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

Issue #11 July/August 1993

Published by Kalmbach Publishing
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
  Every club needs some kind of public relations (PR), whether it is
simple word of mouth or something as ambitious as sponsoring a
local television or radio program. Whether your goals are to attract
new members, raise funds for a special project, educate the public or
just promote the science of astronomy, PR lets everyone know you
exist. I'd like to know what your club has found to be effective or an
(expensive) waste of resources. Your experiences (good and bad)
could prove beneficial to other clubs with similar needs who have
yet to venture into that arena. Please contact me by phone or mail
with your stories (or via Compuserve in c/o ASTRONOMY magazine).

LOCAL LIBRARY A GREAT PLACE TO FIND NEW MEMBERS
  This is from personal experience: After inquiring at my local library
for permission to place a pile of club flyers in their information area,
I was pleasantly surprised at what transpired. First, they took the
flyers-all that I had-and then went one step further.  A staff designer
made up a special display window in celebration of astronomy. All I
had to do was provide her with a box of goodies from my personal
astronomy collection. She created a window that was visually
enticing and very effective (I know-I staked out the display and
watched as people were drawn to the window). We put a big stack of
flyers on a small table next to the window and in two weeks, every
one was gone, AND the club received six requests for membership
applications! The display will remain for a good part of our Open
House season and I am confident that we will see many new faces
this summer!
  Here is a list of the items that are included in the display, which
was about 5 feet tall x 4 feet wide x 12 inches deep:  Sky Atlas 2000
star chart; planisphere; various Moon stuff-large poster of the
crescent Moon, Moon map and Moon globe; several astrophotos taken
by a member of my club; an observing card with a sketch of M81 &
M82; my observing note book; several astronomy related books; a
figurine which suggested the mythological gods found in the stars; 11
x 80 binoculars; and a 53mm spotting scope on a tripod. Large titles
were made from cut-out paper letters and a bunch of cut-out stars
were scattered about.  Finally, the cover of our current flyer showing
Open House dates was magnified and copied onto neon orange paper.
  The library is a great place to attract attention for your club. It
makes a lot of sense when you consider that the visitors are already
coming there to learn!

ONLY TIME WILL TELL
  A few years after SOUTHEASTERN IOWA ASTRONOMY CLUB formed,
a generous donation from a local foundation and plenty of sweat
equity from club members helped to build the John H. Witte
Observatory. As the observatory was being built, members noticed
some small cubby holes between the roof and main walls. The space
seemed the perfect size for something to be put in there-and thus
was born the idea for time capsules.
  The club had two capsules fabricated from metal, each
approximately 14" x 20", welded all around except for the lid which
was bolted down and then sealed with silicone. Each capsule contains
various astronomy related "artifacts" such as star wheels, books,
photographs, etc. as well as newspaper articles and a video about the
observatory's open house celebration. One capsule is to be opened in
the year 2012-the 25th anniversary of the observatory's opening-
and the other capsule during the next appearance of Comet Halley.
The Halley capsule contains items similar to the first one as well as
additional Halley memorabilia.
  While a "celebrity" comet like Halley is a good inspiration for a time
capsule project, almost any astronomical or club event is a good
excuse to mix astronomy with history in a time capsule project of
your own.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?
  I've always enjoyed the variety present in the many newsletters I
peruse each month. Format, content, style, even the paper and ink
add to the distinction. The first thing that catches my eye, however,
is the name. Just for fun, here is a sampling of some of the unique
newsletter names and the clubs behind them. Where there was more
than one club with the same name, I used the first one I came to on
the pile.
Philastropher-SAN ANTONIO ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY (TX)
Sirius Astronomer-ORANGE COUNTY ASTRONOMERS (CA)
Prime Focus-RIVERSIDE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY (CA)
Arc Minutes-OCEANSIDE PHOTO AND TELESCOPE ASTRONOMICAL
SOCIETY (CA)
Martian Chronicals-MUSEUM OF ASTRONOMICAL RESOURCE SOCIETY
(FL)
Guidestar-HOUSTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
Sidereal Times-SOUTHEASTERN IOWA ASTRONOMY CLUB
The Cosmic Babbler-CHEYENNE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY (WY)
The Focal Point-MILWAUKEE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY (WI)
Cosmic Echos-ANCIENT CITY ASTRONOMY CLUB (FL)

BUY A STAR, NAME A STAR, BE A STAR!
  The MOUNTAIN SKIES ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY (MSAS) in
California is a determined group. When fundraising efforts for their
planned observatory and science center were thwarted by a sluggish
economy and cautious potential contributors, they came up with a
way to start the money flowing again. Their solution-selling stars!
  Making a contribution to the MSAS Observatory & Science Center in
one of 6 categories allows the purchaser to choose and name one of
over 9000 stars on a giant 17 foot by 9 foot, illuminated, interactive
star atlas. Contributors also receive a certificate and the satisfaction
of helping to preserve science and education for generations to come.
  MSAS president Lorann Parker heads a unique 12-person executive
board that has deeply committed themselves to the club and the
observatory project. All officers and board members (the only
members with voting rights) have indefinite terms allowing them to
accomplish a great deal more than if they had to wrestle with the
usual board politics.
  The $2 million dollar observatory/science center is an ambitious
project for any club and especially so for the MSAS which formed
only 4 years ago. Generous donations of time and equipment have
kept the costs at nearly a million dollars less than orignally
projected. The club needs $412,000 more to accomplish their goal.
Ground breaking will begin in the spring of '94 with projected
completion within 8-12 months.
  The star atlas fund raiser has been extremely successful with over
$80,000 raised in just a few months. Star categories range in cost
from $30 for a star at the limits of naked eye visibility (6.0 - 6.57
magnitude) to $5000 for the brightest stars. The most popular
category is the $100 star (4.99 - 5.99 magnitude). Corporations like
the fact that the star atlas is a way to support science and receive
"permanent advertising" at a fraction of the cost of sponsoring a
space launch.
  At first I questioned the number of naked eye stars (9200), but
after listening to Lorann's descriptions of the site and sky conditions,
I feel they have been, if anything, conservative on the limiting
magnitude. I asked her if there were any bargains left and she said
that any 6th magnitude star that is where you want it to be can be
thought of as a bargain. I also felt that variables were a good deal
since they are sold based on the magnitude at minimum.
  Lorran stressed the fact that the stars they are selling are
recognized only on their "exclusive star atlas" and are not to be
confused with the official star registration as conducted by the
National Star Institute (currently selling 19-20th magnitude stars).
The star atlas will exist as long as the building does, and Lorann
expects that many of the mail order purchasers will make the trek to
see the impressive display. An aggressive direct marketing campaign
will soon be accompanied by magazine advertising. To date, 12% of
the stars have been sold outside of California. The project has kept
Lorann and other club members quite busy, especially since there
are other time tasks that need attention in a club with 1688
members!
  Lorann said that one of the surprise benefits is hearing the many
often emotional stories that people have shared with her while
choosing a star. Many have named stars as a dedication to families,
loved ones, pets and even children yet to be born. Then there are
others who attach nondescript strings of initials or numbers to their
star.  One of the most unusual requests was from a man who wanted
a specific star off the nose of Pegasus because years earlier he had
won a large amount of money betting on a horse who "won by a
nose."
  When completed, the atlas will be prominently displayed on a wall
outside of the center's planetarium. Visitors will direct a computer
controlled arm to locate any star contained in the database. Stars can
be located by certificate number (Yale catalog number), name of
owner, or RA/DA coordinates. While the actual atlas is not erected,
the design, plans and all computer equipment are ready for
implementation.
  Lorann added that one of the best results of the star atlas project
was the increase in morale it generated both within the club and
with potential contributors.  She felt that the club's determination
has sent a clear message that they are willing to do whatever it takes
to see this project through to completion.
  If interested in receiving a flyer describing the project and a form
to get your own star, write to the Mt. Skies Astronomical Society, PO
Box 1169, Lake Arrowhead, CA  92352.

CLUB NEWS BITS
As a fund raising effort, the TUSCON AMATEUR ASTRONOMY
ASSOCIATION (TAAA) plans to develop a brochure describing the
availability of private star parties for the public.  Rates will be $100
for groups of 50 or less and $1/person for larger groups. The flyer
will be sent to local resorts and convention organizers (TAAA is a
member of Tuscon Convention and Visitor's Bureau and has access to
their services).
  The DAVIS ASTRONOMY CLUB (CA) received a donation that many
clubs dream of. Imagine their surprise when someone called to
donate an 18-inch mirror! The club attributes the prize to the fact
that they regularly publish a notice of their club activities in the local
newspaper  and include the phone number of a contact person. Plans
are under way to design and build a portable Dobsonian around the
gift. Make your club visible-you never know who will call!
  A recent issue of the newsletter of the INDIANA ASTRONOMICAL
SOCIETY contained a pleasant surprise-a complimentary decal for use
on window and other transparent surfaces. The 3.5" x 2.5" decal of
the club logo is distributed free to all dues paying members.
Additional decals are sold for $1 each and they offer a version for
opaque surfaces as well. Contact a local specialty advertising
company-you will be amazed at the variety of items available. Fly
those colors!
  The ALBUQUERQUE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY found a note from a
concerned citizen taped to the door of the club observatory. The gist
of it was,"When are you open?" Plans are being made to purchase a
plaque to inform the public of the dates and times of club activities.
  The NORTHWEST ASTRONOMY GROUP (OR) hosted a star party and
swap meet in conjunction with a Ham Radio Field Day Contest. The
weekend event had several speakers, tours of Kitt Peak, evening
observing and Ham Stations. Mixing astronomy with other hobbies is
a way to draw upon a preselected group of people who are willing to
devote time to something that interests them.
  The TRI-VALLEY STARGAZERS hoped to get more people involved
at a recent meeting so they invited members to participate in a
discussion on the use of all types of filters for astronomy. The idea
has logical extensions to many other astronomical equipment.
Everybody has an opinion, right?
  I've noticed that several clubs entice (reward?) members to attend
meetings by offering raffle (to raise money) or door prizes at each
meeting. While you may find that there are vendors willing to donate
to the cause, other sources may prove easier and offer additional
benefits.  After all, astronomers have been known to have other
interests and perhaps a local business would be willing to "sponsor" a
meeting with a prize or gift certificate. Hardware stores and
bookstores are natural choices. Also, you can solicit items from
within the membership. Many club members likely have additional
talents which could prove satisfying to both the recipient and donor
(a chance to show off a little). Handmade items, astrophotographs,
art, used books, are a few that come to mind. With a little
brainstorming and innovation, your club could have an exciting and
much anticipated prize giveaway at every meeting.

CLUB PROFILE
Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston (ATMoB)
65 Court Street, Medford, MA  02155
Founded:  1938   Members:  294
Dues: $20.00 (includes all family members, only paying member has
voting rights), <18, $10.
Contact:  Mario Motta, Vice President

  I checked in with the ATMoB because I was curious whether, as the
name would imply, they were primarily a telescope builder's club.
While they have a strong history of telescope building and many
current personal and club telescope making projects, the club is also
active in many aspects of astronomy.
  The club started as two separate factions-a group of telescope
makers and a group formed by a astrophysics professor at Harvard-
which joined forces in the early 1950's. As in the beginning, the club
still meets in a room on the Harvard campus. An interesting feature
of the club's executive board is that it includes the past three
presidents in addition to the officer positions and two members at
large. Meetings are well attended, with an average of 75 members
attending and well over 100 when the club has a particularly
noteworthy speaker. Past lectures have featured Nobel prize winning
speakers.
  Club projects include making a telescope to house a recently
completed 20-inch mirror  ground by club members. And when that
project is done a recently donated 30-inch blank is waiting for grit
and attention! A number of members also have their own pet
projects, including Vice President Mario Motta who just completed a
32-inch f/4 mirror after 2 years of work. The completed telescope
will ride on an equatorial mount at his personal observatory.
  The club operates and maintains the Haystack Observatory, which is
on land leased from MIT for $1 a year. A large barn and converted
farmhouse house a machine shop, various grinding and polishing
rooms, several shed with roll-off roofs (which contained a 16-inch
reflector and a 6-inch Maksutov). The club has benefitted from many
generous donations and has an impressive array of equipment which
includes: an evaporator for coating mirrors up to 20", mirror testing
tunnel, several mirror grinding machines, test equipment, and 7 or 8
donated telescopes which are available to lend out to members.
  Observing sessions for both club members and the public are held
at the Haystack Observatory as well as classes in mirror grinding and
telescope making. The club is co-host (along with the Springfield
Telescope Makers of Vermont) of Stellafane-one of the oldest and
best attended weekend star parties. Once a year the club makes a
trek to northern Maine for a week of really dark sky observing.
  The ATMoB members generously donate their time to public
education with lectures, observing and various demonstrations. On
his own, Mario gives approximately 5 lectures per year to children
and he recently teamed up with a member of the AAVSO to increase
their reach.  The pair applied for and received a $5000 grant from
NASA to bring astronomy to the children in a program titled
"Partnership in Astronomy."