Observatory's public sessions have universal appeal Nov 5, 2009
The public event, sponsored by the Department of Physical Sciences and the Amateur Astronomy Club, was offered to mark the 2009 International Year of Astronomy on Oct. 23. The United Nation's 62nd General Assembly made the "international year" proclamation to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Galileo's use of a telescope to study the skies and other scientific breakthroughs in astronomy. (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Local)
Shoot the Moon: NASA Plans Lunar Dust-Up Oct 9, 2009
And amateur astronomy buffs with telescopes who live west of the Mississippi may try to catch a glimpse of it through their own instruments because it will still be dark outside ... "A lot of telescopes will be tuning in," said Terry Mann, president of the Astronomical League, an umbrella group for local amateur astronomy societies. (CBS News)
First Family to See First Light Oct 6, 2009
Posted by Matthew Ota October 5, 2009 At 07:52 AM PDT Since there was poor coordination with the IYA people, there was poor coordination within the amateur astronomy community. There are many amateur astronomers across the country who have given hundreds if not thousand of hours of unpaid volunteer time with their equipment and expertise at local schools and other venues that would have been deserving of an invitation to participate in this historic White House outreach. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
Good Times at ALCON 2009 Aug 12, 2009
Many of the hallway and dinner conversations focused on strategies for attracting more young people to amateur astronomy ... Linda Prince Perhaps the most memorable experiences occurred when AOS president emeritus Sue Rose was awarded two great honors for her longstanding contributions to the Society and amateur astronomy. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
Tweeting Shooting Stars: World's First Mass Participation Meteor Star Party Aug 12, 2009
With UK amateur astronomy societies and astronomers around the world taking part, the Twitter Meteorwatch should reach tens of thousands of people. Richard Fleet, President of Newbury Astronomical Society is delighted that so many people are involved. (Science Daily)
Observe the Moon Night at NASA Ames Jul 30, 2009
Across the country, amateur astronomy clubs will be setting up their telescopes and offering the public opportunities to conduct first-hand exploration of the lunar surface. NASA's LCROSS (Lunar CRater Observation and Sensing Satellite) mission and the NASA Lunar Science Institute will join with local amateur astronomers to host one of these events. (NASA Watch)
This Week's Sky at a Glance Jul 29, 2009
"Rational and innocent entertainment of the highest kind." John Mills, 19th century Scottish manufacturer and founder of , on amateur astronomy. To be sure to get the current Sky at a Glance, bookmark this URL. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
Backyard astronomer spots big bang on Jupiter Jul 23, 2009
Mike Salway, who runs the Australian amateur astronomy community website , said astronomers around the world were raving about the discovery. "Amateur astronomers are all over it at the moment - they all had their telescopes out last night looking for it," he said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
All S&T Observing Blogs Jul 5, 2009
com - Observing Blog. Contributor Guidelines. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
Meade ETX-LS Is Now Shipping Jun 17, 2009
Meade Instruments (NasdaqGM: MEAD), the leading designer and manufacturer of telescopes and optical accessories for both professional and amateur astronomy enthusiasts worldwide, announced today that it has begun shipping its award-winning ETX-LS automated telescope to its retail channels ... based Meade Instruments is the leading designer and manufacturer of telescopes and optical accessories with an enviable worldwide reputation for its well-engineered products that enable both professional... (SkyAndTelescope.com)
What’s Happening Jun 5, 2009
Smithsonian Institution s Whipple Observatory on Mount Hopkins will have an open house and star party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Observing will begin next to the visitors center after 7:45 p.m. with telescopes provided by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association and Sonora Astronomical Society. On view: Saturn, double stars, star clusters and a crescent moon. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
A View Back Into Time May 11, 2009
In the 1920s, Russell Porter, considered the father of amateur astronomy in the U.S., created the Porter Garden Telescope. Less than twenty were made. (CBS News)
Dunlap Observatory Saved Apr 28, 2009
Canada's largest amateur astronomy club has come to an agreement with Metrus to ensure that the David Dunlap Observatory remains an active, vital part of the Richmond Hill community. Metrus Development purchased the Observatory and surrounding land from the University of Toronto last July and had been actively seeking an astronomy club to occupy the 74-year-old facility. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
The Case of the Stolen Sundial Apr 11, 2009
In the annals of amateur astronomy, few have the stature of Russell W. Porter. An artist, engineer, and polar explorer, Porter basically started amateur telescope making during the 1920s, when he lived in Springfield, Vermont. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
Daylight-Saving Time? Bah, Humbug! Mar 23, 2009
J. Kelly Beatty I don't know about you, but our annual switch to daylight time (called "summer time" most everywhere outside the U.S.) does amateur astronomy no favors. Most nights, by the time Sagittarius is up high enough to be seen well, I'm ready to put my head down for sleep. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
Community College looks to the stars Mar 12, 2009
This spring will mark two full years since the observatory was opened, and the college is celebrating by offering two open community nights - one was held March 9 and another is coming up on April 13 from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. MCCC astronomy instructor Kelli Spangler organizes the events with the help of her astronomy students - who help out in exchange for extra credit - and some area amateur astronomy clubs. "A community night was just obvious," Spangler said of the idea. (Ambler Gazette, PA)
> read more Feb 27, 2009
our species occupies a delicate small blue world. We have many problems, and sometimes we dont solve them very well. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
Job Opportunities Feb 8, 2009
Extensive familiarity with amateur astronomy is a plus. Applicants must be willing to relocate to the Boston metro area, so he or she can work closely with the magazines staff in Cambridge, Massachusetts. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
Hobby Q & A Feb 8, 2009
The editors of Sky & Telescope answer your questions about amateur astronomy. Just use the search box at the bottom of this page to search our database. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
An Old Warrior Telescope Lives On Feb 8, 2009
" The plank's impact left Tombaugh's thigh with a visible impression of everything that was in his pocket.The telescope's massive steel superstructure was so sturdy that Tombaugh made a decision not to put a structure of any sort around it no dome, no sliding roof, nothing. The telescope simply stood outdoors against the elements with its optics protected by firmly fitting covers. By the mid-1980s Tombaugh and I began a close friendship, which lasted the rest of his life. One evening we set up... (SkyAndTelescope.com)
