On Tue, Nov 26, 2024 at 12:11 PM, Mark Strollo via groups.io

<mark@...> wrote:

Guess I heard that wrong. Somebody else on now.?

Mark

On Sat, Nov 23, 2024 at 8:48 AM, Jay Drew via groups.io

<mirrormaker@...> wrote:

Hi! I thought I’d start a new string for our future Connecticut college telescope un-making endeavors.

I can come by Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of Thanksgiving week to help with the simple counterweight removal type stuff. Should we bring tools?

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Leslie & Alex, John Briggs of the Astronomical Lyceum in Magdalena NM might be an excellent resource in helping find a home for the 20 incher. Here’s his website:

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https://www.rqfphoto.com/Astrophotography/FOAH-Observatory-and-the-Astronomical-Lyceum

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Jay

On Nov 22, 2024, at 2:34 PM, Deb Fennell via <debskifennell1617@...> wrote:

See minutes below.?

NOTE: Catherine Kolnaski Astronomy Night last night was canceled due to rain. They would like to re-schedule in December or January. Please let us know if you would be available on any of these dates:?

??????Tuesday, December 18

??????Monday, January 13

??????Monday, January 27

Thames Amateur Astronomical Society (TAAS) Meeting Minutes

Nov. 21, 2024 @ 7pm, Olin Science Center Room 113

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Attendees: Mark S, Jerry T, Leslie B, Lee P, Gerry K, Brian R, George B, Bob C, John S, Chuck H, Deb F, Elizabeth S, and Alex G.

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Welcome, introductions, personal news to report; equipment discussion old and new

As the attendees waited for the meeting to be called to order there was discussion about the possibility of other life in the universe and if we have been visited by alien life.

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Jerry made a motion to call the meeting to order at 7:15 pm. Lee seconded. Agendas were distributed to the members.

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Mark introduced himself to new member Elizabeth S. and delayed the rest of the introductions until new member Alex’s arrival. Alex is the new astronomer for Connecticut College. Alex had a previous engagement with another class and would be joining the group as soon as he completed that obligation.

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Leslie let us know about the Boston Sci-Fi Film Festival happening in Boston In-Person: Feb 12-17, 2025 ? On-Line: Feb 19-24, 202. Avi Loeb is speaking February 13. More information about the festival is here:??Leslie is a very enthusiastic attendee and is happy to share more information.

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Mark thanked Leslie for arranging for the use of Olin Science Center Room 113 and noted this meeting was our first in-person meeting at Conn College since pre-COVID. He also thanked Deb for sending out the agenda and her continuing work with the Night Sky Network. He also let everyone know how excited he is to have so many astrophotographers active in the club.

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Show and Tell/Equipment Discussion:

John showed his new headlamp that only has four levels of red light with no white light. He got it from High Point Scientific. It was only $24.95. Mark has had one similar from Nitecore for several years that has three levels and a white light. John’s came from here:

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John also brought his book “Photographic Atlas Moon” by Robert Reeves, for John Natale but he was not present so John shared the book with the group.

Gerry had a dovetail and rings with him that Lee had returned to him.

Chuck showed us his app “Astro Locator” which helps with quick visual observing and polar alignment. It uses GPS in the phone. Chuck mentioned the app locates the north celestial pole within 30 arc minutes of accuracy.

Leslie assumed possession of the club PST.

Membership/Treasurer Report

There has been no treasury change since the donation from Joanne, whose husband was a member of the club. Everyone is current on their dues. George will start sending out membership dues notice at the end of December for 2025 dues which are due in January.? There are potentially four or five new members and over 100 registered for the Groups i.o. Brian asked if there was any way to pay dues electronically. George explained his challenge with trying to set up electronic payment systems with the current bank. He can accept cash or checks at this point. George will investigate if there is a form of electronic payment that may work such as Venmo.

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President’s Report

Mark discussed Lee’s future TAAS astrophotography workshop.? Lee is doing his AP presentation for Shoreline Astronomical Society (SAS), likely in March. We will support that presentation and encourage people to attend his presentation for them. Also, Brian has access to high-end audio-visual projection equipment, if we give him enough notice. He can provide it for presentations.

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The president talked about how TAAS has been a visual astronomy club since the 50s and how great it is that so members are adding such great photos to the TAAS??photo section.? He suggested (jokingly) that maybe we should change our name to TAAAS because of the trend towards astrophotography.? Bob provided a brief history of how TAAS was a large club in the 50s and 60s due to the popularity of astronomy during the space age, and how it came back from 3 members in the 80’s under his presidency.

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Alex arrived, introduced himself, and told us a little about his history with astronomy. Here is Alex’s faculty profile:?

After Alex’s introduction, Mark asked the rest of the members to go around and introduce themselves and include a little tidbit about their history with astronomy. We diverged on to optical vs. radio interferometry, continued funding for the Chandra X-Ray astronomy satellite, Hawaii vs. Chile for astronomical viewing, and which of these distant locations would be best for future TAAS meetings.

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Night Sky Network Coordinator Report

There were three remaining outreach events on our calendar since our last meeting:

November 18-support to Astronomy Society of New Haven (ASNH) and Shoreline Astronomical Society (SAS)for the East Haddam library’s Astronomy Night. TAAS members were not available that evening and ASNH and SAS had enough support from their clubs without any TAAS members.

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November 21-Catherine Kolnaski Magnet School’s Astronomy Night which was cancelled due to rain. They have asked to reschedule in December or January. Please let us know if you may be available to assist and what date (s) would be best.

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November 30-Lyme Land Trust; Lee is planning on providing support to Alan and Brian thinks he can, also. You can learn more about the LLT astronomy program here:?

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Deb asked everyone to start thinking about 2025 outreach events. She asked that members consider the following:

1.? ? ? ?How many events (per week/month/year) do we want to offer?

2.???????How many events can we realistically support?

3.???????What groups are our priority (Hammonasett, Lyme Land Trust, Stars to Stem, etc)?

4.???????When do we want events scheduled?

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Deb suggested a goal of coming up with a calendar for 2025 in January/February.?

Deb distributed two handouts to those present:

“How to Partner with Your Local Astronomy Club” ????

“NSN Outreach Log Report”

The first handout can be given to groups who contact a member asking about running an outreach event. The second handout has information that Deb needs to complete the Event Reports for Night Sky Network. She asked at each event she does not attend, that one member agrees to take responsibility for emailing Deb the information that is on the Log Report. She does not want or need a hard copy of the form. She just needs the information via email. If there is anyone who wasn’t present at the meeting, Deb attached an electronic copy of the handouts to this email.

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The next topic on the agenda was the “Conn College Conundrum”. The observatory telescope needs to be disassembled soon. ?(next month!)??? TAAS is committed to provide support. The members met in the F.W. Olin Science Center Observatory to view the the 20-inch RC Optomechanics Research telescope which is being replaced with a Planewave 14” telescope. ?The task will involve disassembly and finding a new home for the old scope. The members discussed:

A) if they had the capacity to remove and store the optics (150 lb mirror and cell) from the telescope

B) potentially listing the scope for sale on Cloudy Nights or Astromart

C) how to disassemble the steel tube and the mount and remove from the building (Leslie and Alex were going to meet with the Connecticut College facilities staff concerning this part of the project).

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It was almost 10:00.? Most members had to depart after visiting the observatory.

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Leslie, Mark, and Deb moved the meeting to Mr. G’s. ?Continued discussion included the following:

• ????? ????Are there any members with availability the week of Thanksgiving to start disassembly of the? ? ? ? ? ? ? Connecticut College scope? ?(Light counterweights, electronics, motors, etc.)
• ? ? ? ? ?Are we interested in a Winter Solstice gathering and what date would work for members?
• ? ? ? ? ?The East Lyme Stars to STEM program needs assistance in growing and sustaining their? ?organization. Leslie would love some help from club members with this project. Should we? ?develop a committee to help?
• ? ? ? ??Solved world problems
• ? ? ? ??Programs for 2025: May program on fixing your old telescopes and a November program on what to give for telescope holiday gifts
• ? ? ? ??Working with Bob C. and longtime TAAS member Ernie to get a written history of the club

?Leslie made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:00 pm. Deb seconded the motion.

Deb

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Deb Fennell

Debskifennell1617@...

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<Resource for groups interested in outreach evnets.pdf><NightSkyNetworkLogForm.pdf>

On Nov 22, 2024, at 12:09?AM, John A. Sillasen via groups.io <jasillasen@...> wrote:

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At tonight's TAAS meeting during the Show & Tell section,? I shared a new ALL RED LED Headlamp that I purchased and am putting through it's paces. Deb asked me to share the link after the meeting for the TAAS membership.?Turns out, I wasn't the only one who thought this was a great idea - one where you don't have to worry about accidentally turning on a white light then blowing out your night vision, let alone everyone around you. Gerry also bought one when it came out. They were out of stock when I ordered it so I am just getting to using it now. Gerry told us he has not had to recharge it at all since he got it!

It's from Highpoint Scientific in New Jersey and is their store brand, Apertura. The model is the Ember, the Astronomers Headlamp. This is a Red LED Headlamp only.? No white lamp is included!

The unit is self contained with a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery.
It also contains 4 levels of red light illumination. Brightness from now where did that Allen Wrench go all the way down to reading star charts and still being able to see the stars without impacting your night vision.

It's Currently $24.95 @ Highpoint Scientific,? down from.$29.95 & comes with Free shipping & a one year warranty.?

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Check it out for yourself.?

John Sillasen?

On Fri, Nov 22, 2024 at 12:36 AM, John A. Sillasen via groups.io

<jasillasen@...> wrote:

With the lower end entry level models of solar telescopes being 40-60 mm objectives,? it's pretty interesting to see that Sky-Watcher USA introduces their first Hydrogen Alpha entry at 76 mm.? Such an odd size. Maybe we will learn why at today's Sky-Watcher USA What's Up Webcast. It is live on their YouTube Channel at 1 PM ET.

Just click in the graphic below to go to their channel. If you go there before 1 PM ET, you may set a reminder on their channel.?

Looking forward to learning more about this new Ha telescope myself.?

John Sillasen?

News and events from the folks at Sky-Watcher USA ? This week on the ?we are changing plans! We were supposed to have our holiday gift guide but we have something we just couldn't wait to tell you about.? Introducing the ! Join us as we take a deep dive on our new addition to the Sky-Watcher family. The Heliostar 76 is our first dedicated H-alpha solar telescope which includes some unique technology to allow it to perform like more advanced systems. We take you through the scope, its performance, offerings and more! ? What's Up? is a live webcast held every Friday from 10am to 11am Pacific on the. Each week we take a dive into a new astronomical topic: gear, visual & imaging techniques, interviews and more.? All What's Up? Webcasts are free by tuning to . Can't watch it live? That's OK, all webcasts can be watched again and again whenever you like by visiting our YouTube channel.? ? Copyright ? 2024 Sky-Watcher USA, All rights reserved. Be Amazed www.skywatcherusa.com Our mailing address is: 475 Alaska Ave, Torrance, CA 90503

On Nov 21, 2024, at 4:15?PM, John A. Sillasen via groups.io <jasillasen@...> wrote:

?I've got a quick show and tell to add to the agenda someplace. Almost always do when I'm in person.

Last time wasn't astronomy related but my Can-Am Spyder RT Limited was definitely show and tell.?

Yes, if John Natale is present, I will have Robert Reeves Photographic Atlas of the Moon for him - if he didn't buy one already.? If he didn't,? we'll, someone else may want it.

John Sillasen?

On Thu, Nov 21, 2024 at 3:55 PM, Deb Fennell via groups.io

<debskifennell1617@...> wrote:

Hope to see lots of you at Olin Science Center Room 113 at 7:00 p.m.?

Hard copies of agenda will be available at the meeting.?

Thames Amateur Astronomical Society (TAAS) Meeting Nov. 21, 2024 @ 7pm, Olin Science Center Room 113

AGENDA

1.?????? Welcome, introductions, personal news to report; equipment discussion old and new

2.?????? Membership/Treasurer Report

3.?????? President’s Report-our name/Lee’s astrophotography presentation; when to schedule

4.?????? Night Sky Network Coordinator Report

a.?????? Upcoming Outreach Events

b.?????? Things to think about for 2025

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?i.?????? How many events (per week/month/year)

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?ii.??????? What groups are our priority

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?iii.??????? When do we want events

c.?????? HANDOUTS: How to Partner with Your Local Astronomy Club/NSN Outreach Log Report

5.?????? The “Conn College Conundrum”

a.?????? New home for Optomechanics RC Scope

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? i.?????? Do we know of any possible new location

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ii.??????? Can the club tackle this project

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? iii.??????? Does the club want to tackle this project

b.?????? Work to do for new scope

6.?????? Other Business

7.?????? Adjournment (Motion Needed)

Deb

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Deb Fennell

Debskifennell1617@...

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On Thu, Nov 21, 2024 at 3:55 PM, Deb Fennell via groups.io

<debskifennell1617@...> wrote:

Hope to see lots of you at Olin Science Center Room 113 at 7:00 p.m.?

Hard copies of agenda will be available at the meeting.?

Thames Amateur Astronomical Society (TAAS) Meeting Nov. 21, 2024 @ 7pm, Olin Science Center Room 113

AGENDA

1.?????? Welcome, introductions, personal news to report; equipment discussion old and new

2.?????? Membership/Treasurer Report

3.?????? President’s Report-our name/Lee’s astrophotography presentation; when to schedule

4.?????? Night Sky Network Coordinator Report

a.?????? Upcoming Outreach Events

b.?????? Things to think about for 2025

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?i.?????? How many events (per week/month/year)

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?ii.??????? What groups are our priority

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?iii.??????? When do we want events

c.?????? HANDOUTS: How to Partner with Your Local Astronomy Club/NSN Outreach Log Report

5.?????? The “Conn College Conundrum”

a.?????? New home for Optomechanics RC Scope

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? i.?????? Do we know of any possible new location

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ii.??????? Can the club tackle this project

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? iii.??????? Does the club want to tackle this project

b.?????? Work to do for new scope

6.?????? Other Business

7.?????? Adjournment (Motion Needed)

Deb

?

Deb Fennell

Debskifennell1617@...

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