Program idea for Rally

[Starmaster]

I was wondering who I should get in touch with concerning an idea for a presentation at the Fall Rally?

I do a lot of amateur astronomy and on our RV trips I make sure to carry a telescope with us. I was thinking there might be some interest in an introductory presentation on observing the night sky and also possibly some telescope viewing one night.

The presentation could include basic observing tips/hints as some basic telescope information.

Dave

[bullroc3]

Dave - I think that it would be a good idea. I had an astronomy course in college and loved it. Your post reminded me of a funny story.

Our instructor would schedule occasional observations on top of the science building. He asked one day what phase the moon was in and I said the quarter phase so he scheduled an observation for that night. We arrived that night around 8 pm and were looking for the moon. No moon. The instructor looked at me and said " I thought you said that the moon was in the quarter phase." It was. The third quarter!!!

[oldelmer1]

Dave, Sharon and I would enjoy this also. Count us in if it happens.

[NCFischers]

We're interested.

[Webbyone]

Starmaster

You contact your Wagon Masters, Bish.

Webmaster

[bish]

This sounds like an interesting idea. Your Wagon Master team is meeting next week and will discuss this. In the meantime we would appreciate continued comments from those members interested in this type of program.
Steve & Sharon Bischoff/Wagon Masters

[jimcol]

We won't be at the fall rally but did get to participate in an informal demo by Dave at the CPRR. It was very interesting and informative. Recommend you try to work it in at the fall rally. Jim

[c214dick]

Dick & Louise would be interested.

[Rondo]

Dave, Barb, and Paisley were at the Central Plains Rally and Dave set up one of his telescopes for us to view Saturn, the moon and I think it was Venus(correct me if I'm wrong, Dave). This would be a great idea and maybe he would set up a couple of his telescopes for the attendees to see some of our heavenly wonders. He also set up a telescope and viewed the sun but I did not get to see that one. Those that did, said they could see the solar storms on the sun. Good suggestion Dave, and looking forward to seeing the three of you again!

[jpkelpe]

Sounds like fun--we enjoyed the viewing that we had at the Central Plains Rally

[remhob]

We'd be interested.

[teames27]

I also think this is a great idea! My only concern is there is SO MUCH LIGHT at night with all the street lights. Maybe somewhere out away from all the rigs would work? Just a thought

[Slufoot733]

We would be interested so count us in if you put this on the schedule. We carry our telescope with us whenever we go camping. We enjoy looking at the stars.

[spikedog]

Don and Gwen Sewell will participate if this seminar is offered.

[Starmaster]

Ron,
You are correct the bright lights could be a problem. I'll just have to wait and see what the skies are like. I expect we can find something to look at. As you mentioned an option is an observing session a little bit out of town. We'll see what works out, hopefully something.

Dave

[Starmaster]

Lynn and Kevin,

What kind and size scope do you guys carry with you? I'm always trying to find the perfect grab'n'go combination. Right now I carry an 8" SCT and a alt-az go to mount when not headed out for a week of observing at a dark sky location.

Dave

[NCFischers]

The back corner of the fairgrounds might be dark enough to work for us.

[Slufoot733]

Dave, I carry a Meade EXT-90 (manual model, no Go-To feature) It's small and easily portable. I set it up on a tripod or picnic table. It's only 4" and does an OK job but it sure isn't as good as an 8" or 10" reflector. It does a good job viewing the moon and will view Jupiter and Saturn fairly well. I love when we have a good shot at Jupiter and others get to see Jupiter's four larger moons.

[Miss Vicki]

This would be a great addition. I, too, enjoyed getting to have a look see through Dave's telescope at the CPRR!

[Starmaster]

I've heard back from the Wagonmster and have been informed I have a presentation slot set aside for me to do an Astronomy program. I plan on do an "Astronomy 101" type presentation that will include things like:

What do I see in the night sky
How to find various objects in the sky
What type of equipment is helpful observing
Equipment costs
And some other topics

In addition to the above items, is there anything else anyone would like for me to discuss. I plan on this being a very open presentation with lots of discussion. I'm also hopeful that there will be a night we can set up a telescope and be able to look at a few things .

Dave