2011 events overview

National Radio Astronomy Observatory

NRAO: Behind-the-scenes Tour
Saturday, August 27 - Meet on outdoor deck at 10:30 to form carpools for noon departure.

The 2011 tour will be a "behind-the-scenes" tour, so participants will get to visit labs and the telescope control room —locations that are normally off-limits to the public!

Hands-on Radio Astronomy
Saturday, August 27

We have arranged for access to NRAO's 40-foot educational dish on the evening of Saturday, August 27th. Participants will stay overnight at NRAO and return the morning of Sunday, August 28. No prior radioastronomy experience is required; NRAO will provide instruction and support. Space is very limited!

If you're going on the Behind-the-Scenes Tour, you'll simply stay at NRAO following the conclusion of the tour. Otherwise, you should plan to be on-site at NRAO by 3:45 p.m.

If you will be observing using NRAO's 40-foot educational dish, you may wish to look over the observing manual before you arrive at AHSP.  Here is a pdf copy of The 40-Foot Observer's Manual.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Cameras are welcome at NRAO. In order to prevent radio-frequency interference to observations in progress, the observatory prohibits the use of digital cameras (and electronics-laden film cameras) in some locations close to the telescopes. Bring a simple film camera if you'd like to get some pictures up close to the instruments.

 

Cass Mountain Scenic Railroad

Bald Knob Run
Saturday, August 27 - Train departs at noon; meet on outdoor deck at 8:15 (early cars) to 10:15 (latest) for carpools.

Based on members’ suggestions and interest last year, we are adding a field trip to the Cass Scenic Railroad as a daylight activity on Saturday, Saturday, 27 August. Yes, it conflicts with the NRAO tour, but we know that many of you have been to NRAO and are looking for something different. AHSP has reserved a private car for the 4½ hour trip to Bald Knob at 4800 ft, with historical stops along the way. Definitely a family activity, for any weather. We will have box lunches delivered for us on the train.

Tickets for the train ride, the historical sites, and lunch are $40 for adults and $20 for children. This activity is limited to the railcar capacity. Cass is about an hour south of TMI, just beyond NRAO. We will be back in time for the TMI dinner and evening program.

Bob Bunge wrote last year: “Cass is unique and very much a treasure of mountain history and culture (much like TMI). It has the largest operating fleet of geared locomotives in the US. One of their locomotives, Western Maryland #6 is the largest Shay type locomotive ever made.

“The trip up the mountain features steep, steep grades; at some points, there are "switch backs" where the train will stop, backup and move forward again since there either isn't room or the grades would be too steep even for the geared locomotives. The engines work very hard up the mountain, if you are into anything industrial and enjoy sound, the combination of the different noises, the roar of the exhaust, the steam whistle and screech of the wheels is a real treat.”

Volunteer carpools will meet on Saturday morning on the deck after breakfast. Those who wish to be at Cass for the Locomotive Works tour should be prepared to leave TMI by 8:15 for a 9:30 arrival. Those who are going for the train ride only should be prepared to leave TMI by 10:15 for 11:30 arrival. Leaving in between will give you some time to explore the town around the Cass depot. We ask that carpools leave right after the train returns, so that we will be back to AHSP in time for TMI dinner and evening activities at 6:00.

Those who have registered for the Cass trip will be sent a form requesting lunch preferences, and asking about carpooling arrangements (offer/need/have a ride, departure time), so that we can make best possible advanced plans for everyone to be accommodated.

Lunch sandwich preferences need to be received by Friday, 19 August to assure your choice. Otherwise: pot luck.

 

Speakers

Amateur Astronomy on the Cheap
Saturday, August 27, 7pm in the Yurt

Rod Mollise

 

Contrary to popular belief, amateur astronomy is not an expensive pursuit; at least it doesn't have to be. In his 2011 AHSP presentation, Uncle Rod will show you how to assemble the gear needed for ambitious visual observing for 800 dollars or less. He will also show those of you interested in Celestial picture taking, astrophotography, how to get going without breaking the bank.

"Uncle" Rod Mollise is familiar to amateur astronomers as the author of numerous books and magazine articles on every aspect of astronomy. He is most well-known, however, for his books on SCTs; especially his latest one, _Choosing and Using a New CAT_ (Springer), which has become the standard reference for these popular instruments. Rod's previous book, _The Urban Astronomer's Guide_ was designed to help the many amateurs who must do most of their observing from light polluted urban and suburban backyards enjoy the deep sky, and has proven to be very popular with both novice and veteran astronomers. Rod's writings can also be found in astronomy magazines including _Sky and Telescope_, Amateur Astronomy Magazine, Astronomy Technology Today, and on numerous online forums including his website, Rod's Astro Land. Uncle Rod is an engineer by profession, but he also finds time to teach astronomy to undergraduates at the University of South Alabama in Mobile. When he's not on the road speaking at star parties and astronomy clubs, Rod shares a rambling old Victorian home,"Chaos Manor South," in Mobile's historic Garden District, with his wonderful wife, Dorothy, three cats and, at last count, twelve telescopes.

 

The Sputnik Years
Friday, August 26, 6:30pm in the Yurt

Kelly Beatty

 

When a Russian rocket lofted Sputnik 1 into orbit on October 4, 1957, the worldwide reaction was a mixture of awe and apprehension. The Space Age — and the Space Race — had begun. To an American public that had grown accustomed to our country’s growing global primacy, Sputnik’s launch was a traumatic wake-up call. This retrospective will explore the events leading up to Sputnik's launch, the political fallout that led to America's response (Explorer 1), the formation of NASA, and the crucial role that amateur astronomers played in tracking the first satellites.

Kelly Beatty has been explaining the science and wonder of astronomy to the public since 1974. An award-winning writer and communicator, he specializes in planetary science and space exploration as Senior Contributing Editor for Sky & Telescope magazine. Beatty is also on the astronomy faculty at the Clay Center Observatory in Brookline, Massachusetts. He holds a Bachelors degree from the California Institute of Technology and a Master's degree in science journalism from Boston University.

Beatty enjoys sharing his passion for astronomy with a wide spectrum of audiences, from children to professional astronomers, and you'll occasionally hear his interviews and guest commentaries on National Public Radio. During the 1980s he was among the first Western journalists to gain firsthand access to the Soviet space program. Asteroid 2925 Beatty was named on the occasion of his marriage in 1983, and in 1986 he was chosen one of the 100 semifinalists for NASA's Journalist in Space program. He received the American Astronomical Society’s Masursky Award for meritorious service to planetary science (2005), the American Geophysical Union’s Robert C. Cowen Award for Sustained Achievement in Science Journalism (2009), and AAS’s inaugural Jonathan Eberhart Planetary Sciences Journalism Award (2009).

 

No Charge Astronomy
Sunday, August 28, 6:30pm in the Yurt

Mark Deprest

 

An explanation & exploration of Freeware and Web-based Astronomy software and programs. Mark will briefly demonstrate six of his favorite and most useful Freeware programs. (Messier Marathon, Jupiter 2, Virtual Moon, Astrobyte, Cartes du Ciel, and CalSky)

Mark Deprest of the University Lowbrow Astronomers, Ann Arbor, MI., is an Astronomical League Gold Comet Observer's Award recipient. He has been a serious amateur astronomer for over 25 years, his current observing projects include any visually observable comet and Arp Peculiar Galaxies. He has been the Newsletter Editor for the ULA for about 5 years. He has given talks and workshops at a number of Black Forest Star Parties, along with numerous talks, demos, sky tours and planetarium programs for local groups, clubs and events in Southeast Michigan.

 

The Astronomical League: How it Benefits Your Experience Under the Stars
Sunday, August 28 at 10:00am in the Tent

John Goss

 

The Astronomical League strives to serve its members both individually and through its member societies. Learn about the valuable annual recognition awards; observing programs, especially those designed for city observers; club liability insurance; Outreach Downloads; and the great discount available on the popular Ottewell’s Astronomical Calendar.

Although John Goss earned his degrees in Ceramic Engineering, amateur astronomy has been a lifelong pursuit. His first lunar observations occurred at age 6 and he has been hooked ever since! Recently, his planetary and deep sky observations earned him the title of Master Observer from the Astronomical League. John has served as President of the Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society, Astronomy Day Coordinator, Chair for the 2001 and 2010 conventions of the Virginia Association of Astronomical Societies (VAAS), and Chair of the Mid East Region of the Astronomical League (MERAL). He is currently serving as vice president of the Astronomical League, the world's largest federation of amateur astronomical societies.

 

International Dark-Sky Association Update
Sunday, August 28 at 11:00am in the Tent

Bob Parks

 

IDA Executive Director will give an update of recent activities and their impact on dark skies.

Bob Parks is an avid amateur astronomer and past president of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club. In 2005, he founded the Almost Heaven Star Party at Spruce Knob, WV.

Bob Parks is co- founder of the Virginia Outdoor Lighting Taskforce (VOLT), an all-volunteer, non-profit, grassroots advocacy group. Its mission is to promote safe and efficient outdoor lighting.

In March of 2009, Bob joined IDA to launch the Washington Office for Public Policy and Government Affairs. As managing director, he was charged with keeping Congress and federal agencies up-to-date regarding IDA’s mission and its issues. In June 2010 the IDA Board appointed Bob Parks as Executive Director.

Astrophotography Workshop
Sunday, August 28 at 10:00am in the Yurt

Byron Bergert

Jan Wisniewski

Warren A. Keller

Kevin Quin

 

Four astroimaging speakers will discuss a broad range of topics and provide beginners and more experienced imagers with help getting the most out of this exciting pursuit.

Byron Bergert will present "An Invitation to Deep Sky Astrophotography." Jan Wisniewski will speak on calibration. Warren Keller will discuss post-processing. Kevin Quin will unravel the mysteries of autoguiding.

What sets the limits on CCD photography?
Sunday, August 28 at 3:00pm in the Yurt

Alan Goldberg

 

Amateurs now have access to CCD cameras and processing software nearly as good as that used by professionals. Great pictures result. But we still cannot see to the “edge of the universe”, no matter how long the integration or how many images we stack. And a 10cm telescope is never as good as a 600cm for faint fuzzies. The reason is detector noise and sky backgrounds. Alan will describe the CCD performance, optics, and natural limitations on what can be imaged in the sky, and which techniques help push back the limits. Warning: some technical content.

Alan Goldberg is a member of NOVAC and a principal scientist with The MITRE Corp. in McLean, VA. Heís been an amateur astronomer since elementary school, and finally owns an 8" SCT. After graduate study at Univ. of Texas and MIT in astronomy and planetary science, he worked on the design and operation of the Hubble Space Telescope. He has also worked on Landsat, NASA's Earth Observing Satellite (EOS) series, and NOAA's NPOESS weather satellite. He currently assists the government in buying commercial space-based Earth imagery.

ATM Workshop
Saturday, August 27 at 10:00am in the Yurt

Guy Brandenburg

 

An amateur telescope making workshop where you can bring your questions and mirrors to get experienced help and guidance. Guy will have his mirror testing setup and will test mirrors up to 12 inches.

Guy is a retired DC math school teacher and avid ATM enthusiast. He currently runs the National Capitol Astronomers telescope and mirror making workshop in Washington, DC.

 

On-field Activities

Field Collimation Workshop
Saturday, August 27 at 9:00 on the Observing Fields. Meet near the registration tent.

Rod Mollise

Uncle Rod shows you how to align the optics of your reflector without blood, sweat, or tears.

Polar Alignment
Saturday, August 27 at 9:00 on the Red Observing Field. Meet at the gravel circle about halfway down the field on the left.

Tom Kennedy

Achieving imaging-quality polar alignment is not as hard as it sounds. Come to this always-popular workshop and learn all you need to know to master polar alignment.

Informal Visual Observing Workshop
Evenings, Friday through Sunday. Meet at Donna's location on the Yellow Observing Field (look for the red marker light).

Donna Blosser

Donna will be available every night at dusk to chat with beginners on a variety of observing topics. This informal get-together could cover anything from how to locate and recognize deep sky objects, types of objects to observe, tips on seeing faint objects, etc. Beginners questions will steer the topics discussed. Drop by for a short while or stay until the chat winds up for the evening. This is informal!
Appropriate for observers of all experience levels.

 

On-field activities schedule pending, and will be subject to sky conditions.

 

Outdoor Events

Birdwatching

Ian Carmack

Saturday, August 27
Sunday, August 28

Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher or a casual observer you are sure to enjoy one of our two birdwatching sessions. Don't miss this opportunity to see what West Virginia has to offer this time around. It will be later in the season and we expect cooler-climate populations to delight us with a visit.

Birdwatching sessions will occur Saturday and Sunday morning right after breakfast, weather permitting.

Bring binoculars if you have them. We will be walking through some uncut grass, so shoes (boots) that can withstand some dew may be a good idea.

Geology Hike

Lyle Mars

Saturday, August 27 at 9:30 a.m.

This is a fascinating hike for those interested in learning more about the geology of the Spruce Knob region. No prior knowledge of geology needed.

Summit Hike and Canoeing

The Mountain Institute Staff

Sunday, August 28 at 8:30 am.

The Mountain Institute's staff will lead a Spruce Knob summit hike and a canoeing trip.

Please notice that we will be unable to host our traditional caving event. Caves all along the eastern seaboard are closed voluntarily because of White Nose Syndrome, a disorder that is causing cave-dwelling bats to die off in large numbers. While humans aren't affected by this disease, they're clearly involved in its transmission.

Contest Events

AHSP Photo Contest

Organizer: Arlen Raasch

AHSP is bringing back its photo contest this year

Here are the basic rules for 2011:

1) Photos will be accepted in one of the four following catagories:

• Solar system photos

• Deep space photos

• AHSP event photos (including AHSP sponsored activities, e.g. Cass Scenic Railroad, NRAO Tour, geology hike, etc.)

• Youth photos (photos taken by a person 12 years old or younger)

2) Photos must be submitted in jpg format and will be accepted on thumb drives or compact discs.

3) Photos must be taken during the 2011 AHSP event.

4) Photos are to be taken at The Mountain Institute or one of the AHSP sponsored activity locations.

5) Each person submitting photo contest entries must be a 2011 AHSP registrant, and may submit up to a total of ten photos to be judged.

6) All rights to the photos will be retained by the person creating the photo. Each person may elect to allow their photos to be used to promote future AHSP events.

7) The prizes which will be awarded to the photographers will be announced at AHSP.

8) The deadline for photo entries is 8:30 am on Sunday, August 28, 2011.

9) The prizes will be awarded on Sunday, August 28, during the raffle for AHSP door prizes.

Additional details on where and when to submit photo entries will be posted at AHSP.

 

All events, times and dates are subject to change based on sky conditions and other factors.