From the President

March, 2005

March is upon us, and the observing has been a disappointment for most dark sky weekends. Keep or fingers crossed for clear skies for CFAS Astrofest 2005. I hope many of you will be able to attend. The response from the membership to hold the event at the Chiefland Astronomy Village (CAV) was overwhelmingly positive. We are most fortunate that Tom Clark graciously agreed for us to hold our event there this year. The rules at CAV are strict in that all the village is dedicated to astronomy, and therefore white lights are not permitted after sunset. Rigging you car or camper for “red” is a good way to go if you are able. A white light in a tent is still too much light. If you are not staying over you will be able to park facing out along the road. Don't worry about taking down your equipment. Just cover it over, and it will be fine. Let one of the members know when you will be back. To my knowledge there has never been any theft at CAV.

We will be sharing the site with other CAV members, however we will have our own area staked out. CAV members have been invited to our programs along with other members who live at CAV. This is a chance to meet some really dedicated amateur astronomers that have taken amateur astronomy to the highest level.

Be sure to check in at the registration desk at the pole barn located at the north end of the site. You will be able to pick up your tags and parking pass and shown where to park. Please check out the schedule on our web site, and read the CAV rules also hot linked on our site. It should be an excellent star party with great viewing with fellow members. If you have never done so, you should try your luck on a Messier Marathon. You will be able to pick up a hand out to lead you through it on Saturday afternoon.

Also don't forget to bring those no longer used astronomy accessories you wish to trade or sell. You will have an opportunity to trade or sell on Saturday afternoon. You will have a chance to purchase CFAS Polo shirts and CFAS LOGO patches also.

The SCC Planetarium will be up and running in April, and we expect to hold our April meeting there. The SCC Star Range scheduling remains unsatisfactory, and our April viewing there has been cancelled. It appears that Harmony will remain our only site in the near future. It is nice to know that it is always available for our use.

The G-11 mount for the TEC 140 has finally arrived. Both the TEC and the 12 inch Meade LX200 will be available for use at Astrofest. Contact Walt Hamler for more information.

For those of you not able to go to Astrofest Harmony will be available. Also Member Ed Williams is having a star party of his own on March 12th. Check out the CFAS web site for more information.

SEE YOU AT CFAS ASTROFEST!!! Ray Jones