2012 Stellafane Convention Schedule

Observing with the Hartness Turret Telescope

Weather permitting, we plan to have an observing session with the Hartness Turret Telescope beginning at 8:30 PM on Thursday at the Hartness House (see Map). We also expect several members of the Antique Telescope Society to have instruments set up on the lawn near the Hartness Turret Telescope, so viewing opportunities through other historic instruments is likely to be had.

Astronomy Activities for Children (Ages 5 -12)

There will be four 1-hour astronomy workshops for children held in the McGregor Observatory Library during the 2012 Stellafane Convention, and each session has a different activity. These astronomy workshops have been held at the Stellafane convention since 1995. Led by Dr. Kristine Larsen, of Central Connecticut State University and member of the Springfield Telescope Makers, each of the four 1-hour workshops includes several activities geared for children ages 5 - 12. Younger children are welcome but will need help from a parent. Due to space limitations, each workshop is limited to 25 children on a first-come basis. Each workshop has a different astronomical theme:

• Friday 11:00 AM to Noon: Comets
• Friday 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM: Craters
• Saturday 11:00 AM to Noon: The Sun
• Saturday 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Northern Lights

Myths of Mirror Making

Friday 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the McGregor Observatory Library (Advanced Topic).

STM master mirror-maker Dave Kelly will debunk myths about mirror making that persist from the early days of glass technology, including interferometry vs knife edge testing.

Getting Started in Solar Observing

Saturday 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the McGregor Observatory Library (Intermediate Topic).

During this presentation the audience will be introduced to the different methods used for observing our daytime star along with how to recognize the unique characteristics of the sun. Also, during this time, the listener will be shown how they can start doing solar observing.

Solar Observing

All attendees with solar filters or projection set-ups are encouraged to share the sun with other attendees. The McGregor and Porter Turret  will be set up for solar observing as well.

The History of New England Astronomy

Presented by Carl Malikowski, Friday 11:00 AM in the Flanders Pavilion (Intermediate Topic).

Discover how New England, particularly the Connecticut River Valley, had a pivotal role in Astronomy. We will be covering the demographics, people and event that have had an instrumental in shaping Astronomy as we know it today. Come join us and re-discover the past that shaped today and our future!

Solar System Walk

Presented by Al Tinker, Meet at Green Shed on south side of Clubhouse, Friday and Saturday 1:00 PM.

To illustrate the vast size of outer space, the Springfield Telescope Makers have constructed a scale model of the solar system, based on the Sun being 12 inches in diameter. At that scale, the Earth would be approximately 1/10 of an inch in diameter and 107 feet from the Sun. Jupiter would be 1.2 inches in diameter and approximately 560 feet from the Sun.

The “Solar System Walk” begins behind the Pink Clubhouse and proceeds down the road going towards the Stellafane camping area. At the appropriate distance, from the scale model of the Sun, there are stations with the appropriate planet, built to scale, and a short description of each planet. The Solar System walk can be taken on your own at any time during the convention. However, a guided walk is available at the times mentioned above, when docent Allen Tinker will provide additional information about the “Solar System Walk” and each particular planet. The walk takes approximately ¾ of an hour, if you walk all the way to the planet Neptune, with a total distance of 3,232 feet or a little over ½ of a mile.

Meteorites Show and Tell

Presented by Wayne Zuhl and Peter Sherff, Friday, 4:00 PM in the McGregor Observatory Library.

A variety of meteorites and other space-related objects will be displayed and explained.

A Dipper Full of Stars

Presented by Richard Sanderson, Saturday 11:00 AM in the Flanders Pavilion (New to Astronomy Topic).

Using stunning images of constellations, planets, and celestial objects, Richard Sanderson will lead an interpretive tour of the summer nighttime sky. He will describe how the sky appears to move throughout the night and from season to season, and explain the significance of the North Star. He will speculate about life on other worlds and show many of the prominent summer constellations. The presentation is aimed at beginners of all ages.

Pro-Am Collaboration:
Bringing 100 years of Photographic Plates into the 21st Century

Presented by Steve Lieber, Friday 1:00 PM in the Flanders Pavilion (Intermediate Topic)

Harvard Observatory holds the world's largest collection of glass plates. These astronomical photographs include an all sky study that lasted almost a century. This report will give details about this project, and the current efforts to digitize these plates and make them available on the web.

High Quality Astro-Imaging on the Cheap

Presented by Al Takeda, Friday (Intermediate Topic).
Talk 2:00 PM in the Flanders Pavilion; Demonstration 8:00 PM near the Domed Observatory (Saturday after the main talk if clouded out).

We have all seen the wonderful amateur images presented in various astronomy publications taken by cameras and telescopes that cost as much as a luxury car. Yet, in spite of that hurdle, many people would still like to dabble in astrophotography but not have to mortgage the house or go into debt to do it.

In this presentation, Al Takeda will discuss how to create great astrophotographs using low to moderately priced cameras and telescopes. Topics will include the types of cameras to choose, what telescopes or lenses to use, what imaging platform will work, what shutter releases to use, the targets to choose and what software to use to post process your captured photos. Al will demonstrate those low cost techniques in real time on Friday evening (Saturday evening if clouded out) using his astro-imaging system. The location will be next to the Domed Observatory.

Inside the Mind of a Judge:
Reflections on the Stellafane Telescope Making Competition

Presented by Dave Kelly, Friday, 4:00 PM in the Flanders Pavilion (Intermediate Topic)

Have you ever thought about making your own telescope, or have you made your own telescope and wondered if you should enter it into the Stellafane competition? Long-time judge Dave Kelly will explain the judging process and answer your questions about what the judges look for in an award-winning instrument.

Learning and Enjoying the Night Sky

Presented by Dave Siegrist, Friday, 10:00 PM in the McGregor Observatory Library. Held regardless of weather.
Dave will introduce beginners to observing the sky, including identifying the constellations, the Milky Way, etc.

Telescope Field Walk

Led by Carl Malikowski and John Vogt, Saturday, 10AM in front of the Clubhouse.

During the “Telescope Field Walk” experienced Amateur Telescope Makers will guide small groups through the fields around the Pink Clubhouse, where the telescopes that will be participating in the mechanical competition will be set up. They will describe the various types of optical designs and mounting configurations that will be on display, point out the subtle details that go into award winning telescopes and be available to answer your questions.

Restoration of a Classic 9½-inch Refractor

Presented by Alan Sliski, Saturday 1:00 PM in the Flanders Pavilion (Advanced Topic).

Al will give a talk about the restoration of a classic 9½ inch refractor, made by the Warner and Swasey company in 1916. The history of the company, the instrument and details of its construction and the processes used to clean and refinish the many parts and materials that make up the instrument. A description of the design of new optics and a replacement lens cell will also be presented.

Introduction to Collimation

Presented by Dick Parker, Saturday at 2:00 PM in the McGregor Observatory Library (Intermediate Topic)

“Collimation”, the process of ensuring that the optics of a telescope are aligned correctly, is critical to ensure that a telescope is providing the best images that it is capable of. This process may appear to be in the genre of advanced amateur astronomers but, in reality, is not nearly as difficult as you might think. This talk will discuss the basic steps beginners can take to ensure that the optics of their telescope are properly aligned and adjusted.

Light Weight Mirrors in the Age of Expensive Glass

Presented by Larry Shaper, Saturday 2:00 PM in the Flanders Pavilion (Advanced Topic).

With the escalating price of Borosilicate glass, this is a good time to test the limit of how little glass you can use to make a stable mirror. Although very light sandwich and cast cellular blanks are available, their cost is rather high. By tapering the thickness of a thin mirror blank and performing the Foucault test in the right way, an excellent, light weight mirror can be made.

Making and Using a Herschel Wedge - Pros and Cons

Presented by Paul Valleli, Saturday, 3:00 PM in the Flanders Pavilion (Advanced Topic)

Buying one-off optical components has become impractical in the United States due to labor costs. Observing the sun in white light presents a technical challenge but with the option of several alternatives. The speaker will discuss how an Optical Wedge is made, the alternative choices, and why the use of a Herschel wedge is attractive.

Introduction to Stellafane

Friday at 2:00PM and 7:00PM, Saturday at 10:00 AM in the McGregor Observatory Library (New to Astronomy topic).
Presented by Kim Cassia, Dennis Cassia, and Gary Cislak.

Are you familiar with these terms: “The Pink”, “Tent Talks” or “The Turret”? If not, if this is your first time attending the Stellafane convention or if you are retuning and want to learn more about who the Springfield Telescope Makers are, as well as what is going on during the convention, then this presentation is for you. Topics include, but are not limited to: A short history of Stellafane, a description of our site, including the buildings and landmarks, descriptions of the scheduled talks and activities, services available at Stellafane, local services off site, etc., in addition to answering any questions you may have about the convention.

Recent Science from Small Observatories: Asteroid Watchers

Presented by John Briggs of HUT Observatory, Eagle, Colorado, Friday at 3:00 PM in the Flanders Pavilion (Intermediate Topic)

Modern imaging and computer technology are allowing backyard and school observatories to participate on the world stage of asteroid science -- including the discovery of binary asteroids. The presentation will highlight recent results published in Minor Planet Bulletin and demonstrate some popular current techniques.

AAVSO: Getting started in Visual Variable Star Observing

Presented by Richard Kinne, Saturday 3:00 PM in the McGregor Observatory Library (intermediate Topic).
This talk will introduce the subject of visually observing variable stars. It will present a small bit of the history behind variable star observations, give an overview of the types of variable stars, and show how to find and make estimates of these star's brightness using both binoculars and small telescopes. A list of good starting stars will be given, as well as further reading recom­mendations.

Protecting those Expensive Large Optical Coatings

Presented by Mario Motta, Saturday, 4:00 PM in the Flanders Pavilion (Advanced Topic).
OK, you now have that large telescope of your dreams, but how will you insure that the heart of your telescope, the optics, will stay as clean and reflective as it was when you got your first view through it? Recoating a large optical mirror is a formidable, expensive, and risky task, and thus it is imperative that you protect it well. Dust does more than scatter light degrading contrast, it acts as a nidus for acidic moisture to collect on the mirror and strip your coatings. Repeated moisture, especially in this age of acid rain, wrecks coatings. In this talk Mario describes a method of building a CO2 snow gun to clean dust safely from optics, a system of dehumidifying and protecting optics from the ravages of dew in stored optics, and the importance of keeping optics clean and moisture free.

An Introduction to Telescopes for All Ages

Presented by Glenn Chaple & Alan French, Saturday, 5:00 PM in the McGregor Observatory Library (New to Astronomy Topic)

Adults and youngsters often become interested in astronomy and acquiring a telescope for exploring the heavens. With the plethora of telescopes on the market, buying your first telescope, or a telescope for a child, can be intimidating. In this program Alan French & Glenn Chapel will cover telescope basics (types, mounts, and eyepieces), telescopes suitable for children, and introduce you to observing and finding sights in the night sky.

Discover and Enjoy the Night Sky

Presented by Steve Dodson and John Briggs
Saturday, 10:00 PM in the McGregor Observatory Library (New to Astronomy Topic) Held regardless of weather and appropriate for all ages.

Using free Stellarium software, Steve and John will introduce beginners to observing the sky, including identifying the constellations, the Milky Way, and planets. Weather permitting we shall work outdoors after a brief, fun introduction in the Library.

Friday Evening Informal Talks

Friday evening at 8:30 p.m. Carl Malikowski, of the Springfield Telescope Makers, will conduct the informal talks in the Flanders Pavilion. If you wish to contribute a short talk during this session, please register online. Talks are limited to 10 minutes and 20 slides. The time limit will be strictly enforced! A 35-mm slide projector, overhead projector, VCR, and a digital projector will be available for your use. Note that if you plan to use the digital projector, you must bring your own laptop.

Mirror Making Demonstration

Tent north of the Flanders Pavilion, Friday Noon until 6:00 PM, Saturday 9:30 AM until 1:00 PM.
This is a HANDS-ON mirror making demonstration - Gain first-hand experience working on mirrors at every stage of grinding, polishing and testing. Experienced ATMs will help explain each step of the process and answer any questions you may have.

Shuttle Bus

The Shuttle Bus makes two stops in Stellafane East, one by the Food Tent and one by the main Camping Area (See Stellafane East Site Map (pdf)). It makes one stop on Breezy Hill near the Clubhouse.

The Porter/Hartness Museum of Amateur Telescope Making

The Porter/Hartness Museum of Amateur Telescope Making is located in the underground rooms at the Hartness House Inn. Visit the museum on Friday from 5:00pm to 8:00 pm or Sunday from 9:00am to Noon. Admission is free. Follow the signs in town to the Hartness House at 30 Orchard Street of VT-143 (Map). Many of the items on display are by or about Russell W. Porter, including the Springfield and Garden telescopes. His artwork traces his arctic exploration years to his work on the 200" Palomar telescope, culminating in his famous cutaway drawings. Other items of interest include early telescopes and mirror making parts.  The Hartness turret telescope, with its 10" Brashear objective, may also be inspected.

Telescope Optical & Mechanical Competition

Detailed information about the Telescope Competition is on the Telescope Competition Page.

Meteorite Men Book Signing

Book signing with Geoff Notkin and Steve Arnold. Geoff will have copies of his books for sale and he and Steve will be available for signings. (if the weather is an issue, this will have to be moved).

Meteorite Men Cocktail Hour Meet and Greet

There will be a reception with the Meteorite Men at the Hartness House on Friday. The event will begin at 5:30pm and go until 8pm. The cost to attend is $20 per person. Hors D'oeuvres will be served and there will be a cash bar at the Telescope Tavern. Soft drinks will also be available. Geoff Notkin and Steve Arnold will be holding a meet and greet session, will have meteorites for sale, including a special item commemorating their visit to Stellafane. There will also be a panel discussion to be held in the last hour of the event. Wayne Zuhl of the Springfield Telescope makers will be the host/emcee for the evening.

Saturday Evening Program

The evening program will begin at 7:00 p.m. Saturday in the hillside amphitheater (In case of inclement weather, the program will be held inside the pavilion). Bob Morse, of the Springfield Telescope Makers, will be master of ceremonies.

• Greetings, announcements, children's raffle and raffle drawing
• Stellafane Shadowgram: Allen Tinker
• Presentation of Telescope Competition Awards
• Stellafane Keynote Talk: The Meteorite Men

Saturday Swap Tables & Commercialism Policy

The Swap Tables (located at the northeast edge of the main camping/parking area) are provided to give amateurs an opportunity to trade, buy or sell their surplus astronomical and telescope related items. They operate from 7:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

POLICY OF THE SPRINGFIELD TELESCOPE MAKERS REGARDING COMMERCIALISM
AND THE SWAP TABLES AT THE CONVENTION

The Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. has clarified its policy regarding commercialism and Swap Table sales at the Stellafane convention. For the sake of historical continuity, to preserve the uniqueness of the Stellafane convention and to encourage conventioneers to build their own instruments, the Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. do not allow commercial sales, of any kind, at the Stellafane convention. All swap table sales must comply, in concept, with the above objective but are also specifically subject to the following criteria:

1.  Only surplus astronomical, telescope and telescope making related items may be sold.
2.  Each person will be allowed 16 square feet of table or ground space.
3.  Items which have the appearance of being specifically purchased or manufactured for sale at the Swap Tables may not be sold.
4.  All sales must take place within the designated Swap Table area only between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., the Saturday of the Stellafane convention.
   

The Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. may choose to grant a limited exception to the above policies to astronomy related organizations for their fundraising. Any request for an exemption must be made, in writing, at least one month prior to the convention. If granted, the President of the Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. will notify the requesting organization in writing.

Any member of the Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. has the authority to determine whether a party is in compliance with the established regulations. Any person who is found to be in violation of the stated policies will be required to comply. Failing compliance, the offending party will be asked to leave the convention and may be escorted from the premises by convention security.

The Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. encourages those with questions regarding this policy to contact the Club
via the Stellafane web page (www.stellafane.com). During the convention, any questions regarding this policy, the appropriateness of items being displayed, or any information being disseminated should be directed to a member of the Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc.