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                             ASTRONOMY Network News
                AN ON-LINE NEWSLETTER FOR ASTRONOMY CLUB OFFICERS

Issue #10 - May/June 1993

        Published by ASTRONOMY Magazine
        PO Box 1612
        Waukesha, WI 53187-1612
        414-796-8776, Fax [phone]
        Compuserve E-Mail: 72000,2704; Internet:
[e-mail]

        Network News is an on-line newsletter for astronomy clubs
uploaded approximately every two months by ASTRONOMY
magazine. It is designed to provide a forum for clubs to share news
of their accomplishments and innovative programs, as well as discuss
issues all clubs have in common - how to raise funds, attract new
members, publish an interesting newsletter, among others.
        We hope the ideas in Network News will help other clubs
provide the best possible services to their members and to their
communities. Address comments, articles, and news of your club
activities to the editor, Tom Gill, at his address below, or contact
ASTRONOMY magazine via mail, e-mail, or the Compuserve
Astronomy Forum.

Tom Gill, Editor, 1391 N. 72nd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53213, (414)
476-6986

FROM THE EDITOR
  Well here it is-the first electronic issue of the Network News.
Feedback on the switch to "on line" publication has been mostly
positive.  Understandably some of you have expressed dismay.  To
respond to others who feel that way but did not write in:  we will
continue to compile and share the type of information you have come
to expect from us, in short, we will make it worth your while to put
in the extra effort to get this publication.  An open message to those
clubs who are already sold on the usefulness of computer bulletin
board services:  would you consider contacting clubs in your
geographic area to see if they need a hard copy of the Network
News?  You could request a SASE to minimize your cost.  Now THAT
would be true networking at its best.
  Even though graphics are no longer a part of the Network News, I
am aware of YOUR needs for graphics to spruce up your newsletters.
As I mentioned in a past Information Referral Service (IRS) request,
I am still looking for non-copywritten graphics for a clip art resource
pack which can be shared with all clubs. I have had a number of
requests FOR such a supplement, but not too many contributions TO
the cause. Artists? Doodlers? Help us out!

ASTRONOMY MAGAZINE ARTICLES OFFER HELP FOR BEGINNERS
  This is from the "Beginners Info" column in STAR FIELDS, the
newsletter of the Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston (ATMoB). For
a comprehensive catalog of articles, photos and features about other
subjects, consult the handy Quick Reference Guide to Astronomy
Magazine 1973-1990 written by Jack Hobart and available from
Geoimages Publishing Co., PO Box 45677 Los Angeles, CA  90045 or
purchase it from Kalmbach Publishing, 21027 Crossroads Circle,
Waukesha, WI  53187. 800-533-6644.

  A series of well done "how to" articles of particular interest to
beginning amateur astronomers, have appeared in Astronomy
magazine over the past year. They are listed below. If you do not
have the back issues, consult your local library, find a friend who
does, or purchase them directly from Kalmbach Publishing, 21027
Crossroads Circle, Waukesha, WI  53187. 800-533-6644.
        "How to Buy Your First Telescope," an insert in Nov. '91.
        "Give Your Camera a Piggyback Ride" by John Sanford, Jan '92
        "How to Clean Your Optics" by Michael Porcellino, March '92.
        "How to Collimate Your Telescope" by Michael Porcellino, April
'92.
        "Polar Aligning Your Telescope" by Michael Porcellino, May '92.
        "Getting the Exposure Right" by Alan Dyer, Sept. '92.
        "Buying Binoculars for Astronomy," Nov. '92.
        "Build an Astrophoto Platform" (barn door mount) by John
Iovine, Nov '92.
        "Taking Pictures With Your Telescope" by Alan Dyer, Dec. '92.
  And speaking of beginners, if your club has developed any unique
and effective methods for introducing beginners to our hobby, please
tell me about it. I plan to write an article on the subject in a future
issue.

MORE SURVEY INFORMATION
  As a follow-up to the survey article in issue #8, I want to share
some interesting  comments gleaned from survey results complied
by the AMES AREA ASTRONOMERS (IA). The results were published
in the club newsletter and in addition to some really nice bar charts
(a nice way to quickly convey the information gathered) they had a
healthy response to their "essay questions." Since many clubs face
challenges similar to those addressed by the Ames club, I am
including some of the responses to a question from their survey:
"What could be done to improve our club?" Even if you don't plan to
do a survey of your own, some of their answers may prompt you to
consider addressing the issue of "improving" your own club. Kudos to
the concerned members of this club for sharing their views with the
officers and their fellow members, and through this network, with us
as well.
"Maybe more potluck parties/picnics would be helpful in getting
people together."
"We need more small telescopes to use which belong to the club"
"More family events-campfire or cookout followed by star party."
"Ask not what the club can do for you but ask what you can do for
the club."
"Keep sending the newsletter."
"Form an aurora network."
"More field trips to other observatories or invite other clubs for
observing."
"Meetings on week nights."
"Getting a key to the observatory." (ed. note-many clubs have
members "earn" a key by demonstrating proficiency with
observatory equipment, knowledge of rules, etc.)
"I would like to see more BEGINNER classes and star parties."
"Do more for our young members."
"I find high level of knowledge intimidating-I wish there was a way
to learn the basics needed to appreciate things more."
"Shorter meetings.  Organized trips to good observing sights."
"More downtown observing with simple equipment.  Watching
brighter objects."
"You are doing an excellent job-I can think of many ways that I could
improve myself for the club!"
"Club growth-it would bring in new members, ideas and enthusiasm."
"More people oriented activities."
"Once introduced, I believe people will feel at ease with others and
start participating more."
"Do more to encourage new members to learn, feel wanted and
comfortable."
"Should we advertise-in local newspaper or flyers sent to high school
science teachers?"
"Have more clear, warm nights." (ed. note-I'll second that!)

CLUB NEWS BITS (Gleaned from your newsletters or correspondence).
  ...in the BALTIMORE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY (MD) newsletter, a
special column called the "Beginning Astronomers Glossary"
contained a short list of terms and definitions aimed at the club's
newer members. A recent column explained the various types of
binary stars (physical, optical, spectroscopic) and the meaning of
conjuctions. I think we oftentimes forget that there is a constant
influx of people who are just starting out and a column such as this is
a welcome addition to any club's newsletter.
  ...the TRI-VALLEY STARGAZERS (Livermore, CA) have been keeping
a club log book since 1983 (which is a good idea in and of itself) so
member Alan Gorski wrote an article sharing some of the past
decade's entries with the club's members. Entries included the
commonplace (comments about the weather, observing conditions,
etc) to the more celebratory (someone noting their first sighting of
Stephan's Quintet, the zodiacal light, etc.).  It was an interesting twist
on taking a glimpse back into club history.
  ...Ambitious members of the CHEYENNE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
are considering constructing and displaying a float in a local
"Frontier's Days" parade. That will get some attention!
  ...I noticed a couple of clubs commented on the "photo-visual"
technique (Discussed in the January 1993 ASTRONOMY magazine
"Viewpoints") of observing spectacular full color magazine photos
through a telescope. While that method may at least give cloud
bound and stir crazy astronomers a chance to use their equipment,
another use is as a fallback for starless public observing sessions
(even indoors!).  I am often amazed at how many people will show
up at a planned observing session even if the skies don't comply.
Perhaps they think that the club has some control over the weather
(oh, if it were only true!). On those occasions, try posting a few
photos at appropriate distances to result in a nice low power
eyepiece view. They will satisfy the astronomical curiosity more than
the usual cloudy sky targets. You will likely have to illuminate them
somehow-I have always thought a backlit display with slides would
be effective. Use your imaginations to spark the public's!
  ...Right there on page 1 of their newsletter, the CHAMPAIGN-
URBANA (IL) ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY spells it out: their list of
"Wants" for the year.  The list includes equipment, services required
(setting up new equipment, repairs, landscaping the grounds, etc.),
and items to purchase. I thought it was a good idea, since many clubs
likely have similar list in someone's head or on some long forgotten
board meeting notes. Many clubs would also benefit from member
donations of household or office items. Make your needs known!

FROM THE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF THE PACIFIC
  We wanted to let your readers and their clubs know about a new
project in astronomy education at the Astronomical Society of the
Pacific (funded by the National Science Foundation.) Project ASTRO is
designed to explore the potential for amateur (and professional)
astronomers to visit 4th to 9th grade classrooms and help get
students excited about astronomy and science in general.  "Visiting
astronomers," equipped with activities and resources, would come to
a school and assist with classroom learning, science projects, a science
club, evening observing sessions, etc. The initial testing will take
place in California, but our ultimate hope is to develop materials and
a program that could be used all around the country.
  As the first phase, we are hoping to benefit from the experiences of
amateur astronomers who have tried such visits-more than once or
twice-on their own. We would like to ask them to fill out a brief
questionnaire and help advise us on what went well and not-so-well
during their visits. Anyone who would like to participate in this
research phase is asked to call 415-337-1100 or Fax [phone]
or write to me, Andrew Fraknoi, Astronomical Society of the Pacific,
390 Ashton Ave., San Francisco, CA  94112.

ASTRONOMICAL LEAGUE ANNOUNCES YOUNG ASTRONOMER CONTEST
WINNERS
  Ed. note-this is a follow up to a request for entries published in
issue #5.  This article  was submitted by Charles Allen, Chair of the
National Outstanding Young Astronomer Award. The ambition and
professionalism exhibited by these young astronomers should prove
inspiring to all clubs.

  Blake Warren Thomas, 18, of Edgewood, New Mexico has received
the Astronomical League's National Outstanding Young Astronomer
Award for 1993.  NOYAA is the League's highest honor for amateur
astronomers of high school age.
  A straight-A student and senior at Moriarty High School in
Moriarty, New Mexico, Blake was the unanimous selection of the
panel of judges which included Dr. Jack Marling, physicist and
president of Lumicon Corp., Dr. Neta Bahcall, professor of
astrophysics at Princeton University, Dr. John Kielkopf, professor of
physics at the University of Louisville, and Mr. Richard Berry, author
and former editor-in-chief of ASTRONOMY magazine.
  Plaques will be presented to the nine national winners at the
League's National Convention in Madison, WI, on July 29-31, 1993.
In addition, formal award notices have been sent to winners' local
astronomy clubs, sponsors, local news media and high schools, to
college admissions officers and to national astronomy publications.
Plaques honoring the winners will be placed in public view at several
national institutions to be determined this summer.
  In 1989, Blake Thomas built a diffraction grating spectrograph for
use with his 8-inch reflector. After learning to classify stellar
spectral types with extreme accuracy, Blake took 92 spectrograms of
three Cepheid variable stars to monitor their temperature changes.
Concurrently, he made over 150 visual observations of these stars
and correlated their brightness and temperature changes. In 1992,
he built a new spectrograph capable of measuring 0.1 Angstrom
Doppler shifts caused by the stars' periodic changes in size. He then
took 145 additional spectrograms and found that these Cepheids
were largest in their expansion cycles slightly before they were
coolest and dimmest.
  Blake has also received special League awards, known as
President's Awards, for outstanding achievement in research and
observational astronomy.  His project has won an incredible 49 first
place awards in regional, state and international science fairs and
competitions over the last four years, including multiple First Award
honors at the 1991 and 1992 International Science & Engineering
Fairs.
  Stephanie Cinereski, 16 of Gainesville, FL, won second place honors
with her five-year study of the solar sunspot cycle, her study of the
latitude of solar sunspot eruptions relative to solar maximum and
her use of VLF radio receivers and suspended magnetometers to
detect solar flares. Stephanie used her solar flare research to
establish that the solar flares occur with a frequency equal to 0.056
times the relative sunspot number.
  Katrina Koski, 18, of Grosse Pointe, MI, won third place honors by
devoting more than 4000 hours to the design, testing and
construction of an 18 foot radio telescope at her high school.  She also
published a two-year study of the external and internal variables
affecting the performance and efficiency of radio telescope
operations. She makes frequent radio studies of H II regions, galaxies
and the sun, and has made annual observations using the 40 foot
radio telescope at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in
Green Bank, West Virginia.
  Leia Scofield, 14, of Panama City, FL, won fourth place with a study
of stellar luminosities using astrophotographs and color filters.
Shawn Holder, 18, of Nicholasville, KY, took fifth place honors with
his outstanding portfolio of color and black and white astrophotos of
deep sky and solar system objects. Sixth place was awarded to
Guarav Bansal, 17, of North Olmsted, OH, for his calculation of the
orbit of asteroid 115 Thyra. John Barentine, 16, of Phoenix, AZ,
finished seventh with his study of Jovian weather patterns, his
construction of a radio interferometer antenna, his study of small
aperture telescope optical interference methods and his founding
role in the Phoenix Youth Astronomical Network. Eighth place and a
President's Award for public education went to Michael Deming, 16,
of Mauriceville, TX, for his extensive work in public education
programs and observations for public audiences and local schools,
museums and camps. Ninth place was awarded to Frank Kraljic, 14,
of Scottsdale, AZ, for achievments in astrophotography, public
education and his director's role in the East Valley Astronomy Club.

  Looking ahead, applications for the 1994 award must be
postmarked by September 30, 1993.  NOYAA is open to all  U.S.
residents who are in high school (or who are 14 to 19 years of age on
September 30, 1992 and not enrolled in college). For applications and
award information, please contact Charles Allen, Award Chair, 1007
Rollingwood Ln., Goshen, KY  40026 or call [phone].
  NOYAA is looking for additional screening panel members,
preferably experienced amateur astronomers who can attend an
annual weekend meeting somewhere in Indiana.  Also, NOYAA is
seeking tax deductible financial support to cover its awards and
administrative costs.  NOYAA is currently sponsored by the
Astronomical League and The LOUISVILLE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY,
Inc. Clubs or individuals contributing to NOYAA will receive
recognition in League publications. Individuals and organizations
contributing $100.00 or more to this important award each year will
be formally  recognized as NOYAA sponsors in national publications
and in award presentations.

CLUB PROFILE
Fargo-Moorhead Astronomy Club
PO Box 28, Concordia College, Moorhead, MN  56562
Founded:  Early 70's     Members:  15
Dues: $10.00 individual, $15.00 family, $5.00 students
Contact:  Jeff Struck, Secretary

  The thing that first caught my eye about this club was the fact that
they recently replaced their usual postcard meeting notices with a
full-blown newsletter.  The newsletter articles (from the first three
issues) also revealed that the club was dedicated to helping the
public to appreciate astronomy.  A noble and worthwhile pursuit for
any club and especially so for a club with only a few more than a
dozen paying members.
  The Fargo-Moorhead Astronomy Club has a unique location and role
in their community.  The club is near three universities:  North
Dakota State University, and in Minnesota, Moorhead State
University and Concordia College.  Members of the F-MAC help out
with public education at the colleges which have some really nice
facilities:  Concordia has recently built a new observatory with a roll-
off roof housing a JMI 16-inch computer controlled telescope; MSU
operates a remote Regional Science Center next to a state park.  The
facility has a 16-inch research grade telescope with CCD and video
input into an adjacent auditorium.  When the Regional Science Center
hosts their Family Astronomy Nights with crowds up to 100 people,
F-MAC members are there to help educate and excite the public.
  When they are not acting as liaisons to the colleges, F-MAC
members conduct educational programs on their own, often taking
their show on the road to boy scout outings or grade schools,
including the formation of a young astronaut program for
kindergarten students at a local school. The club is also planning to
assist president Larry Armfield with a project he is involved in to
study of comets, asteroids and meteors.
  A while back, the club acquired a 12-inch Criterion reflector which
had been neglected for over ten years.  Members got it cleaned up
and operational and now use it for public education at the Science
Center.
  The combination of nearby facilities and the dedication of F-MAC
members impressed the Astronomical League's North Central Region
convention committee such that the club was asked to host the 1995
Regional Convention.  Good luck to them in preparing for that event.