Nova Newsletter Mar/Apr 2002

The Nova
Newsletter of the Salt Lake Astronomical Society
Volume 32 No 2 Mar - Apr 2002

Across the Universe
As I compose and write this, you can feel the frozen grip of the winter season losing its power. My dome is now free of the snow that keeps it pointing in the south direction.

This is an excellent time of year to get a look at those wintertime favorite astronomical objects before they do sail off into the sunset for another year.

As we enter the spring season, the Milky Way is headed towards the horizon. When we look up, it is in the direction of intergalactic space and the prominent spring constellations are loaded with distant galaxies which so many of us love to find and observe this time of year. Let’s find some of my favorites.

Faint Fuzzies
Under the triangle that forms the rear part of the constellation Leo, there are four small stars visible in binoculars or a finderscope that point to three of the easiest springtime galaxies to find. M65 and M66 are two nice bright (for galaxies) spiral galaxies about 1/2° apart. See diagram below.

I have seen them from my front yard in Bountiful with an Edmund Astroscan 4 inch telescope. A 6" or 8" telescope will make them look good. Don't be afraid to use higher powers of magnification on these galaxies.

The third member of the group is NGC 3628 and is more of a challenge being larger and fainter than the other two. It is about 3/4 degree north of M66 and is not always visible from Bountiful through my Celestron 8 telescope. NGC 3628 is oriented edge on to us and is distorted by possible interaction with M65 and M66.

Half way between the eastern most star of Leo and the star Vindemiatrix (also know as Epsilon Virginis) is the center of the great Virgo cluster of galaxies. After over 20 years of looking at this region through the telescope, it still amazes me and I spend much time cruising for the fuzzy objects here.

M84 and M86 are at the center of the group. They are large ellipticals 1/2° apart and how they appear in your telescope is an indication of how the rest of the group will look due to your location and seeing conditions. 1-1/2 degree east-southeast of M86 is where M87 is found. There is an 8th magnitude star only about 1/4 degree north of M87 to aid in identifying this galaxy. See diagram below.

Messier 87 is a true monster galaxy, much larger and brighter than our own. It is being intensely studied due to having a jet of material being thrown from the center of the galaxy. There are so many things to see here.

There are fairly dense star fields with some nice double stars in the area. I like to just scan the whole area seeing thousands of stars and hundreds of little patches of light each one a galaxy in its own right. I recommend at least an 8ʺ telescope to do this area justice. There are so many galaxies here that some kind of map of the group is recommended especially to identify any of the galaxies you are looking at by their number.

Closer to Home
With the giants of our solar system, Jupiter and Saturn, continuing to put on such a nice show it would be a shame to not take a good long look.

Let’s start with Saturn. The rings of the planet continue to be about as fully open as they get making any ring detail easier to see than at other ring orientation. I have yet to see any “radial spoke detail,” but theoretically such detail may be visible under excellent conditions. Saturn usually is best in my Celestron 8 at a magnification between 110 to 225 times.

This will depend on the seeing conditions at your observing site. Be patient as the atmospheric clarity

Often improves for fleeting moments. Notice the distinct color difference between the widest ring and the planet. Saturn itself is much yellower than its brightest ring. Try to see where the rings go into the planet’s shadow and the shadow the ring form on the planet itself.

Jupiter is the king of planet for a reason. It is fantastic at 110 to 225X magnification. With the Celestron at such powers, the colors really come out. You can see the yellows, oranges and browns. The Great Red Spot used to be red, but has greatly faded over the last few years. There are many cloud swirls and other features visible.

Jupiter’s own system of four large moons is always entertaining. Once in a while the shadow of a moon will be visible on the face of the planet. Both Jupiter and Saturn can dramatically change their appearance with giant storms or disappearing cloud belts, so don’t miss the show. A good quality 2x power Barlow lens is a good way to increase the magnification on these planets.

Equipment 1
Since both major astronomy magazines and most of the experts are offering up their opinions on the new computerized GO TO telescopes, I will share what I think based on playing with my ETX 125 for a couple of seasons now.

If this is going to be a “first” telescope, I do not recommend any telescope smaller than the ETX 125 or the similar NexStar 5. Buyer beware, the 90mm telescopes waste most of the capability of the computers. Why have the capability to aim at 15,000+ objects when the size of the scope will only show maybe 1,000 objects?

Does the Autostar system work? It works as well as the initial set up and tripod leveling are done carefully. What magic can they do for an experienced observer?

I once saw Saturn rise above the mountains. Just this fall, I entered Uranus not knowing where it was and the scope drove right to it. The bottom line is you can get a lot of capability in a much larger scope for the price of having GO TO capability.

If I get another of these scopes, it would probably be the NexStar 11 with GPS. At $3,000, it would be a big decision even for a nut like me. Be prepared to spend at least a $1,00 for a scope with any real GO TO capability.

Star Wars 2002
The Meade Company has at last been granted a patent on their Autostar GO TO system and one of the first things they have done with this patent is to sue rival Celestron to put them out of the GO TO business. I don’t see anyone winning this battle but the lawyers.

It is, however, people like us that stand to lose the most. Like it or not, the GO TO age is here and many new people will enter astronomy because of this new equipment and the competition between the two giants has been good for the hobby. Write Meade and let them know how you think. I’m going to.

If you have any questions or comments, call me at (801) 295-5798 or write to me at:
145 East, 900 North, Bountiful, UT. 84010.

Get “Exposed” during March Meeting
From Kim Hyatt

The title of Kim Hyatt’s presentation for the March general meeting is, “Low –Tech Astrophotography,” also subtitled (with apologies to Stanley Kubrick), “How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Camera.” Kim will expose (pun intended) his many failures and few successes and hope that in the process he can share one, or maybe two insights into creating successful astrophotos with a minimum of equipment and relatively simple techniques.

Anyone is welcome and it will gratify Kim immensely if anyone shows up, especially if they think Kim knows what he is talking about. Martin van Hemert will also share his talents, which far exceed Kim’s limited abilities, so the planned meeting won’t be a complete disaster.

An Archeo-Astronomy field trip and star party will be held Friday thru Sunday, April 5, 6 and 7th at Parowan Gap which is located about 10 miles west of Parowan, Utah (Exit 78 off I-15) or 15 miles north of Cedar City (Exit 75 off I-15). The Moon phase will be 3rd quarter.

Astronomers from Utah and Nevada are being invited to attend. The “Gap” is know for its intricate solar and lunar calendar petroglyph panels. Other area sites will also be visited.

Archeo-astronomical researcher Nowell (Nal) Morris will be the field trip leader. He has studied this site for many years and is very knowledgeable on these solar and lunar calendars found at the site. Check out his web site at: http://www.parowangap.com/.

Primitive camping is available near the site. Motels are available in Parowan and Cedar City. For more information, contact Deloy and Karen Pierce who is organizing this field trip at their email address: starpartiesrus@utah-inter.net.

Preparations are coming along well for the Astronomical League Convention, which will be July 31 to August 3. We currently have enough speakers to fill all of the slots that need to be filled. We are, however, soliciting a few more fill-ins, in case any fall through.

Speakers and presenters include people from NASA and SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory). John Dobson will give a presentation. Richard Berry, former editor of Astronomy Magazine, will speak. J. Kelly Beatty, editor of Sky and Telescope will be one of the presenters at the Professional/Amateur workshop.

Utah’s own shuttle astronaut, Dr. Don Lind, will speak at the closing gala banquet. His presentations often bring standing ovations.

Other events include a Dutch oven pioneer barbeque and a tour at Evans and Sutherlands. Our projections indicate that, with 150 attendees, we would realize a small profit for the convention. We are anticipating that our attendance will be much higher than 150.

This will be a great opportunity to hear many fascinating speakers, and we hope as many club members as possible will attend. The fee is $85.00. We will have sign up forms available at the next club meeting.

We are in need of volunteers to help out at the convention, during whatever time slots they can fill. If you can help, please contact:
Scott Crosby at 295-5798, Karla or Martin van Hemert at 280-1847, or Lowell Lyon at 942-8735.

We are in need of 5 to 7 computers to be used during the Professional/Amateur collaboration workshop. We may also be in need of 1 or 2 data projectors. If you can help with these items, please call Martin van Hemert at 280-1847.

(editor’s note; if you haven’t done so already, check out the ALCON 2002 ads on pages 8-9 in this February’s issue of the REFLECTOR and page 93 in the April issue of Astronomy.)

Q. What do you call a student researcher who gets hit on the head from a meteorite?
A. A graduate from the School of Hard Rocks.

In Memory
William Richardson, of Stansbury Park, passed away the first weekend of February. Bill, former vice president of Watt Homes kicked off the SPOC project for SLAS when he convinced the Watt Homes board of directors to donate $5,000 in seed money. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the observatory and amateur astronomy. Funeral services were held at the Stansbury Stake Center on February 7, 2002. A card, photo remembrance and plant were given to the family on behalf of SLAS.

Photographic Print Society
Annual Garage Sale For 2002
Saturday, March 30^th, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Tables are available for those who wish to sell surplus or used photographic equipment at the annual Photographic Print Society garage sale. Table fees are: 8-foot $45.00; 6-foot $40.00; 4-foot $25.00.

This one day only event will take place at the Sugarhouse Garden Center. Please call Kathy at (801) 364-5549 to reserve table space.

A “Newbie” to astronomy and/or SLAS? If someone said they enjoyed the “Sombrero” the other night, were they referring to:

If you chose any of the above, then Buddy, do we have a star party for you! Bring that unpacked scope and let the veterans guide you from setting up to finding those “faint fuzzies” out at the observatory complex at Stansbury Park (SPOC). Members only.

Following is a brief summary of issues discussed a the first formal meeting of the new SPOC Advisory Committee, held Saturday, February 23 at SPOC:

1. The Committee first met at SPOC at 11:00 a.m. to observe progress of the observatory, then retreated to Virg’s (café in Erda) for lunch and further discussion.

Mark Meadows and Dave Bernson were not present. Mark has not yet been formally invited to serve on the committee. Kim will see that he gets a formal invitation to do so soon. Boyd McNeil was also present.

One committee seat will always be filled by the SLAS President and one will always be filled by a representative of Harmon’s; for now that person is Mark Meadows. Two committee seats will become vacant each year, to be filled/appointed by the incoming SLAS board. New appointments will be for a term of three years. The committee will elect its own chair.

3. This first season’s use of the new observatory will be a “shakedown” period. We will not heavily advertise until we can determine how to handle crowds, provide accessibility for disabled persons and resolve other issues as they arise.

4. The official name of the new observatory is, The Harmon’s Observatory. The 16-inch scope will still be known as the Ealing Telescope (for now) and the 37-inch scope will be known as the Grim Reflector, in honor of long-time SLAS member and a driving force behind the construction of both observatories, Bruce Grim. The name of the site is still the Stansbury Park Observatory Complex (SPOC). Star parties will be hosted by the Salt Lake Astronomical Society. (Unless and until the Planetarium chooses to play a more active role in SLAS and the new observatory, the Planetarium will not be billed as a co-host of the public star parties.)

5. Highest priority this first season of operation will be to manage crowds. A second priority, which may or may not be resolved this season, is to provide a telescope for persons with disabilities. The favored location seems to be near the east side of the building. A concrete pad and walk from the parking area will eventually be provided.

6. Crowd control will be accomplished with a greeter at the entrance from the parking area, and telescope operators inside the observatory. We may have one more greeter outside the telescope rooms. Greeters will welcome visitors, explain what’s being observed, encourage visitors to look through all telescopes (not just the large scopes) and control lines. Signs will also be prepared to give directions, control parking and provide general information. Kim volunteered to design and provide “yard signs” (inexpensive temporary variety) for this season’s use.

7. We will hold a grand opening and dedication ceremony sometime this year, but we cannot yet determine a date. We want to have both telescopes operating and the site cleaned-up before doing this. The dedication will probably not coincide with first light. Members will be volunteers for the star parties.

8. The committee reviewed some construction issues, including groundwater control and site grading. Roger and Kim volunteered their expertise to try and solve the apparent frost heaving that has occurred in the new concrete slab on the north side of the building. The committee decided that it would be best to add a four-inch perforated drain around the building and any future concrete slabs, such as the slab for the disabled-accessible scope.

9. The committee will meet again in March, sometime prior to the March SLAS meeting. If anyone has comments or input, please contact a committee member.

(Kim Hyatt would like to thank the other committee members and everyone else who has worked so hard to complete this great project. SLAS is a great group of people, don’t you think?)

We are now confirmed for the 10th East Senior Center, 237 South & 1000 East, for the 4th Tuesday of each month through November. That moves this month’s meeting to March 26th with the same times of 6:45 p.m. for the Board meeting and 7:30 p.m. for the General meeting. Please use the Entrance driveway on the North side of the building and Exit via the south side driveway. There’s plenty of free parking! Enter through the northeast door facing the parking lot and the meeting room is the 1st door on the left. Next meeting is April 23rd.

SPOC II Update for February
By Bruce Grim

Many “Thanks” to all those members who responded to our call for computer hardware for the observatory. Ron Ford is in the process of collecting and sorting through the equipment to put together several systems for our control room. The large scope will have one computer dedicated to the telescope control system and at least one other computer for independently running star atlas software. Another computer will be dedicated to star atlas software for the Ealing scope.

Both the Ealing and large scope mounts are assembled; however, the Ealing tube assembly has not been set up yet. Patrick Wiggin’s 8˝ Brandt re- fractor is serving as the test bed scope for the large mount. Polar alignment and complete testing of controls for both scopes will begin in March. Peter Ruplinger did a fine job of rewiring the Ealing controls and this scope will be very much fun to use and looks better than factory fresh thanks to Chuck Hards and his work crew. Everyone who sees it is bowled over by the automotive finish on the scope!

As a result of ground heaving and buckling of the concrete patio sections immediately adjacent to the north wall of the building, a trench drain is currently being added on the east and north sides of the building and patio. The cracked sections on the patio have been removed and will be replaced by decking. This will allow us to adjust for any future ground heaving. Thanks to Andy Bogdan, Boyd McNeil, Ron Ford, Patrick Wiggins, Larry Frisk, Roger Butz, Bob Shields and Colton Park for some heavy labor to accomplish this task.

Electrical work has been started and should be completed within a week or so. Red and white lighting will be available in the observatories and all will be controlled by dimmer switches.

The Stansbury Park service area will be constructing a sidewalk from the skateboard park to the observatory in the near future and they will also begin grading and installing sprinkler systems.

We will have quite a bit of space north of the observatory for setting up portable scopes when all of this landscaping has been completed. Since new grass will have to be added we may have to do some of our first star parties on the parking lot this year as we did last year.

Please bear with us on this inconvenience as we make the transition to the new observatory.
Bruce Grim
SPOC II Coordinator

Please Welcome These Newcomers For January and February
Jeff Anderson, Paul Johnson, Stephen Peterson and Mark Swain.

Get Ready For the Annual

Messier
Marathon 

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It’s time to dust off that tripod and polish that glass as the annual SLAS Messier Marathon takes place this March 15 & 16th at the Stansbury Park Observatory Complex (SPOC) following sundown. If you haven’t been to a marathon before, this is your chance to see what amateurs around the nation find so much fun!

OAS to hold Marathon
By OAS President David Dunn

The Ogden Astronomical Society (OAS) is holding a Star Party/Messier Marathon at Dead Horse Point State Park on the nights of March 15 & 16th and all of you are welcome to attend. We have reserved the group campsite so you can stay there or get your own campsite. This area has nice dark skies so if it’s clear we should have great observing. For further information contact Dave at david.dunn@albertsons.com.

Early risers will have the opportunity to see Chi Cygni, one of the brightest and best known of the red long-period Mira-type variable stars with a period of 408 days. Maximum brightness is likely to occur sometime between March 5th and March 10th. Keep in mind that the behavior of variable stars is never entirely predictable. Normally Chi Cygni peaks out around magnitude 5.2, but as of late February it was already up to magnitude 4.1 and easily visible to the naked eye. Chi Cygni is in the longest part of the Swan, 3/5 of the way from Gamma shining at magnitude 2.2 and Beta, shining at 3.0. After maximum, Chi Cygni should remain visible for a few weeks as it slowly fades back toward it minimum brightness, usually magnitude 14. How long will it take before it fades from view in your telescope? Use the chart below and keep a record!

From Sky & Telescope’s Weekly News Bulletin and Web site. Copyright © 2002 by Sky Publishing Corp. Reproduced with permission. http://SkyandTelescope.com/observing/objects/variablestars chart adapted from the AAVSO chart section
Click on image for a larger picture

We had a great turnout this year with a total of 27 astronomers in the total number of participants of 46 (friends and family members). Participants came from Utah, Nevada, Arizona, California, Washington, Maryland, Florida and we even had a husband and wife astronomer from Australia that came to help us.

There were enough scopes each night that many nights Deloy and I did not set up our scopes every night but was available to answer any questions and to point out binocular objects. We also did a lot of pointing out constellations and telling fun mythology stories to go with the constellations.

Total numbers are (with 2 nights totally clouded out and one other with “sucker holes”) we guesstimated about 4,000 people shared in the Astronomy Programs which we provide.

Since this is a public event, we set the scopes up where people can be attracted and have easy access to them. The North Rim Star Party is set up on the patio of the Lodge with a few scopes down the trail to a view area. Some dim lights are left on for safety reasons.

Of this total number the slide show attendees (which is held in the auditorium at the lodge) was almost 900 people. (We are working this winter to have at least one more slide show available to show if others do not help. We did not get any others to help with this this year.)

For the third straight year the “Junior Astronomer” activity was well participated in with about 200 kids (age 12 and under) receiving their “Certificate of Achievement” and badge. (The first year this was offered there were only about 30 awards given and last year there were 86 participants.)

We were very pleased with the great turnout of astronomers last year and know many are planning on returning in 2002.

If you would like to participate with us on the North Rim or would like more information, contact Deloy or Karen Pierce at P.O. Box 674, Farmington, UT. 84025. Telephone no. (801) 451-8215. Email is: Starpartiesrus@utah-inter.net.

For North Rim lodging:
Grand Canyon Lodge and Cabins (AMFAC) (303) 297-2757. This number is often busy, FAX them at (303) 297-3175.
Campsites (Destinet – no more than 8 weeks in advance) at 1-800-365-2267.
Kaibab Lodge (motel just outside park boundaries) 1- 800-525-0924

The 33rd annual RTMC Astronomy Expo (formerly called the Riverside Telescope Makers Conference) will take place this May 24 through 26th at the YMCA Camp Oakes in the San Bernardino Mountains near Big Bear. Highlights of the event include observing through a large variety of telescopes, invited talks, commercial exhibits and demonstrations, raffles, a swap meet, and a beginner’s corner. Recreational activities include swimming, canoeing and horseback riding. The pre-registration deadline is May 1st. This year’s theme is “Women in Astronomy.”

March 14, 2002
Colby School 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
3770 North Highway 224. Near Park City, just past the Canyons turnoff on the left.

April 4, 2002
Rosamond Elementary
12195 South 1975 West, just off Redwood Road in Riverton. Some 75 expected, 6th graders and parents.

April 17, 2002
Mountain Shadows Elementary
5255 West 7000 South, West Jordan

Submitted by Patrick Wiggins
Copyright 2001 by John Trever, Albuquerque Journal. Reprinted by permission.
Click on the image for a larger picture

Do some research! In his paper, IRON IN THE STARS, Paul W. Merrill speaks of “forbidden” spectral lines. Do you know their significance?

KARLA van HEMERT has taken the duties as Vice Chairperson for the ALCON 2002 to be held this July-August at the University of Utah. Former VC Joan Carman resigned earlier this year. Photo by Martin van Hemert
Click on image for a larger picture

Minutes of the Salt Lake Astronomical Society
Board Meeting for January 17, 2002

The meeting was opened by President Siegfried Jachmann at 6:52 p.m. All board members were present. He opened up with the status of the advisory board and would ask Kim Hyatt to be chairman. It was suggested that 8 persons be on the board with several serving 3 year terms. See First SPOC Advisory Committee Meets previously in this newsletter for up-to-date information. All appointments were effective as of the 1st of January.

Siegfried mentioned that there would be a revised star party schedule since the first year of operation would be learning what to expect as far as crowd control, handicap access etc.

Roger Butz has talked to the county and no definite date for meetings could be set so Siegfried suggested everyone look for a new facility with Patrick Wiggins volunteering to coordinate submissions meeting some guidelines.

The subject of the meeting between the board and Richard Cox was brought up and Patrick said that he was very complimentary about the club, but the issue of parking was still a negative factor. Siegfried pondered on what the relationship between SLAS and the Planetarium would be if meetings were held elsewhere and there was no personnel support from the planetarium staff at star parties.

Bruce Grim updated the group on the SPOC II progress mentioning the roof was nearly finished. He has ordered the drive system for the 37-inch which will allow the GO TO system to operate. It was brought up that the new restaurant closes early and should not be a factor when the star party season opens.

Lowell Lyon had a check from the Astronomical League to be placed in the ALCON bank account with another check from a vendor. The $100 to open the account will be withdrawn for the purpose of having only ALCON funds hereafter.

This year’s star party schedules will include a ALCON 2002 announcement in place of the Little Mountain map. Those members wanting to use that site could organize a star party within that group.

Ken Warner brought up the SLAS roster posted on the web site which is not available to the general public, but should it be available to other members. He had one complaint in which a member did not want any information in the data base available on the site. That issue is yet to be decided.

The President opened the general meeting at 7:33 p.m. with a welcome to all guests and an expression of his enthusiasm for the year 2002. He mentioned the ALCON 2002 and SPOC II as exciting resources involving the club. Siegfried then introduced the new board of directors and thanked the outgoing board. Tom Sevcik will continue as NOVA editor and Deloy Pierce will continue as the club’s Astronomical League representative. There were 52 in attendance.

President Jachmann announced that the meeting for February would be moved back to the last Thursday of the month due to a conflict with the Winter Olympics.

He then announced that Ken Warner and Kathleen McCarthy had gotten engaged, which was met with a round of applause.

Siegfried then made the audience aware of the meeting with Richard Cox and that the relationship with the planetarium is yet to be decided.

Patrick Wiggins announced that he had the Observer’s Handbook for handing out to those that had ordered them.

Deloy Pierce was introduced and made the announcement of a upcoming archeo-astronomy field trip to Parowan Gap. (See previous article for details).

Lowell Lyon showed the registration form and advertisement copy that will announce the ALCON in Astronomy magazine. He then passed a sign-up sheet for volunteer help in which much will be needed on Wednesday and Friday evenings.

Kim Hyatt then followed as guest speaker who showed impressive slides from his trip to Pipe Springs National Monument to observe the 2001 Leonid meter shower. He included a tape of the exclamations from several SLAS observers.

Ron Ford provided the secretary-treasurer report and is as follows: General, $3,063.79; Printing and Postage, $203.33; Entertainment, $152.91; Astronomical League, $575.25 and SPOC, $12,804.62.

Siegfried then broke down the dues for the membership that the board transitional meeting had agreed on. That was, $3.00 into the General fund; $5.00 into the Printing and Postage fund; $1.50 into the Entertainment fund (includes the Star-B-Que and Winter Solstice Party) and $5.50 into the Astronomical League. The motion was adopted. Ken Warner will be in charge of special star parties and Don Colton will be in charge of the private star parties.

Siegfried then announced the eight members of the SPOC II advisory board and their length of terms (see previous article). He then announced a change to the star party schedule that was published in the Jan-Feb NOVA issue in that the public star parties on Friday night at the SPOC complex would be dropped. The star party schedule was read and approved. [Note: the board has approved a public solar eclipse party for June 10 at SPOC since this meeting] The last issue on the floor was that of a future meeting place for SLAS and help needed to locate a place by September. The meeting adjourned at 9:27 p.m.

Minutes of the Salt Lake Astronomical Society
Board Meeting for February 28, 2002

The board meeting was opened by President Jachmann at 6:55 p.m. All board members were present. A motion was made by Kim Hyatt to name the board overseeing SPOC the “SPOC Advisory Committee.” The motion was approved (see previous article for more details).

Siegfried brought up the subject of concrete that needed replacement due to buckling at SPOC (see update in previous article) as well as computer issues. Ron Ford briefed the board on the status of SPOC computers. Bruce Grim suggested having two computers to run the telescopes and that he had received the drive system for the telescope that day. Siegfried announced that Battelle Corp was donating $2,000.

Lowell Lyon pointed out that 150 attendees are needed to realize at profit from the ALCON 2002. He announced that John Dobson would be attending.

Roger Butz briefed the group on the status of the star party schedules and asked Lowell about ALCON artwork for the back.

The subject of the Dark Sky Association was decided that members join on their own.

Kim made the motion to move next month’s meeting to a new location. The motion was approved.

Siegfried suggested that a swap meet be held during the ALCON and would check with Lowell. Meeting ended at 7:30 p.m.

President Jachmann opened the general meeting at 7:37 p.m. with a introduction of board members and recognition of newcomers and visitors. There were 64 in attendance.

Lowell Lyon gave a briefing on ALCON 2002. All speakers have been finalized. He also emphasized the Pro-Am workshop and its speakers. Volunteers will not have to pay full price to the convention, which is $85.00. A sign-up sheet was passed around.

Siegfried asked the audience for volunteers to give presentations at the meetings. He then introduced the evening’s speaker, Don Colton.

The subject of Don’s presentation was “Big Bang or Hot Air” dealing with theories of the universe. His slide show with oral quotations of early scientist who tried to solve the question of how the universe began was impressive.

Some of the areas that Don went into was the early Christian cosmos, Aristotle and Augustine, Galileo and the Pope, the Big Bang and many other persons and concepts dealing with the theory of the Big Bang.

He went to lengths to explain to the audience what they were seeing in X-ray filament maps of objects like 3C232, IC767 and NGC3526 to name a few.

Don pointed out that the members of the local group of galaxies were redshifted in relation to the famous Messier 31. He also showed that blackbody background radiation has an actual value of 2.73°K.

Ron Ford posted the financial reports as follows: General fund, $3,096.79; Printing and Postage, $203.33; Entertainment, $169.41; Astronomical League, $635.75 and SPOC at $14,347.43.

Ken Warner announced the upcoming school star parties and Deloy Pierce announced the photographic garage sale. Meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.

Salt Lake Astronomical Society
P.O. Box 26114
Salt Lake City, Utah 84126-0114

SLAS Board of Directors

Name	Office	Home Phone	General Assignments
Siegfried Jachmann	President	801-943-0115	Meetings
Ken Warner	Vice President	801-942-2054	Public Relations, Special Star Parties
Ron Ford	Secretary-Treasurer	801-969-3666	Membership Dues & Renewals
Roger Butz	Board Member at Large	435-882-5445
Kim Hyatt	Board Member at Large	801-581-1209

Appointed Non-Board Positions

Roger Butz	Loaner Telescope Curator	435-882-5445
Don Colton	Private Star Party Coordinator	801-571-9757
Siegfried Jachmann	Solar Telescope Curator	801-943-0115
Bruce Grim	SLAS Observatory Director	435-882-5237
Kim Hyatt	Board Member at Large	801-581-1209
Kathleen McCarthy	Webmaster
Tom Sevcik	Newsletter Editor	801-262-6557

The NOVA is a publication of the Salt Lake Astronomical Society, a non-profit organization. The bimonthly newsletter contains minutes of Board and General Meetings, Board Member names and telephone numbers, activities, reports, calendars and new member information. It also announces special events and dates such as speakers, field trips and conventions. The NOVA may contain advertising of equipment for sale, etc. by its members.

The editor(s) of the NOVA is (are) appointed by the Board and may serve until replaced or resignation. The editor(s) may be Board members, and publication of the NOVA lies within the responsibility of the vice president.

Members are encouraged to contribute items and participate in publication. If you wish to help, please contact the vice president, a Board member or the NOVA editor(s). The deadline for submitting information or articles to the newsletter is usually the last week in February, April, June, August, October and December.

Get “Exposed” during March Meeting From Kim Hyatt

Get “Exposed” during March Meeting
From Kim Hyatt