In conjunction with the NEAF
Astronomy Expo!
In the past decade, NEAIC has grown in
both size and stature, becoming one of the most eagerly
anticipated astronomical imaging conferences in the United
States.
Devoted to all aspects of Astronomical Imaging,
this two-day event hosts leaders and acknowledged experts in
extra solar planets, variable stars, minor planets,
asteroids, comets, and supernova research with the intention
of fostering pro-am collaborations.
With attendance
expected to be more than 200, you will be very busy both days
networking and learning from both amateur, semi-pro, and
professional astronomers.
The Director of NEAIC is Bob
Moore. He has been at the helm for nine of NEAIC's eleven
years.
Bob's successful vision of NEAIC is to make it a
well rounded Astro imaging conference by including a line of
advanced deep sky aesthetic imaging, planetary and solar
talks, scientific imaging talks, and a full line of basic how
to imaging talks to include all of the above on a beginner
level. All would agree that he's done a great job!
I
have been invited to present a series of programs on Solar Imaging this
April, 2018.
BoBfest!!
Regional
Gathering of Amateur Astronomers at Catawba Science Center
from 9:00am until 5:00pm Join us at the *NEW* location in
Hickory! 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601 catawbascience.org
(828) 322-8169
Basic astronomy talks (not deep academic stuff), BIG
astronomy vendor(s), displays, door prizes, and light
refreshments. FREE Event! Everyone Welcome! In the West Wing building of the SALT Block at the Catawba
Science Center.
I gave two table top Forums on Solar imaging and
Multiple Wavelength viewing and imaging in 2017. During the Solar
Observing sessions I will have H-Alpha, Calcium H, Sodium D
and Continuum filters available for viewing.
We sure could use solar eclipse glasses...
On August 20th from 1-4pm I, along with my wife, Dorothy and associates, Pam and Randy Shivak will be providing a "SOLAR STAR PARTY" at CAMP SOLARACTIVITY, at the Grace Chapel Church campground in Smith's Ferry, Idaho. We will have multiple viewing opportunities on hand to demonstrate safe solar viewing.
We will be illustrating proper use of Solar Eclipse glasses, projection methods, and will also have multiple narrow band SAFE Solar Telescopes on hand.
I look forward to meeting y'all on the 20th and sharing our very own star up close and personal.
At 8pm I will also be giving a presentation to further reinforce EYE SAFETY during the eclipse as well as to talk about some of the exciting things you will see during the eclipse.
Since this is the first eclipse to cross the continental US in almost a decade, many of us are "in the dark" about what events take place during an eclipse and when they happen during the almost 3 hour long duration of the eclipse.
The key to seeing these features is to know where & when to look. I will share multiple methods of viewing the partial phases of the eclipse and some of the little less known features of Totality, like Shadow Bands, Bailey's Beads, the Diamond Ring, Solar Prominences, the Corona and Magnetic Field Loops and Streamers.
I'll also talk about some of the conditions goin on around us as totally and the shadow of the moon race overhead and engulf us in darkness. We'll see what stars and planets will appear during our two minutes and 12 seconds of darkness.
In Washington, DC, on Friday June 2th from 6 to 11 pm, visitors will be a given a free guided tour of the sky at the 8th Annual Astronomy Festival on the National Mall. This free public stargazing is organized by Dr. Donald Lubowich, Coordinator of Astronomy Outreach at Hofstra University. The Astronomy Festival on the National Mall (AFNM) will feature solar, optical, and radio telescope observations of the Sun, Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn; hands-on activities, demonstrations, hand-outs, posters, banners, and videos; a planetarium show with a portable blow-up dome, speakers from scientific and educational organization, and a chance to mingle with astronomers.
Dr. Lubowich and local amateur astronomers will set up twenty telescopes on the Mall. Starting at 6 pm, visitors will be able to view sunspots with the help of specially filtered telescopes. After dusk and until 11 p.m. telescopes will provide close-up views of the Moon, Saturn with its beautiful rings, Jupiter and its moons, colorful double stars, and star clusters that sparkle like diamonds on black velvet.
The June 2nd, 2017 Astronomy Fest on the National Mall was a HUGE success by any measure. It was the 8th year for this esteemed event and we were proud to be invited to participate. From the time me we setup at 3pm until we tore down at 11pm, there was not an idle second at the eyepiece. The line to our scope went as far as the eye could see ALL DAY LONG.
Our
friend and colleague one of the Event Coordinators, Bob
Moore said rough early estimates were showing 10,000 +
people passing through. I believe it. This was the most
intense session I've ever participated in. I could not have
done this without Dorothy
O'Neal.
In over 40+ years of doing outreach
and reaching many thousands of viewers at my eyepieces or
attendees at my presentations, I never imagined the thrill of
introducing astronomy to over 10,000 souls IN ONE AFTERNOON.
Although physically draining, it was mentally challenging and exhilarating at the same time.
The Triennial Earth-Sun Summit, 2015
David Wexler and I at the Indiana Westin during the TESS Convention in 2015
2015 Triennial (TESS) Earth-Sun Summit in Indiana
On
Saturday, April 26th, 2015 Dorothy and I drove to downtown
Indianapols, Indiana to attend the 2015 TESS Convention. The
Triennial Earth-Sun Summit is jointly hosted by the American
Astronomical Society, Solar Physics Division and American
Geophysical Union, Space Physics Aeronomy Section.
They
invited SOLARACTIVITY Members to setup our Solar Telescopes
for the viewing pleasure of convention attendees. Here's what
they wrote about us in their program:
"Solar
Viewing in Multiple Frequencies
Sunday, 26 April - 9:00
am - 3:00 pm
The Solaractivity Astronomical
Association is a group of pro-am solar enthusiasts who share
their love of solar astronomy, solar imaging and solar
outreach efforts through the use of social media such as
Facebook, Twitter and Google +. Our global community, (over
22,000 members strong) hosts numerous annual outreach events
as we bring our love of all things solar to all the people of
the world.
SAA members will be setup on the
Executive Club Lounge Patio at the Westin Indianapolis. They
will have state of the art Hydrogen Alpha scopes on hand, a
Calcium K telescope and a white light scope for convention
goers to view the sun in multiple frequencies. See sparkling
views of Solar Prominences, Filaments, Sunspots, Granulation
Cells and even Super Granulation Networks with your own eyes
through our SAFE Solar Telescopes. We will even have solar
viewing glasses and a spectroscope on hand. Stop by and chat
with our presenters and see the sun like you've never seen it
before!"
We had over 100 convention goers
stop by for views in the scopes and to watch our slide shows
and presentations. Many were impressed with the state of our
amateur gear and the advances made in recent years in amateur
astro-imaging. When you are used to using the best solar gear
in the world on a daily basis, it was amazing for them to see
some of the images amateurs are cranking out on modest gear
today.
As far as tech, I think they were most impressed
with the new DAYSTAR QUARK and the Lunt Ca-K Module. I forget
who commented that making this gear affordable to the common
enthusiast is a worthwhile goal. I ccan't agree more!!
I
was proud to be representing our amateur community and
getting the same oohs and ahhhs out of pro astronomers as we
get out of school children. It just goes to show that our
love of the sun is not something common only to children. The
solar majesty is something that is inherent and undeniable in
each and every one of us.
We can all appreciate
the beauty and majesty of the center of our solar system and
giver of life to every living creature we know...
David
Wexler stopped by a couple of times. We had some great
conversations and he got me some really good info on
NASA's Solar Ambassador Program, of which I am now a member.
Thanks, David!!
— with David
Wexler at SOLARACTIVITY/TESS
SOLAR OBSERVING SESSION.
This is Julien Sharp. She was really enthusiastic about the views in the scope. — at SOLARACTIVITY/TESS SOLAR OBSERVING SESSION. | That's Katie Whitman checking out my Astrophotography book. I also forgot this gentleman's name. He's from the Observatory in Hawaii. — at SOLARACTIVITY/TESS SOLAR OBSERVING SESSION. |