From the President
February 2005
So far this year the clear weekend nights continue to elude us. A member recently told me that a review of this year’s farmers almanac showed rain for most of the winter weekends. Let’s hope that the almanac’s predictions do not hold up. Still, members are getting to view from their back yard on those more plentiful clear nights. Even with the moon up great views of Comet Machholz and Saturn are possible. Early morning risers can also view Jupiter. Most impressive have been the continuing efforts of our digital astrophotographers that continue to capture superb images. If you have not joined the CFAS_Fl yahoo group, I urge you to do so. CFAS members post their images there, plus are very responsive in answering questions from the membership. In addition the latest updated information on viewing nights is posted there. The CFAS web can not post last minute information so cancellations of scheduled viewing nights will be posted on the yahoo group site. You do not need to join to view the yahoo group message board (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CFAS-FL/), however in order to post information you must join.
CFAS Astrofest 2005 is just around the corner. After reviewing all the options the board voted to hold our annual star party at the Chiefland Astronomy Village (CAV) on March 11 and 12. One of the original CAV members, Tom Clarke, has agreed to allow us the use of his property to hold our event. We are most appreciative of Tom and the other CAV home owners to extend this very special opportunity to us. To learn more about CAV go to the CAV web site at : http://www.chiefland.org/. Be sure to read over the CAV site rules as we will abide by them. For those of you that have never had the chance to view from a truly dark site, you are in for a wonderful experience. The extra miles to get there are worth it!
CFAS V.P., David Furrow, will be handling the registration this year. David will be on travel a good deal of the time between now and Astrofest so advanced registration will be via snail mail. We will also have sign up sheets at the next meeting. It is important that we have an accurate count. To use CAV we have to pay for our expenses, so unlike other years, there will be a small fee to attend the event. CFAS will not have exclusive use of the site, however we will be able to set up in one area of the property. There is plenty of room for all. This is one CFAS Astrofest you will not want to miss. The event is limited to CFAS members and their guests only. Further information including registration details will be provided on the CFAS web, by email, and at our February general meeting.
This year the CFAS UCF Astronomy Scholarship award will be determined through a competitive process. UCF astronomy professors will sponsor a candidate. Each candidate will have to submit an essay on Astronomy. Submission deadline is April 30, 2005. A CFAS selection committee will determine the winner. The winner will receive a $500.00 award, a plaque, and a free one year CFAS membership. Award winners and their sponsor will be recorded on a permanent plaque displayed at the Robinson observatory. The award will be presented at the start of the Fall 2005 term during the regular September CFAS meeting. Frank Sperl is heading up the CFAS scholarship committee.
The SCC Planetarium remains closed at least through February. We will continue to hold our monthly meetings at the Orlando Science Center until we are able to return to the SCC planetarium. The SCC Gun Range remains fully booked even on weekend nights to meet area law enforcement training needs. Therefore we will continue to have all dark sky observing sessions to Harmony. As changes occur to the situation at the SCC facilities we will update the membership via the web and email.
Delivery of the Losmandy G-11 mount for the TEC 140mm refractor has been delayed again. We hope to have it available for the March star party. This mount was purchased so that the TEC could be used by CFAS members at our monthly observing sessions and for community outreach programs. Also available is our 12 inch Meade LX 200. Members may reserve time for either of these instruments by contacting Walt Hamler, the chairman of the observing committee.
The UCF student astronomy observing program has been started at the Robinson observatory. UCF has asked for two CFAS volunteers for each session. Astronomy student observing sessions will be held every Wednesday night starting at 7:30 PM. Several CFAS members have already volunteered to help, but several more are needed. Contact Frank Gutowski (FGutowski@yahoo.com) to sign up for specific dates. If enough sign up you may only need to attend one night. CFAS members operate a Meade 8 inch LX200 or the Tinsley telescope. Three telescopes are used each one on a specific object. Students view and draw the object. Scope operators help the students understand what they are looking at. You shoud arrive at 7 PM. The session should last about 90 minutes.
Harmony has made a request for astrophotographs. Photos taken at the Harmony site are preferred, but all will be accepted. Just provide a print of your photograph. The photo will be framed and placed in the Harmony Club House and restaurant with credits given to you as the astrophotographer. If you are interested contact Greg Golgowski at : [ggolgowski@birchwoodacres.com].
As previously mentioned the Orlando Science Center NASA Night sky program continue to need volunteers. This makes for a fun evening at OSC. You can help out on either a Friday or Saturday evening. It is easy to get trained up by Paul to make any of the many Night Sky Programs. Help teach the general public better understand astronomy: Contact Paul Kronenwetter at (407) 388-7962 or email: kronenpj@netzero.net.
Clear skies to all. Ray Jones