Rainwater Observatory E-News 4/25/10
NEXT RAINWATER PUBLIC PROGRAM MEETING MAY 14 AT 7:00 PM FEATURES VENUS
The planet Venus is bright in the western sky after dark as it comes around from behind the Sun. We’ll talk about what the ancients thought about the planet as well as what we’ve learned in the age of space probes. Come join us. The program is free to the public and weather permitting we’ll look at Venus and Saturn with some of the telescopes after the talk.
MID-SOUTH STAR GAZE & ASTRONOMY CONFERENCE REPORT
We had good observing nights for the whole event! 125 people participated from 14 states and Canada. Some folks came in four days early and some stayed almost a week extra. Thanks to the folks who helped out in many ways. Several people were first time observers and telescope owners and they remarked how much they appreciated the help and advice from experienced folk. That’s what helps make this an enjoyable event. Here are some images of the event.
http://www.n5pa.com/astronomy/midsouthstargaze2010.html
The Sangre telescope was still working out some problems and the 32” scope Servo-CAT still needs some work, but the extra gravel put down was a good addition and the lane down the middle of the observing field helped. The “Friends of Rainwater” met and put in some great suggestions for useful additions and changes. They also made almost $2,000 of donations to implement upgrade projects. You can see what other have to say about the event at MidSouthStargaze@yahoogroups.com There are several images posted as well. If you aren’t a member of this Yahoo Group, it’s easy to sign up.
The 2011 Star-Gaze dates are April 27-30, 2011. Send in your suggestions for speakers, programs, and ways to make things even more enjoyable. Thanks.
NEWS FROM THE HILL
My apologies for the length of time since the last newsletter. Just as we were getting out from the paper work from the Star Gaze, we were narrowly missed by a tornado. Houses a mile south of the observatory were destroyed and six people were killed three miles east of us. The Trace was closed and the devastation was great in a ¾ mile swath. We were without power for more than a day. The astronomy class from Long Beach High School left about an hour before the storm hit. We appreciate the concern of those who called to check on us. The observatory suffered no damage and only a few limbs had to be removed from the entrance road. We feel very fortunate.
COMING EVENTS: ATTEND A PROGRAM NEAR YOU
If you’d like a program in your community or want to set up a field trip to Rainwater, let us know.
April 30: First Baptist Kosciusko, kindergarten
April 30: Thaxton Baptist Church
April 30: Second Baptist Church, Kosciusko
April 30: Troop 210 Girl Scouts, Memphis
May 1: Alumni Day at French Camp, Observatory Open House
May 1: Cub Pack 25, Carthage
May 8: Pioneer Day Open House on the Trace and at Rainwater
May 8: Girl Scout Troop 20653, Starkville
ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS SUMMER COLLEGE CREDIT COURSE
The “Astronomy for Teachers” class for 3 semester hour credit through Ole Miss is scheduled for June 13-18. This is an intensive week and you must be enrolled in the university to take the course for credit. Information at www.outreach.olemiss.edu/teachers If you have questions contact Jonnie Fitch at Ole Miss jwfitch@olemiss.edu 662-915-7158
ASTRONOMY CAMP IN JUNE
A summer astronomy camp is scheduled for June 20-26 in conjunction with the Camp of the Rising Son. This week long event will be for 13-16 year olds. Registration information can be found at info@campoftherisingson.com The cost is $484.00 for the week.
SUPPORT THE RAA BY BECOMING A MEMBER
Rainwater Astronomical Association membership is $15. Thanks for your support.
ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links you’d like to share, let us know.
The Hubble Space Telescope will be 20 years old and the “Universe Today” has put up a series of 10 articles on Hubble’s greatest discoveries. Each article has images and what was seen each two years. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/04/23/hubble-renewed-reinvigorated-raring-to-go/ To access the other 10 articles and images look at the bottom of this story for a complete set of links to the others.
You can get to more images of Hubble at http://www.nasa.gov/hubble
And an amazing view from Hubble to finish up with. HH objects in exquisite detail. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/04/23/hubbles-birthday-gift-to-us-mystic-mountian/
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