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

Issue #6 - September/October 1992

        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
        [phone]

        From The Editor
        This issue's feature article suggests an astronomical auction as
a fund raiser with a high potential as a "fun" raiser as well. If your
club hosts a unique event that you think would interest other clubs,
please share the experience with us.
        We want the Network News to reflect your interests and needs
and that's why my editorial always asks for your input. Similarly, it
is a good idea to periodically poll your membership for their input on
club function and direction. A future issue will take a closer look at
Club Surveys. If you have recently conducted a survey or have any
comments, please contact me soon.
        Fall is membership renewal time for many clubs. If your club
doesn't already offer Astronomy magazine at group rates, we
encourage you consider the value (see article). The information in
each issue can help new members become comfortable with
astronomy as well as stimulating veteran observers to keep looking
up.
        Reminder: the Network News is sent free to club officers but
was not meant to become a cumulative venture. Please keep us
informed of changes in club officers so we can update our mailing
list. May we suggest that your club keep a copy of the Network News
on file in the library for reference and perusal by the general
membership.

        Going...Going...Gone!
        Club Auction Can Raise Funds
        Anyone who has attended a star party with a swap meet
knows that astronomers love bargains. In a test of stamina, attendees
observe into the wee hours, grab a few hours of sleep (maybe), and
show up ready to deal the moment the swap tables are set up. In a
frenzy of people and goods, scores of amateurs search for that
elusive bargain-of-a-lifetime.
        Several clubs have attempted to harness this energy by
conducting an astronomical auction. I recently spoke with
representatives from two clubs who were happy to share their
experiences with Network News readers.-TG
        The Astronomy Section of the Rochester Academy of Science
(New York) has 120 members who, like most amateurs, have
accumulated more astronomical "stuff" than they want or need. One
remedy sounded like fun: encourage members to clear their closets
and bring it all to the First Annual AS-RAS Equipment Auction.
        Club secretary, Ken Merzel, said the main purpose was to raise
money for the club by charging sellers a 10% commission. Also
important was to have fun doing it. Both objectives are met. When it
was over, the club made $183.50 and the 50 or so members
attending the event had a great time.
        Ken said the hardest part was deciding when to have the
auction-near Christmas when people might have money to spend, or
just before the Spring observing season begins. The AS-RSC chose
January this year and with short notice conducted a successful
auction. In the future the club will allow for a six-month planning
phase to give them enough time to prepare for the event.
        The auction was rather simple-sellers were asked to come early
for check-in and, if they desired, have their items evaluated by a
volunteer panel to determine a minimum bid. What Ken called
"informal auctioneering" brought bids on items ranging from
completed mirrors and telescope mounts to various and sundry
"parts," a category which has only the imagination as limits. As the
evening went on, items such as old books were clumped together to
keep the bids coming. Some members donated more than the
requested 10% which added to the club's profit. The generosity came
mostly from the club's older members who saw this as a way to give
something back to the club for their years of enjoyment.
        Their 1st auction was not a public event, but the other sections
of the Academy of Science were involved. The success of this year's
auction has members looking forward to a repeat performance next
year.
        Across the country in California, the San Jose Astronomical
Society recently held the 12th Annual Bay Area Auction. Organized
and run by the SJAS, other clubs in the area are invited end
encouraged to attend. Attendance ranges from 100-200 including
sellers.
        Club secretary Jim Van Nuland has been involved since its
inception and one of the first points he stressed was in agreement
with Ken-allow at least six months advance planning. Six months
should be enough time to secure a hall if necessary, announce the
event in the newsletters of neighboring clubs, and get club members
thinking about what items they are willing to part with.
        The response has been so good that after one year's auction
when items were still being sold after midnight, the club decided to
split the event into an afternoon Swap Meet and an evening auction.
Sellers who have items with a minimum bid below $5 are
encouraged to sell them at the Swap Meet.
        To generate funds for the club, sellers of the auction and Swap
Meet agree to pay a 10% commission on sales and all auction
attendees are asked to donate a $1 entrance fee. Jim said that while
selling table space would be an alternative way to raise money, the
club did not want to exclude individuals with one or two low-cost
items. Club profits are usually not lower than $200 and have been as
high as $1200.
        As the Swap meet grew in popularity, the club felt it necessary
to initiate a system to insure honesty and end the persistent rumors
that some sellers weren't contributing full commission. This year, a
registration form clearly stated the financial obligations and a "Swap
Meet Sheriff" circulated the area. People felt better about this more
professional approach and all registration forms were returned with
a check.
        During the Swap Meet, auction items can be viewed in a
separate "properties room." Auction items include the usual array of
eyepieces, mirrors and telescope parts as well complete telescope
systems (a C-11, Meade 10-inch and many C-8's). Some of the more
unusual items have been paintings, scientific apparatus, and several
antique sextants. Jim said while the perceived value of items varies
from year to year, both buyers and sellers feel good about the final
prices. Sellers have the option to lower the opening (minimum) bid
during the auction which usually keeps the bidding a rapid-fire
process.
        Big ticket items such as complete telescopes didn't sell well in
the past until the club added a "silent" auction option. During the
Swap Meet, sellers attach a tag with a minimum bid to the item and
allow bidders to write in new bids all afternoon. This gives bidders
an opportunity to talk with the seller about the item. Sellers are
allowed to close the bidding and sell at any time.
        The auction runs smoothly because of the many volunteers and
the use of a computer for registration and bookkeeping for the
auction and Swap Meet. Jim wrote the IBM-compatible software in
Quick Basic (which should be adaptable to other computer systems)
and would be happy to share it and his experience with other clubs.
Write to Jim Van Nuland, 509 Calico Ave., San Jose, CA 95124 n

        Your Help Needed
        As published in the Letters section of the July 1992 issue of
Astronomy, the American Astronomical Society (AAS) is requesting
aid to support individual astronomers in the Commonwealth of
Independent States (CIS), the former Soviet Union. Contributing as
little as $10 or $25 can help keep a professional astronomer from
being forced to leave the science and perhaps the country.
        As of May, 310 contributors donated over $41,000 to the cause.
A one or two year effort should be sufficient to keep vital research
projects-and hopes-alive.
        Passing the hat at your club's next meeting could make a world
of difference to a deserving fellow astronomer. Send contribution
checks to: AAS Executive Office, 2000 Florida Ave. NW, Suite 300,
Washington, DC 20009 n

        Newsletters Tips To Save You Money
        For many clubs, the cost of copying or printing a newsletter is
one of the biggest expenses and hence contributes to higher
membership dues. Here are a few ideas to help save money on your
newsletter:
        * Find a "corporate sponsor" to print or photocopy your club's
newsletter. Many corporations have a community outreach program
and may find it exciting to associate themselves with an astronomy
club who also reaches out to the public. Your best bet may be to
approach companies with an in-house printing or duplication
department so they won't have to incur outside expenses. Offer to
supply them with adequate blank paper and let them know you will
do the final preparations (folding, collating, labels, etc.). Finally, don't
forget to invite them to your next public viewing session!
        * Accept advertising from local businesses. Even an
inexpensive ad which is placed on a regular basis can help offset
printing costs. Some clubs sell classified ads to members at a nominal
fee to with the first ad listed for free).
        * Save space-think small. A recent issue of the Quincy
Astronomical Society newsletter was printed on a postcard! It listed
information about upcoming events, club news and even had room
for a star party review. n

        Club News Bits
        ...Phil Roberts of the North Jersey Astronomical Group created a
90-minute cassette tape of "star music" for public viewing sessions.
Music from the Cincinnati Pops, Jon Luk Ponte, Star Trek and other
sources enhances the stargazing experience for all in earshot.
        ...The newsletter of the Northeast Florida Astronomical Society
lists the "Top Five" members who attend the most observing sessions
for the year-a friendly competition which invites others to come
more often.
        ...Jerry Kobi of the Escambia Amateur Astronomer's Association
(Florida) suggested that his club print business cards for members to
hand out at public stargazes.
        ...The Sonoma County Astronomical Society developed a
questionnaire for the clubs young astronomers to determine their
unique needs.
        ...The Ames Area Amateur Astronomers (Iowa) is one of
several clubs who avoid the negative impact of the words "light
pollution." Their club has a committee called the "Dark Sky
Preservation Section." I've heard others, including Canadian author
Terence Dickinson, refer to astronomers as "naturalists of the night."
n

        Club Profile
        Lethbridge Astronomy Society
        PO Box 1104
        Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4A2
        Founded: 1984    Members: 50
        Dues: Regular $24; family +$1 ea.; Associate $3
        Contact: Barry Olson, President
        The Lethbridge Astronomy Society's members are active
observational astronomers and enjoy sharing their interests with
others. Each year, the LAS hosts about 20 annual demonstrations,
lectures and observing sessions for schools, Scouts and Guides, and
adult groups throughout Southern Alberta.
        At a recent Environmental Fair, the club used a poster display
to show how extra-terrestrial factors can influence the Earth's
environment. Hundreds of people stopped by and marveled at views
of sunspots seen through club equipment.
        In 1990, the LAS obtained a lease on 1 1/4 hectare (100m x
100m) of city land which included a two-story house which could be
used for meetings. Club membership has doubled since then.
        Efforts to raise money for a permanent observatory were
successful due to generous local grants and a unique fund raising
opportunity available through the Alberta Gaming Commission. Three
or four times a year, 20 LAS members work at a bingo hall and the
club receives a share of the profits-as much as $2400 in one night!
        The LAS also receives funds from the local University to
provide ongoing instruction for students on the school's C-14
telescope. Combined, these efforts have helped the club raise over
$70,000 toward the construction of a 4.42 metre diameter dome
housing a 41-cm., computer controlled reflecting telescope. In
addition, members enjoy the use of a C-8, 4-inch refractor and
several binocular/tripod units.
        After the official opening this September, the observatory will
be among the best available to amateur astronomers in Canada.