Suzy B Software 2/Suzy B Software CD-ROM 2 (1994).iso/nasa/ann/ann.7

Text File | 1995-05-02 | 13.9 KB | 247 lines

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

Issue #7 - November/December 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
        As we turn the corner on our second year, I want to thank all
the astronomy clubs who share their newsletters and correspondence
with the Network News. The names of many frequent newsletter
contributors are becoming familiar to me and I enjoy reading your
articles, club activities and personal musings each month.  My role of
editor takes me on an"armchair tour" of the clubs in North America
and has given me a new perspective on club dynamics and
astronomy in general. I will continue to search and report any morsel
of information which I feel will benefit us all.
        So keep the stuff coming folks, but take a few minutes to check
to whom you send your materials. Since people and positions change
over the years, please address your newsletters to Editorial Library,
Astronomy Magazine, PO Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187. For other
correspondence directed to me, use the address below.
        To gather information for a future issue, I'd like to tackle a
recurring theme that shows up in many newsletters: the nagging
editor in need of fresh material to fill the pages. As co-editor of my
club's newsletter, I know the situation very well. Let's put our heads
together and come up with some ideas.  I know that editors
everywhere would like to hear from us.

        Reach Out and Touch the Stars -With a Club Phone Line!
        Most clubs conduct a general meeting once a month. I'm told
that 20 to 50 percent of the membership shows up. Between
meetings, clubs may schedule public or member-only observing
outings. Clouds are sometimes the only attendees at these events. So
it can happen that a lot of time passes with no contact between a
club and the membership or public. Clubs are then faced with the
challenge of preventing an "out-of-sight, out-of-mind," situation from
affecting club morale and participation.
        Here's one way to keep in contact: install a dedicated phone
line and answering machine to provide 24-hour access for both
members and the general public. A dedicated phone line (henceforth
called a Club Line) can become an efficient and effective way of
informing members of upcoming club events and sky happenings.
And as a tool for public relations, a Club Line can increase general
interest in astronomy and ultimately your membership.
        The cost of providing ongoing communication will vary from
state to state but a rough estimate would include (numbers based on
Southeastern Wisconsin rates) an answering machine ($50-100), line
installation ($20-40), and a monthly service fee ($20).
        I found several clubs who published a Club Line in their
newsletter. I called three to "sample the goods" and what I learned
follows:
        The Riverside Astronomical Society (CA) calls their service the
"Stargazer's Hotline." The message I heard was directed specifically
toward members and contained club news and meeting information,
directions to events and a gentle reminder that "star party etiquette"
(no white lights) was expected for an upcoming dark sky observing
session. Members were enticed to attend by listing which NGC and
Messier objects would be well placed in the sky for viewing.  The
message concluded with a reminder that objects viewed from a dark
sky location in the 17-inch telescope "ought to be great!"
        The Detroit Astronomical Society (MI) maintains a service
called the Skywatcher's Hotline(R).  Club president Jack Brisbin said
the Hotline started in 1984 as a promotional idea but has evolved
into a service for both members and the community. The Hotline
informs the callers on subjects not usually covered by the local
media as well as discussing naked-eye astronomy information.
        The eight-minute message is updated once a month. He said
even though the subjects are often technical, the information is
presented "toned down, to maintain a sense of wonder in callers."
Jack uses full-size cassette tapes because of the ability to record the
message on better equipment.
        October's message presented new information on Pluto's
atmosphere and an interesting discussion about 1992QB1, the
controversial new solar system object which has astronomers hotly
debating the implications of it's discovery. The Orionid meteor
shower was also announced as was information on the best times to
observe the planets Mars, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn. Dates for an
upcoming lecture (public invited) and club meeting were given and
callers were invited to the club's next observing session. Jack's name
and number were provided for those wanting more information.
        Jack said the Hotline gets consistent use and has attracted new
people to meetings and events. He has counted up to 60 "beeps"
(indicating connections) in a single month. The Hotline number is
published in the local paper and due to an arrangement with a local
television station, is broadcast after Star Hustler episodes.
        "Starline" is the North Jersey Astronomical Group's (NJAG) 24-
hour access to astronomical news and information. Professional
astronomer and club member Kevin Conod, updates the message
every Friday (52 times a year!) using information from an
astronomical calender, The Observer's Handbook , a planisphere and
other sources.
        Topics include constellation location and mythology, eclipses
and meteor showers, and which planets are visible and where to look
for them. A recent message suggested the caller imagine the solar
system as a race track, with planets speeding around the track at
different speeds and distances. Kevin felt that most astronomical
information needs some sort of visual reference and using common
analogies is the most effective way to do it over the phone. The
service is primarily aimed at the public-all astronomical terms are
defined-and ends with an open invitation to the next public event.
        Kevin first prepares a 1 to 1-1/4 page typewritten script which
he suggests as a good length to keep the callers interest. He uses an
answering machine with remote capability because of the
convenience and the fact that the recording quality is much better
when done over the phone lines.
        NJAG publicizes their Starline at all public events, in their
newsletter and on all media news releases. NJAG, like other clubs
who offer a Club Line, chose a phone number which has the last four
digits corresponding to the dial letters S-T-A-R.

        IRS Materials Wanted
        We are looking for clubs willing to share materials for our
Information Referral Service (IRS) so other clubs undertaking similar
projects can benefit from your efforts. Examples of the type of
materials are: equipment/grounds rules, procedures, bylaws,
questionnaires, etc. Send a copy to me so I can provide a brief
description.
        IRS materials are available directly from the clubs listed.
Please include a self addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) with your
request. Long documents may require additional return postage
and/or copying expense.

        Member Packet, Milwaukee Astronomical Society. This packet,
given free to new members, introduces the reader to all aspects of
the 350-member club-benefits, services, committees, observing
programs, etc. The information is presented in a friendly, readable
format. ($0.52 postage required). Write to MAS, c/o Tom Gill 1391 N.
72nd St. Wauwatosa, WI 53213

        Club News Bits
        ...The Fort Wayne Astronomical Society (IN), newsletter
promised "No more deep-sky star party rainouts!" On nights when
clouds steal the sky, the club holds an alternate activity-an informal
meeting with discussions, show-and-tell, off the cuff talks, slide
shows and videos.
        ...The China Lake Astronomical Society (CA) reprints the
classified ads of other local clubs as a public service and to inform
their own members of the bargains in the area.
        ...Members of the Northeast Kansas Amateur Astronomers
League select a "Rising Star" and "Astronomer of the Year" based on
involvement, club promotion and "doing astronomy." The recipients
are honored at the Annual Awards Banquet.
        ...The newsletter of the Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas has
a column called "Stargate Chatter" which consists of messages and
responses from a local computer bulletin board-a great format for
learning.
        ...the Orange County Astronomers (CA) are exchanging
newsletters and other information with a "sister club" in South
Australia. Each meeting an updated display features exchanged
materials from Down Under. Members are encouraged to correspond
directly to individuals from the sister club.
        ...Another suggestion for saving money on newsletter costs
comes from Ton Ponjee of the Ancient City Astronomy Club, Inc. (FL)
By printing the newsletter in compressed type, the club saves up to
50% in printing costs.
        ...A great idea seen in many club newsletters: remind your
members to bring a friend to the next meeting or event. This simple
suggestion can have a big impact on future membership!
        ...And another invitation idea: extend a special invitation to
area science teachers to attend club meetings and public viewing
sessions. Or offer to host a special presentation and/or star party for
their students. It's a step in the right direction for getting more
young people interested our hobby.

        Helping New Members Feel Welcome
        Helping new members feel accepted before they fade away is a
problem plaguing many clubs. Here's how two clubs meet the
problem head on-at the front door!
        New members of the Edmunton Centre of the Royal
Astronomical Society of Canada don't have to wait long to meet
people. Brad Richens, New Members Advisor, is waiting at the door to
make them feel welcome.
        Whatever interests the new member has, there is likely
another member with the expertise and willingness to share it. Brad
makes the introductions and helps to get a conversation started.
        Frequent reminders at meetings and a newsletter column keep
his role visible. So far, his efforts are paying off-at a recent meeting
he had up to fifteen members gathered around him!
        Sally Jo Michalko of the Milwaukee Astronomical Society has a
similar role. Sally calls herself "friendly by nature" and likes her
non-technical club assignment. Since the position is new, her first
duty was to contact members who joined in the previous 9 months.
         After relating some of the club's past, present and future
directions, she always concludes with an invitation to meet face-to-
face at the next event.
        Sally felt many new members were intimidated by the
perceived knowledge level of the club. Her contact role allows her to
present astronomy as an accessible, exciting hobby with many
opportunities for people to participate in the club's activities. n

        Club Profile
        Stillwater Stargazers, 5995 Horseshoe Bend Rd., Troy, OH 45373
        Founded: 1985    Members: 20
        Dues: $10.00
        Contact: Ron Netzley, president.
        With twenty members and nearly as many telescopes between
them, the Stillwater Stargazers are a very enthusiastic club. Monthly
stargazes are held in conjunction with nighttime hikes sponsored by
the Brukner Nature Center, a well-known attraction in the area. The
club also hosts public observing sessions in the county parks and
private sessions for scouting and youth groups.
        No opportunity for a mini star party is missed. Two members
who regularly attend car shows decided it would be an ideal place to
set up telescopes for viewing the sun, moon, and brighter objects.
Response was positive. On such road trips, members bring the club's
"light bucket"- a translucent 5-gallon bucket with a flashing light
inside and a slot in the lid for donations. Curious onlookers have been
generous thus far and collected funds are shared equally with the
nature center.
        To keep members looking up, the club president created the
President's Challenge List- 100 objects to find within the upcoming
year. The list includes Messier, NGC and IC objects, double stars,
asteroids, etc. each of which is given a value of one, two or three
points according to difficulty. Of the 115 points possible, an observer
scoring at least 70 points receives a certificate at the club's Christmas
dinner. The number of participating members increases every year.
        Planting seeds for the future, a Jr. Astronomy Club was started
to address the special needs and wants of the area's young
stargazers.