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Charlie
Elliott
Chapter Meeting Minutes
See photos
and additional information about the meeting here. |
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ATTENDANCE:
Twenty-seven guests and members attended the November meeting at the
Charlie Elliott Visitor’s Center. BUSINESS: Director, Larry Owens, opened the meeting by reminding everyone of Mars close approach the night of December 18-19 with opposition the night of December 24th. He gave the status of our telescope baby-sitting program. --- THANK YOU, DALE, FOR THE GOODIES ---- Programs Scheduled: December15 meeting: Pot Luck, and Planetary Imaging Workshop by Larry Owens SUNSET ALERT was given. 2007 remaining schedule for the CE Meetings is: December 15 at 3:00 p.m. 2008 schedule for the CE Meeting is:
Jan. 19, Feb. 9, Mar. 8, Apr. 5, May 17 (JAKES DAY & Election of
Officers), Jun. 7, Jul. 26, Aug. 30, Sep. 27, Oct. 25, Nov. 29, Dec. 27. FEATURE PRESENTATION: “MARS” by Dr. Richard Schmude, Jr. He began by demonstrating difficulties in measuring the Martian polar caps – with emphasis on the South Polar Cap (SPC) in the South Polar Region (SPR). The SPC is not centered on the South Pole, and filters used by imagers make a big difference in what is seen. Dr. Schmude requests the use of a RED (best match for historical data) or IR filter for images you send him. They show the SPC most accurately. Others filters may include cloud or fog and make it very hard to get an accurate measurement of the SPC. Another factor that makes it difficult to map Mars’ SPC is the lack of a Martian calendar. Dr. Schmude will use the Areocentric Longitude (Ls) calendar for all Mars image measurements. See the PDF link below for the longitudinal values of the Ls seasons for Mars and an overview of Dr. Schmude’s presentation. Dr. Schmude strongly recommends the continued imaging of Mars (especially with a RED filter). But how can we on Earth make a difference, a contribution to science when we have several satellites and Rovers at Mars, and more to arrive? It is because they see the tree, maybe the trees, where as from our point of view, we see the forest – our view is much different from theirs, and is important. Keep those images of Mars SPC coming because from 2010 to 2012 the North Polar Cap (NPC) will be facing us. Dr. Schmude would also like to see some folks do photometry of Mars using about a 6-inch telescope. More information on Mars imaging and photometry may be found at the NEW URL for the ALPO Web-site: http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/ Here is Dr. Schmude’s PDF file on the Mars SPC, including info on the Ls calendar: http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/publications/Presentations/Schmude%20-%20Mars%20SPC.pdf Thank you, Dr. Schmude for a very interesting and informative program – we eagerly look forward to another! Oops – POP QUIZ :-)
What’s Up Tonight Steve Bieger introduced us to new books and a magazine, which have recently become available. His focus tonight was Planetary Nebulae: history, definition, featured nebulae with maps and spreadsheets. He covered the best filters to use to bringing out the nebulae including graphs of filter transmission characteristics. He pointed out that if you are going to use narrow band filters, it is best to use a larger aperture telescope with them. Next month Steve, in addition to his normal features, plans to give another installment in his Project Galileo as well as a feature on Kepler’s work on determining the orbit of …. Well, come and see. Thanks, Steve!
Current EventsClevis Jones (with new STS-120 pin :-) began with a Literature class on Holmes, but was abruptly interrupted by his Mrs. with the suggestion the folks came to hear about space and astronomy events – his response, “Elementary, my Dear”! And comet 17P/Holmes burst forth with a bang! Someone said something about this entry being scripted … (who, me?). Featured tonight were images by, and reports from, those who have imaged the “very mysterious” comet 17P/Holmes: Jon Wood, Jim Honeycutt, Theo Ramakers, and Larry Owens. Larry also reported on some of his Mars images. Next Clevis covered the Shuttle Discovery / STS-120 mission currently in orbit including images of the launch taken by Angela Poore. Angela gave a wonderful, first hand description of viewing the launch from just 6 miles away. She related how her HEART STOPPED when a sharp-eyed youngster yelled, “Mom, they’re bailing out”! … just as the sold rocket boosters separated. Angela said the launch is a very emotional experience she did not expect – there was not a dry eye to be seen in the crowd after the launch! Jon “the movie maker” and Angela showed two short movies as the finale. THANK YOU ALL for stepping up to the plate without any warning!!!
OBSERVING SESSION: What can I say, a perfect night of viewing with lots of telescopes and people: about 50 members, guests and students! WONDERFUL TIME!
MEETING DATES AND PROGRAMS: December 15, 3:00 p.m. – the winter schedulePOT LUCK with Feature Presentation by Larry Owens, “Planetary Imaging Workshop” – everyone welcome, bring your images! Place: Charlie Elliott Visitor’s Center
January meeting: TBD
For Meeting updates, Directions, Links, & Live broadcasts: PLEASE check the CEastronomy website for the most current information !
Submitted: Clevis Jones, CE Recording Secretary Secretary@CEastronomy.org
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Last Updated Friday, November 16, 2007 |
