Bryan Park Skywatch: I understand that the latest Bryan Park skywatch went well. There were about 50 visitors at the park. Tim Streagle, John Barnett, Terry Barker, and John Raymond brought scopes with Tim and John Barnett bringing their homemade scopes. One of the attendees commented to me that they really enjoyed seeing the homemade scopes and understanding what could be done with some patience and skill.
The weather was not optimal for the event, but allowed enough time to have a reasonable viewing session. The sky cleared after sunset for a good hour before the clouds returned. Visitors and park staff were very complimentary. Due to the success of this and previous events at Bryan Park, John Raymond is planning more events in other Richmond Parks locations.
East Coast Star Party: The weather did not cooperate with Kent Blackwell’s East Coast Star Party that he hosts in Coinjock, North Carolina a couple times a year. This event is one of my personal favorite star parties. The location is good, the sky is dark and the people that attend the star party are great. Camera Concepts from New York (Jeff and Greta for those that know them) try to make the trip to Coinjock every chance they get and to set up their mobile astronomy shop at the East Coast Star Party. We appreciate all the effort that it takes to set up a mobile shop like that. They have saved more than one of my observing sessions by having just the right part that is needed in the field.
We will hope for clearer weather at the next East Coast Star Party. If you are interested in receiving updates about the next event, send an e-mail to kent@exis.net.
November SMV skywatch cancelled: I have received word that the November skywatch and Live Sky show at the Science Museum of Virginia has been cancelled because of a black-tie event with valet parking at the museum on the evening of the skywatch. Probably best to cancel the skywatch and Live Sky show rather than have the two together because of the lights and automobile traffic that would not be conducive to a pleasant skywatch experience.
Meadow Glen skywatch: John Raymond has scheduled a skywatch at Meadow Glen on October 27th. If you are interested in attending or bringing a telescope, please contact John at al_nath2007@yahoo.com.
Astronomy road trip: Some of our members are planning a trip to Hands-on Optics in Maryland on October 31. Check out the Yahoo Group for messages regarding who is going where and with whom. An excerpt from the invitation from Gary Hand of Hands-on Optics is below.
Regards,
Jim Browder
Richmond Astronomical Society
__________________________
Invitation from Hands-on Optics:
“You and your club members are invited the 6th annual Eastern Telescope Show at Hands on Optics. The EAS will feature the largest and most exciting names from the telescope industry. Demonstrations and speakers & Mirror Making Class.
Go to www.handsonoptics.com for a full brochure.
Questions call 1-866-726-7371
There will be a FREE Hot Dogs and Drinks, and FREE giveaway raffle prizes every half hour all day long! You must be present to win. Everything is FREE. No we are not charging you for food and no reservation required.
There will also be a “One-Day Only” sale with special pricing on many exciting products, so call or stop by the store. The demo, blems, open box specials start at 8:00am.
Generous Donations from:
Celestron – NexStar 6SE Telescope – Grand Prize Stellarvue – SV70 Raptor Telescope, Takahashi – 5mm and 10mm Takahashi eyepieces Vernonscope – 50th Anniversary Brandon Gold eyepiece.
Donations from Meade, AstroTelescope, Lunt Solar, Antares, Lumicon, 1000 Oaks Optical, JMI, Kendrick, Farpoint and Others. Over 15 prizes, chances are exceptionally good that you will walk away with an amazing prize. Entry is completely free… no strings attached. You must be present to win the Door prizes.”