“Experience the Universe at Charlie Elliott”
Join us for our next meeting at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, February 21st, 2015 at the Charlie Elliott Conference Center, Conference Room B. Questions? Contact one of our officers.
MEETING AGENDA
Exoplanets and Open Clusters!
Meeting Agenda
Sam Quinn, PhD candidate at Georgia State University, will join us in February to discuss his research involving exoplanets around stars in open clusters. Sam grew up under the dark skies of Vermont, and while astronomy wasn’t his childhood passion, it was always an interest because he was able to walk out on his back porch and see what we see on Jon Wood Astronomy Field and Deer Lick Astronomy Village. So, astronomy seemed a natural fit for his interest in science, math, and physics. Sam began his research in academia his sophomore year, focusing on binary star systems. Sam eventually wrote his undergraduate thesis on determining orbital properties of exoplanets, which he found are much like extreme mass ratio binary star systems. Sam spent four years continuing his research at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics supporting NASA’s Kepler mission and later would enroll as a PhD student at Georgia State University in 2011. Sam is now in his fourth year and his current research involves conducting a radial velocity survey for hot Jupiters in open clusters, with the goal of determining how these short period gas giants migrate so close to their host stars. Planet dynamics strongly shape the characteristics of planetary systems and his research will contribute to our assessment of the likelihood of life elsewhere in the universe. Sam will cover his survey, initial and new discoveries, and how experienced amateur astronomers have the ability to make significant contributions to the field. You can find out more about Sam and his research by visiting his webpage.
What’s Up
Charlie Elliott Astronomy Observing Supervisor John Towne will be giving a short presentation of what you can expect to see in the sky this month with binoculars and small telescopes as well as the monthly Charlie Elliott Observing Challenge. At the meeting, remember to ask John for the target list and SkyMap! The target list and presentation from the last meeting are available for download below.
Sunset Time Alert
While we would love for everyone to stay for the entire meeting, we realize that some folks prefer to leave a bit earlier so as to set up their equipment at the observing field before dark. If the meeting runs longer than planned, a “Sunset Time Alert” will be announced.
“Observing after the meeting”
All are invited to Jon Wood Astronomy Field immediately after the meeting (weather-permitting). You don’t have to be a member to attend the meeting or join us on Jon Wood Astronomy Field with your telescope (or just your eyeballs). Note: The security gate at the entrance to the main road leading up to the observing field closes at 10:00 p.m. You’ll be able to leave at any time, but you won’t be able to get in after 10:00 p.m. You will, however, be able to park near the gate and walk a few hundred feet to the observing field after 10:00 p.m.
Downloads from the Last Meeting
What’s Up Presentation
Charlie Elliott Target List
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Our Meeting Schedule for 2015!
January 17, February 21, March 21, April 18, May 16, June 20, July 18, August 22, September 19, October 17, November 14, December 12
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