Observing Committee News

April is turning out to be a very busy month for CFAS members, especially as to community service programs and outreach projects.

The month started with what is turning into an annual event at Princeton Elementary School. This year it was April 2nd and CFAS was represented by two members, Tom Chitty and Tony Urzi. The skys were clear and the lines were long at the three scopes provided by CFAS.

April 9th was the annual event at Harmony, and again Bob Vogel and others provided scopes and slide shows that were much appreciated. Tony was able to hand out brochures, cards, and membership information the the large crowd in attendance. Again the weather cooperated and clear dark skies were enjoyed by all.

April 14th saw Ray and Walt at the Herndon Branch of the Orlando Public Library to present a slide show and talk on what amateur astronomers do under the night sky. Ray did a great job eliciting responses from numerous children and even adults in the group. Unfortunately the skies were overcast that evening, so no viewing through a telescope was possible.

Yet to come this month will be a talk and telescope event at the Geneva Wilderness Area on April 29th. Again Tom Chitty and Tony Urzi will be helping out and representing CFAS in presenting the night sky to interested attendees.

April 16th was Astronomy Day as celebrated at the Orlando Science Center. Paul Kronenwetter and several others were present helping the Science Center staff conduct numerous activities that helped enlighten visitors on not only amateur astronomy but what the pros are doing as well.

If you would like to volunteer in these type events please call any of the club officers/contacts that are listed on the website. Your help and participation will be most welcome and appreciated!

CFAS maintains and operates the University of Central Florida's Robinson Observatory, which houses a 26" Tinsley Schmidt Cassegrain telescope, the largest publicly available telescope in Florida.

The telescope is massive, weighing in at over three tons. CFAS members refurbished the telescope over a four year period that ended in 1995. The telescope mirror has been recently recoated in order to reestablish its research optics. Funds for this project were raised by the CFAS members. This facility is one of the finest available in the country for amateur astronomers.

All members have weekend access to this quality instrument for general viewing or research. The scope is also used for public observing sessions that are held approximately one hour after sunset the first Friday of the month.