Boyscout Troop 282 came out to camp at CE to earn their Astronomy Badge, and we were asked to give them a hand. Frank, Theo and Jack came out and guided them through the requirements, using all the NSN kits we have. Unfortunately, Hurricane Sandy send some thin high clouds our way, obstructing a lot what we could see. Despite this, I believe the scouts learned a lot and came pretty far through the requirements for the badge. Click the image to go to the gallery.

A great meeting in which Annette Pierre made a presentation about the relationship between Nebulas. Jeff Rebitzke did present John Towne’s monthly “What’s Up”, since John was unable to attend. Following the meeting a large crowd including students/parents of the Stone mountain middle school and the Dunwoody Charter School joined us for stargazing and the Orionid Meteor Shower. Click the image to link to the gallery for more pictures.

We did two events for Harbour Oaks Montessori school who was visiting at Charlie Elliott. At noon we let them observe the sun and showed them how tiny we are in our solar system.  In the evening they learnerd more about the solar system and the planets and saw a special presentation about the NASA’s MSL Curiosity Rover and learned how it got to Mars, and then they observed the moon and some night time sky objects.  It was so great to do this for the fourth year in a row for this fine school. 

We did not know if this would be a flop or if the clouds would give way and it would be a great success.  Yesterday at 11:00 a.m. we got together and were hoping for the best.  We felt we had to stick it out  even if the weather would not cooperate because of all the publicity made.  And it did work out.  We had a number of great events and several of our members participated in the Stone Mountain event.  Click here for pictures to the respective events:  Bay Creek Park in Grayson/Loganville,  Homer Sharp Field in Covington and Little Mulberry Park in Auburn.  I would like to thank all, too many to call by name, that stuck it out with us, and the many, many “thanks yous” we received show us that these events in the middle of the communities really work.  Also thanks to those who showed neighbors, friends and others what Venus looked like during the transit  through their telescopes.
Truely an event that none of us expect to see again…..
Clear skies,
Theo

Frank and Theo did a three day outreach event for 12 classes at Memorial Middle School on 5/16, 5/17, and 5/18. In the classroom, Theo made a presentation to the 6th graders about how NASA helps study the Sun with satellites like SOHO, SDO and Stereo A and B. They also learned about how the sun can affect our lives on Earth and how the Earth protects us from some of the bad emissions of the Sun. Outside, the students were able to observe the sun in white light and H-alpha, and learned about the relative sizes of the Sun and Earth. (Click the thumbnail for more pictures of the events)

Frank and I spend a long day yesterday moving/delivering our large scopes to their new babysitters. Our webpage will soon reflect who is babysitting them. In addition, we now have the 16″ EQ in the trailer. This mount is in working condition and now can be moved easily to the Jon Wood Field for observing. The 12″ Optical Craftsman that was occupying the trailer up to now is in need of repair. The electronics started smoking a long time ago. So now we have the equipment ready for some more afternoon activity at the field as has been suggested by some of the newer members. We were happy to get ready for that.
Here is our Babysitter page on the web.

A great potluck dinner meeting during which we showed the APOD pictures of 2011. Dinner was followed by Steve Phillips’ “December 2011 – Observing 101″. With clear but cold skies, a good crowd made it to the “Jon Wood Astronomy Field”, to observe an ISS pass, the Spy plane and a number night sky objects. A cold but beautiful night sky. Click here for some pictures
Clear Skies,
Theo

The Childrens School of Atlanta will be again at Charlie Elliott’s TODS program this coming Thursday October 13th, where we will do a solar session at noon and an evening program starting at 7:00 p.m. We are well staffed for the solar, but if you can spare the time, please let us know and come out to Charlie Elliott for this great group of students to let them experience the Universe.
Clear Skies,
Theo Ramakers

This coming Saturday October 8th we are scheduled for two events of the IOMN. Steve Phillips and Steve Siedentop are scheduled for 8:00 p.m. at the Starling Elementary School in Grayson, while Frank Garner and Theo Ramakers will setup in the Kroger Parking lot in Covington in front of Hibbett Sports around 6:00 p.m.. If you have time and would like to join them for this event, just come by with your scopes or binos, or just stop by.
Clear Skies,
Theo

So far we are planning for two teams to let people in our area look at the Moon during the International Observe the Moon Night on October 8th. Steve Phillips is planning to setup behind the Starling Elementary school, 1725 Grayson Hwy (GA Hwy 20), Grayson, GA 30017, around 8:00 p.m., while Frank and Theo are planning again to setup around 6:00 p.m. in the Kroger parking lot in Covington as they did last year. However, we could use some help. Steve is in need of 1 – 2 additional persons with binos or telescopes for the Grayson event. Anyone interested in coming and help out in Covington is also welcome. Please send a short email to the Yahoo group if you find that you can help out. If someone wants to setup at an additional site, please let me know the location and we can ask for volunteers for your location.
Thanks for considering, and making this international event a great success!
Clear skies,
Theo