of Las Cruces receive donations of several per year (from
observing means to me. I leave it to you to (New Mexico), is very active with youth 3-inch Newtonians to 12-inch Dobsonians)
decide how successful I’ve been. groups, including schools, Scouts, etc. and from people who are no longer interested in
Bill Warren interest is certainly growing in our area. It them. These either wind up in our telescope
Flint River Astronomy Club sounds like other groups, such as the loaner program or are sold to society
1212 Everee Inn Road, Colorado Springs Astronomical Society, are members. While we certainly appreciate the
Griffin, GA 30224 also doing very well. donations, we would prefer people make
The articles in the March and June issues better use of their investments.
Dear Editor, of Reflector represent a cross-section of Ron Kramer
Regarding the article in the June 2013 issue opinions from across the United States. The
about the “graying” of the hobby, I can shed same is being said of stamp, coin, and many
some light. At age 72, I have been in the other hobby groups—they are dying. Dear Editor,
hobby since 1952 and I spent almost 27 While I do not have a grim outlook on our In May, from my backyard garden I was able
years in the educational system. hobby, there is no doubt that the multitude of to use my 32-inch Intergalactic Harvester
John Goss uses the term “structured distractions present today are far greater to pull in a “Green Bean” galaxy, as
pursuits” in his article. What he’s mostly than when many of us were in our youth. The discussed in my article from the June 2013
referring to is sports. While light pollution articles presented were more of a “wake-up Reflector. SDSS J150517.6+194444 was a
is a factor in not getting interested in call” in that the issues need to be acted upon 17.9-magnitude speck seen using a 5 mm
astronomy, the biggest threats today are before things get totally out of control. Many Type 6 Nagler eyepiece at 650x. Its color
sports, video games, “social networking,” societies across our country (and the world) eluded me, but since it glows with light from
and a lack of government interest in space are having difficulties retaining members, excited oxygen molecules, I plan to see if a
exploration for the last 20+ years. especially the younger ones. There are narrowband OIII filter will enhance it, as
At one time in Pennsylvania, there were several exceptions, and that is very encour- happens with faint planetary nebulae.
more school planetariums than in any other aging. However, overall there has been a Dave Tosteson
state. Now most are closed. You are fighting decline in membership and participation.
a losing game if you put astronomy against Some signs are very positive indeed. They Corrections & Clarifications
sports. tell me that there are groups which are In the June issue, David Tosteson’s name
I could give you plenty of examples where growing, and thriving. When we hold star was incorrectly spelled (Toteson).
sports take precedence over the sciences. I parties in the Las Cruces area, there can be Also in the June issue, Page 10, the image
once gave a talk on astronomy to my son’s many hundreds of people attending. Many of the Cocoon Nebula was inadvertently
eighth-grade science class and over half the have never looked through a telescope before cropped. The article described objects which
kids had a telescope, with several having and are amazed they can actually see the were not in the printed image, and it was
Celestron SCTs. Today I doubt if you would rings of Saturn, or craters on the Moon. described as being 40 x 30 arcminutes in
find more than one or two scope owners in Several of these people join our society and size and the cropping reduced this size. The
the entire school. become active members. Others join, and correct image is shown below.
There is another problem—peers. In my within a few
day, those of us who expressed an interest months, lose
in astronomy were called names. “Book- interest. But we
worms.” “Brains.” “Lunatics.” Today if see the overall
you’re interested in astronomy or sciences trend increasing
like physics you’re a “nerd” or a “geek.” (at least locally).
Socially, astronomy is almost taboo. But, unfortu-
Suppose you were at a party and you were nately, nation-
talking about black holes, supernovae, dark ally there has
energy and a host of other astronomy been a decline.
topics. Soon you would be alone in the Whether this
room, or perhaps someone there who didn’t decline contin-
know the difference between astrology and ues, or reverses
astronomy would ask you to cast their its trend,
horoscope! remains to be
When you figure out how to get the seen. I believe
teenage and early-twenties crowd inter- there is hope.
THE ASTRONOMICAL LEAGUE 7
Astronomical League Searches
for Young Astronomers
By David Eicher (written as a blog for
Astronomy magazine; used with permission)
When I was at NEAF in New York last weekend,
Astronomical League vice president John Goss
asked me about young people in amateur
astronomy. He showed me a copy of the March
issue of Reflector, the League’s quarterly
publication, with the theme of “Youth and
Astronomy.” I hadn’t seen the issue, having been
on several recent trips, but was glad to read
it carefully.
For some years, astronomy enthusiasts have
noticed the regular meetings and star parties
they’ve attended for years have been showing
pretty much the same crowd, getting a little older
and a little grayer every year. What’s the deal with
young people not getting into amateur astronomy
in large numbers? Observing the Universe, seeing
and appreciating Saturn, the Moon, galaxies,
stars, and nebulae, and understanding your place
in the cosmos all seem pretty cool. But fewer
young people are getting into this hobby than in
some previous eras. Why?
John described how the March Reflector took
on that question. Its special section, “Where are
the young in our astronomy clubs?” by League
executive secretary Ron Whitehead, explored the
issue with a variety of guest editorials.
Courtney Flonta, president of the Back Bay
Amateur Astronomers in Hampton Roads,
Virginia, contributed an essay on why we must
bring more young people into amateur as-
tronomy. Joshua Babin of the Houston Astro-
nomical Society, himself just twenty-three,
described some key reasons why astronomy
interest has declined among young people. The
League’s webmaster, Vern Raben, suggested
astronomy clubs must embrace technology to
include young folks. Ted Forte of the Huachuca
(Arizona) Astronomy Club discussed how people
can grow into an astronomy interest slowly. And
Craig Weatherwax of Oceanside Photo and
Telescope (and a board member of the As-
tronomy Foundation) wrote about reversing the
graying of astronomy.
It makes for an interesting and thought-
provoking package. If you’re interested in the
state of amateur astronomy, the trends of who is
involved in it, and why it has changed, then I
really think this issue is for you. I urge you to get
a copy of the March Reflector. You can contact
the Astronomical League at [email protected].
Editor’s Note: Additional articles related
to youth and astronomy are in the June issue
of the Reflector.
Astronomy magazine has been able to
capture the interest of young people like Grant
Regens, the magazine’s 2013 Youth Essay
Contest winner, but the hobby of astronomy
continues to age.
Make ALCon even better!
We are interested in hearing your
thoughts about the Astronomical
League’s annual convention, ALCon.
Please help make ALCon even better
by completing the survey on the
League’s website, astroleague.org.
8 THE REFLECTOR ✶ SEPTEMBER 2013
Call for League officer The Astronomical League’s
nominations 2014 Youth Awards:
The two-year terms of the offices of the Prepare Now!
Astronomical League President and Vice
Wouldn’t it be great to be young again and
President end on August 31, 2014. If you are
to be entering amateur astronomy! Now is
interested in using your talents to serve in
one of these important positions, we would the time to start considering the Astronomi-
like to hear from you. Please volunteer! cal League’s youth awards for 2014: the
For specific information regarding the National Young Astronomer Award (NYAA)
duties and responsibilities of these offices, and the three Jack Horkheimer Youth Service
please refer to the League’s bylaws, which Awards.
can be accessed on the League website at If you know a young person who has been
www.astroleague.org/al/bylaws/ involved in an astronomy related research
bylawsrs.html. project—either of his or her own doing or
Candidates should send nominating though an educational institution—please
committee chair Ann House, consider nominating that person for the
[email protected], statements
NYAA. He or she must be fourteen to
explaining whey they are interested and
nineteen years old.
photos of themselves for publication in
If you know a League member, eighteen
the Reflector. Please limit all statements
years old or younger, who has brought
to approximately 250 words. All nomina-
amateur astronomy to your club or to the
tion materials must be submitted by
public through outreach, presentations,
March 15, 2014.
writing, or observing, please consider
The Sky This Week nominating that person for one of the three
Horkheimer Service Awards.
To find out what’s happening Now is the time for potential candidates to
in the sky the coming week, take work on their projects and to participate in
a look at “The Sky This Week” various astronomy events. The deadline for
on Astroleague.org. the National Young Astronomer Award is
Produced by our own Vern Raben, January 31, 2014, and the deadline for the
this weekly five-minute program Horkheimer Awards is March 31, 2014.
covers the Moon, visible planets, If you are a club officer, nominate them. If
comets, and interesting you don’t, no one else will! Complete in-
stellar features. formation about each award can be found at
Why not tune in this week? www.astroleague.org/al/awards/awards.html.
THE ASTRONOMICAL LEAGUE 9
By David V. Manning
I put the telescope back in
the box and put it in the
Webster’s Dictionary defines attic. Sometime in 2008, I
the word “outreach” as the decided to get the
“act of reaching out” and telescope down and set it
“the extent or limit of reach.” back up. I had no books to
Our Springfield Astronomical refer to or friends to call
Society website starts with this and ask about how to
statement. We are dedicated to properly use the telescope
the outreach of astronomy in until about two and a half
the Ozarks, and we love to years ago.
share our experiences with We had a new family
others. Wikipedia defines start attending our church
outreach as “an effort by and I got to know them. I
individuals in an organization or found out that the
group to connect its ideas or husband and father was
practices to other organizations, the president of the local
groups, specific audiences, or astronomy club in
the public. Outreach often takes Springfield, Missouri. I
on an educational component.” talked to him and he
As a teenager, I grew up in invited me to his home to
central New Mexico, where the observe through his 20-
clear night skies were com- inch Obsession telescope.
pletely free of light pollution. I He loaned me his books
can remember lying on the and binoculars so that I could filter for solar observations and award. My second Observing
grass in our yard and looking up start learning about the stars, solar outreaches. My newer Award was the Lunar Award. I
at the stars. I have always been objects, and constellations. telescope is a Zhumell Z12 12- am also working on the Lunar II,
fascinated by what I have seen, Through this hobby, a friendship inch Dobsonian that I use for all Messier, Binocular Messier,
but I did not have a telescope or developed and now we spend of our club’s nighttime out- Double Star, Constellation
binoculars to observe with, so I time together working at our reaches. I now have an Astrozap Hunter: Northern Skies, and
put astronomy to the side. In club’s monthly outreaches. glass filter for the 12-inch Sunspotters programs. The
1998, I was The moment Dobsonian so it can also be observation clubs help us
recognized for that changed used for solar outreaches. The become more familiar with the
25 years with astronomy for telescope is not a portable objects we share during
the company me took place telescope by any means, but it outreaches.
that I worked when I had the has been transported over Outreaches are our way of
for. I was given opportunity to 1,246 miles in the bed of my sharing our love of our hobby
the opportunity observe the pickup to outreaches. During with the public. We should all
to pick some- Universe the last two and half years, I keep this important factor in our
thing that I through that 20- have taken the Dobsonian 12- outreaches in focus. Our
would like to inch Obsession inch and the 4.5-inch to 23 ultimate goal, as individuals and
have, within a telescope. He outreaches. In the course of the as a group, is to always remem-
certain dollar value assigned to showed me Saturn and M13, the 23 outreaches since May 2010, ber that at some point, we were
my years of service. I chose a great star cluster in Hercules. 3,037 individuals have viewed in the position of the individuals
Meade 4500 4.5-inch equatorial He then showed me M13 the Sun, planets, and numerous who are observing through our
reflecting telescope with a through his TeleVue Nagler 9 objects in our Universe through telescopes at these outreaches.
motor drive. I was aware of mm eyepiece. It was as though I my telescopes. It should never be about the
several individuals at work who was looking at a diamond. My I am heavily involved in our presenter, only about the seed
had telescopes, but I was not only response was “wow!” This astronomy club and have that might be planted in the mind
aware of an existing astronomy one moment changed how I received my first Astronomical of a child or young adult to
club. After trying to “get my feet viewed astronomy. I now use League observing pin—the Basic become an amateur astronomer,
wet” with my new telescope the Meade 4500 4.5-inch Outreach pin. I just completed or to work in the field of
without guidance, I lost interest. telescope with a Baader film work on the Stellar level of the astronomy as an educator, or
10 THE REFLECTOR ✶ SEPTEMBER 2013