2008 events overview

Speakers

AHSP 2008 will once again feature a program featuring numerous topics of interest to astronomers. We'll be updating this page in the coming weeks, but we can share a few details right now.

Choosing and Using a 21st Century SCT: Rod Mollise

Rod Mollise, author of The Urban Astronomer's Guide and Choosing and Using a Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, has agreed to return to speak at this year's AHSP. Attendees of his talks at AHSP 2007 already know that he's an extremely knowledgeable and entertaining speaker. He's also planning to observe with us, so don't miss this opportunity to connect with a real expert in the art of amateur astronomy! Rod will also be leading a SCT collimation workshop and a Star Tour.

Astrophotography Workshop: Byron Bergert, Jeff Ball & Tom Kennedy

Again this year we will have a workshop for astronomers of intermediate and advanced levels of experience. You'll learn tips and techniques that will help you achieve results like the pros. Each presenter will give a session on their approach to getting the most out of astro imaging. There will be a Q & A session so that you can get answers to those tough questions.

NASA's 2-for-1 Return to the Moon: Greg Redfern

Ten years ago NASA's Lunar Prospector mission collected data that seemed indicative of water ice being present at the lunar South Pole. NASA is returning to the Moon in an ingenious 2-for-1 fashion by launching before the end of 2008 two lunar missions using the same launch vehicle. Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) will not only definitively answer whether there is indeed water ice at the South Pole, but will help pave the way for manned lunar landings. Greg Redfern has photographed both spacecraft in their clean rooms and interviewed the scientists and engineers who built them. His presentation will give the hows and whys of America's return to the Moon.

Astronomy Webcasting and Podcasting: Jeff Cook and Greg Redfern

Jeff Cook will give a session on his new project called "OffOrbit.TV". He will preview his latest program and share with us what goes into producing a video program in the age of the Internet. Jeff will also be shooting AHSP for possible inclusion in an upcoming program.

Greg Redfern will give a session on a new webcasting project he is involved with called "Astrocast.tv". Greg will talk about how Astrocast.tv got started, what programs that have been produced and what the future holds for the program.

Astronomy Program for Youth: Esther Li

At the Children's Program (ages 8-18), kids will learn about gravity, extra-solar planets, telescopes, constellations, and even Einstein's general theory of relativity through hands-on demonstrations. The presenters will be teenagers who love to share their interest in astronomy.

ATM Workshop and Walkabout: Mike Mills & Guy Brandenburg

Guy Brandenburg will lead a mirror making demostration and mirror testing session.

Conscious Expectation of the Unexpected: Design Lessons for ATMs from Hubble Space Telescope

This talk will be a comparison of the design challenges we faced designing and building the HST with the analogous problems faced even by small telescopes makers or buyers. Challenges included getting and maintaining a sharp image and avoiding stray light; finding and guiding on your target without drift or vibration; matching detectors to the telescope and to the celestial targets; and keeping the system affordable, transportable, and upgradable. The problems were mainly optical and mechanical, as is the case for amateurs on the ground. The presentation is based on my experiences over about 10 years beginning with the first HST development contract. The intent is to help persuade amateurs that almost all problems can be overcome with some experience, some careful thought, and some consultation with others.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory Tour

Check out the tour schedule and pictures from last year as well as the National Radio Astronomy Observatory website. We've scheduled a "behind-the-scenes" tour, which will let AHSP participants visit the labs and the telescope control room--both locations that are usually off-limits to the public.

Astrophotography Contest

Byron Bergert has once again agreed to run an astrophotography contest at AHSP 2008. Prizes will be awarded! Stay tuned for official rules and more details.

Outdoor Adventure Activities

Almost Heaven Star Party will be offering a range of outdoor activities this year to take advantage of “Wild and Wonderful” West Virginia. The Mountain Institute will provide guides for several events including a nature hike to Spruce Knob summit, caving at the Sinks of Gandy, and canoeing at Spruce Knob Lake.