2015 Stellafane Convention Schedule

 Friday Evening Informal Talks

Fri 08:30 pm -

Flanders Pavilion

Bruce Beford, MC

Short presentations by Convention Attendees

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.

 Swap Tables

Sat 07:00 am - 12:00 pm

Swap Table Area - North of Main Camping Area

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 noon, 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 (http://Stellafane.org). 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.

 Saturday Evening Program & Keynote Talk

Sat 07:00 pm -

Amphitheater (Flanders Pavilion if rain)

Includes Keynote, Shadowgram, Raffle & Awards

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 Flanders Pavilion). John Gallagher, of the Springfield Telescope Makers, will be master of ceremonies.

• Greetings, announcements, children's raffle and raffle drawing
• Stellafane Shadowgram: How Stellafane Created Amateur Astronomy in America by John Bortle
• Presentation of Telescope Competition Awards
• Stellafane Keynote Talk: New Horizons Mission to Pluto and Beyond by Alan Stern, Principal Investigator

 Telescope Competition

Fri 05:00 pm -  8:00 pm	Clubhouse		Optical and Mechanical Registration
Fri 10:00 pm -	Fields around Clubhouse		Optical Competition Begins
Sat 08:00 am -  9:30 am	Clubhouse		Mechanical (and Optical if needed) Registration
Sat 10:00 am -  1:00 pm	Fields around Clubhouse		Mechanical Competition
Sat 10:00 pm -	Fields around Clubhouse		Optical Competition (Only if not held Friday)

Details are on the Telescope Competition Page

 Telescope Making Demo

Fri 10:00 am -  4:00 pm	Tent north of Pavilion	Organized by Glenn Jackson	ATM Demo Hours
Fri 10:00 am - 10:30 am	Tent north of Pavilion	Presented by Rick Hunter	Intro & Rough Grinding
Fri 10:30 am - 11:00 am	Tent north of Pavilion	Presented by Rick Hunter	Fine Grinding
Fri 11:00 am - 11:30 am	Tent north of Pavilion	Presented by Junie Esslinger	Making Dental Stone Tools
Fri 11:30 am - 12:00 pm	Tent north of Pavilion	Presented by Phil Rounseville	Making Pitch Laps
Fri 01:00 pm -  1:45 pm	Tent north of Pavilion	Presented by Dave Groski	Polishing & Figuring
Fri 02:00 pm -  4:00 pm	Tent north of Pavilion	Presented by Dave Kelly	Testing (Bring your own mirror)
Fri 03:00 pm -  4:00 pm	Tent north of Pavilion	Presented by Ken Slater	Dobsonian Basics
Sat 10:00 am -  4:00 pm	Tent north of Pavilion	Organized by Glenn Jackson	ATM Demo Hours
Sat 10:00 am - 10:30 am	Tent north of Pavilion	Presented by Rick Hunter	Intro & Rough Grinding
Sat 10:30 am - 11:00 am	Tent north of Pavilion	Presented by Rick Hunter	Fine Grinding
Sat 11:00 am - 11:30 am	Tent north of Pavilion	Presented by Junie Esslinger	Making Dental Stone Tools
Sat 11:30 am - 12:00 pm	Tent north of Pavilion	Presented by Phil Rounseville	Making Pitch Laps
Sat 01:00 pm -  1:45 pm	Tent north of Pavilion	Presented by Dave Groski	Polishing & Figuring
Sat 02:00 pm -  4:00 pm	Tent north of Pavilion	Presented by Dave Kelly	Testing (Bring your own mirror)
Sat 03:00 pm -  4:00 pm	Tent north of Pavilion	Presented by Ken Slater	Dobsonian Basics

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.

Bring your own mirror for testing between 2:00 and 4:00 PM either day.

The 24" mirror we have been working on for several years will be available for grinding - please sign the log book when you work on it.

 The History of New England Astronomy

Fri 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Flanders Pavilion

Presented by Carl Malikowski

Discover how New England, particularly the Connecticut River Valley, had a pivotal role in Astronomy. We will be covering the demographics, people and events that have been 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

Fri 01:00 pm -  2:00 pm	Meet at Green Shed near Clubhouse	Presented by Allen Tinker
Sat 01:00 pm -  2:00 pm	Meet at Green Shed near Clubhouse	Presented by Allen Tinker

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.

 Breezy Hill Rocks!

Fri 03:00 pm -  4:00 pm	Meet at Pink Clubhouse	Jessica Johnson	A Geology Tour
Sat 03:00 pm -  4:00 pm	Meet at Pink Clubhouse	Jessica Johnson	A Geology Tour

This will start at the Pink Clubhouse. College student Jessica Johnson will give a brief, basic background on the overall geology of the area, and then guide the group around Breezy Hill, identifying some of the cool rocks and minerals that can be found.

 Sheep, Shadows & Showers:
 Chasing a Solar Eclipse in the Faroe Islands

Fri 04:00 pm -  5:00 pm

McGregor Observatory Library

Presented by Kris Larsen

This talk will chronicle Kris Larsen's unexpectedly successful trip to the Faroe Islands in March 2015 to witness a total solar eclipse.

 Introduction to Stellafane

Fri 07:00 pm -  8:00 pm	McGregor Observatory Library	Presented by Kim & Dennis Cassia
Sat 10:00 am - 11:00 am	McGregor Observatory Library	Presented by Kim & Dennis Cassia

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 returning 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.

 Telescope Field Walk

Sat 10:00 am -

Meet at Front of Clubhouse

Led by Carl Malikowski and John Vogt

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.

 A Dipper Full of Stars

Sat 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Flanders Pavilion

Presented by Richard Sanderson

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.

 An Introduction to Telescopes for All Ages

Sat 04:00 pm -  5:00 pm

McGregor Observatory Library

Presented by Alan French and Glenn Chaple

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 and Glenn Chaple 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 (Held regardless of weather)

Sat 10:00 pm -

McGregor Observatory Library

Presented by Steve Dodson & John Briggs

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.

 These Are Not Your Mother’s Sundials

Fri 01:00 pm -  2:00 pm

Flanders Pavilion

Presented by Sara J. Schechner

Made of silver, gilt brass, ivory, wood, and stone, these exquisite sundials made between 1500 and 1900 will delight and surprise you. Some are pocket-sized and portable. Others are fine sculpture and princely treasure. And all do more than simply find the time. Learn the stories they tell of race, empire, labor, religion, fashion, and politics.

 Deep Sky Imaging with Small Scopes

Fri 02:00 pm -  3:00 pm	Flanders Pavilion	Presented by Al Takeda	Talk
Fri 08:00 pm -  9:00 pm	Near Domed Observatory	Presented by Al Takeda	Demo

Once upon a time the only way to image dim astro objects was to use very large diameter telescope optics, the larger the better. Advances in camera technology have changed that equation. Spectacular images can be acquired using smaller diameter telescopes. In this presentation, Al Takeda will discuss how to use smaller telescopes to image some of those fainter objects. Topics will include the type of telescopes to use, astronomical targets to choose, cameras to use, and mechanical issues using small scopes. Al will demonstrate some of these techniques, in real time on Friday evening only, using his astro-imaging system. The location will be near the Domed Observatory at 8:00PM on Friday.

 Twinkle Little Star, Power= I squared R

Fri 03:00 pm -  4:00 pm

Flanders Pavilion

Presented by Alan Rifkin

This talk will cover basic electronics for telescope makers, including how to work with and control motors, lights, switches, batteries and heaters. "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Power= I squared R" is how we remember one of the two basic equations in electricity. The other is V=IR. Those two, and a little algebra, is all the math you need for 95% of the things you will be doing when working with electricity.

 Restoration of a 1916 Warner & Swasey Telescope

Fri 04:00 pm -  5:00 pm

Flanders Pavilion

Presented by Alan Sliski

This talk will cover a few aspects of the telescope’s restoration, and the history around the telescopes made by Warner and Swasey. The idea of first designing then making instruments with standard, interchangeable parts was relatively new and pioneered by machine tool builders in the Connecticut River Valley. This telescope is a wonderful example of Industrial Art from the Turn of the Last Century, and inspired what we call Steampunk today.

 The Integration of Maksutov Telescope Design Into ATM

Sat 01:00 pm -  2:00 pm

McGregor Library

Presented by Richard Sanderson

This talk investigates the fascinating life of Dmitri Maksutov and the development of the telescope that made his name a household word among serious stargazers all over the world. It then focuses on how this optical design was embraced by advanced amateur telescope makers in the United States during the 1950s, primarily at Stellafane, raising the bar to a new level of telescope quality and sophistication among amateurs. The talk also provides a quaint look back in time at the pre-Dobsonian days, which are rapidly fading from memory.

 Seeing Red - Observing Carbon Stars

Sat 03:00 pm -  4:00 pm

McGregor Library

Presented by Glenn Chaple

Glenn will discuss the nature of carbon stars, a history of their study, and conclude with tips on locating and observing them. He will also provide information on the Astronomical League's Carbon Star observing program.

 Science with your DSLR Camera

Sat 01:00 pm -  2:00 pm

Flanders Pavilion

Presented by Arne A. Henden

It doesn't take expensive equipment to acquire precision measurements of stellar brightness - your DSLR (or in some cases, your Point-and-Shoot camera) along with a tripod (or eyepiece adapter), are all that is needed. Inexpensive software can extract the brightness information from your images. Observing stars that change in brightness ("variable stars") is a simple way to contribute to science, and fun at the same time! You get to follow transient objects like novae, or measure slowly pulsating objects like Mira variables. This talk will show a couple of cameras, how to set them up, and how to make and report observations to the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO).

 Unfinished Business II: An Update on the Installation of a Spectrohelioscope

Sat 02:00 pm -  3:00 pm

Flanders Pavilion

Presented by Matt Considine

In the 1930s a project was started to install a Hale-style spectrohelioscope at Stellafane. But a fire destroyed the diffraction grating and ended the project. In 2007 a spectrohelioscope was donated to the Springfield Telescope Makers, and this is an update on its installation.

 Why Asteroid Light Curves?

Sat 03:00 pm -  4:00 pm

Flanders Pavilion

Presented by Dr. Daniel A. Klinglesmith III

With the hardware and software tools available today it is relatively easy for most anyone with a 10-14 inch computer controlled telescope and a digital camera to monitor the brightness variations of an asteroid as it rotates on its polar axis. Rotation periods range from a little more than 2 hours up to hundreds of hours. The shape of the light curve and amplitude will vary from season to season. From these variations it is possible to estimate the 3-D shape of the asteroid. This will allow asteroid mission planners to determine how to approach and maintain orbit around an asteroid.

 The Advanced Observing Programs of the Texas Star Party

Sat 04:00 pm -  5:00 pm

Flanders Pavilion

Presented by Larry Mitchell

Larry Mitchell is the Chairman for the TSP Advanced Observing Program, and the talk will include some of the best and most unusual Objects that have been included during the 16 years of the program's existence. The goal is to get people to visually observe objects they may have never heard of, or thought they could see and to successfully make their observations with modest sized telescopes. Most people are better telescope technicians than they think they are and clean optics and patience will reward those who try the lists. Larry has had a lot of fun with the Advanced Observing Program, and he is looking forward to presenting some of the objects and the science that makes each a unique and special object.

 HH Workshop: Innovation in Astronomy Education & Outreach

Thu 08:30 am -  5:00 pm	Hartness House	Hosted by John Briggs	Workshop (Separate Registration)
Thu 06:00 pm -  8:00 pm	Hartness House	Hosted by John Briggs	Dinner (Separate Registration)

Workshop and Dinner information is here. Separate registration and fees apply.

 Astronomy Activities for Children

Fri 11:00 am - 12:00 pm	McGregor Observatory Library	Starry Starry Night	Ages 5-12; Limited to first 25
Fri 02:00 pm -  3:00 pm	McGregor Observatory Library	You Light Up My Life	Ages 5-12; Limited to first 25
Sat 11:00 am - 12:00 pm	McGregor Observatory Library	Too Much Time on My Hands	Ages 5-12; Limited to first 25
Sat 02:00 pm -  3:00 pm	McGregor Observatory Library	I Can See Clearly Now	Ages 5-12; Limited to first 25

There will be four 1-hour astronomy workshops for children; each session has a different activity. These astronomy workshops have been held at the Stellafane convention since 1995. Led by Dr. Kristine Larsen, Professor of Astronomy at Central Connecticut State University and a 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: This year they are all related to the International Year of Light.

• Friday 11:00 AM to Noon: Starry Starry Night:
  A series of activities centered around the constellations.
• Friday 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM: You Light Up My Life:
  Activities focusing on light, including UV beads, spectroscopy, diffraction, and fluorescent rocks.
• Saturday 11:00 AM to Noon: Too Much Time on My Hands:
  Telling time by the sun, moon, and stars, including sundials and sunclocks.
• Saturday 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM: I Can See Clearly Now:
  Activities introducing kids to lenses, mirrors and telescopes.

First-come, first-served and limited to 25 children each session. Late-comers may be turned away.

 Stellafane Rosetta Project

Fri 01:00 pm -  5:00 pm

Mirror Lab room in the Flanders Pavilion

Presented by Paul Fucile

(Teens 12-16)

Stellafane Teen program participants will learn about the mission and technology behind the European Space Agency spacecraft Rosetta and lander module Philae. Launched in March of 2004 with a primary mission of studying the Comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P), the 11+ year journey to 67P also involved flybys of Mars and two other asteroids. Rosetta began to orbit 67P in August of 2014 and in November successfully launched the Philae Lander to the comet surface.

This will be a hands on class where the group will work together to construct a Rosetta inspired system that will be demonstrated at the Convention. Each participant will have the opportunity to fine tune or modify their take home project during a special dinner hour session.

Attendance will be first-come first-served. If you are 100% sure your teen will attend convention and will want to attend this event, then you’ll need to get them on the list. Please email us directly at robots@stellafane.org. You will receive a manual reply to let you know your status. When space is filled, we will add the next two names to a waiting list. If space is not filled through preregistration we will accept others first-come first served at the event, until the class is full.

Special note: There will be a lot of specialized instruction so you will need to be on time!

 Telescope Making For Teens

Sat 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Bunkhouse

Presented by "Stargazer" Steve Dodson

Ages 12-16

Under Steve's guidance, the group will build an 8-inch Dobsonian Newtonian telescope. Teens aged 12-16 who take part in the entire activity (stay the whole 90 minutes) will receive a special raffle ticket. The winner of the telescope will be drawn at the Saturday night program. You must be present to win and must take the telescope home with you (no shipping is available). Limited to the first 12 participants – so arrive early!

 Solar Observing Hour

Fri 02:00 pm -  3:00 pm	Observing Fields		Please set up your Solar Scope and Share
Sat 02:00 pm -  3:00 pm	Observing Fields		Please set up your Solar Scope and Share

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.

 Free Time

Fri 05:00 pm -  7:00 pm	Relax or Enjoy Dinner		No on-site talks or demos scheduled
Sat 06:00 pm -  7:00 pm	Relax or Enjoy Dinner		No on-site talks or demos scheduled

We have your days and nights pretty heavily scheduled; this hour is kept free for a bit of relaxation or a leisurely dinner.

 Friday Evening Videos

Fri 07:00 pm -  8:15 pm

Flanders Pavilion

Astronomy documentaries for the whole family

Short astronomy documentaries for the whole family.

 Convention Cleanup

Sun 08:00 am - 12:00 pm

Please clean up around your campsite

Please put trash in the dumpsters

Please clean up around your campsite and parking area. All trash should be deposited in one of the large dumpsters by the Food Tent or Exit Lane. Please make sure there are no obstacles to grass mowing in the fields - any rocks, stakes, or other hazards should be returned to the woods or taken to the dumpsters. If you would like to take down rebar and string, we would appreciate that. Pile rebar and string on the side of the road, where it will be easy for us to find and pick up. Thank you very much for making convention cleanup easier on all of us.

 Hartness-Porter ATM Museum Open

Fri 05:00 pm -  8:00 pm	Hartness House	Hosted by Bert Willard, Curator
Sun 09:00 am - 12:00 pm	Hartness House	Hosted by Bert Willard, Curator

The Porter-Hartness Museum of Amateur Telescope Making is located in the underground rooms at the Hartness House Inn. 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.

 Large RV Permit Holders must arrive

Thu 12:00 pm -  4:00 pm

Entry Gate

Please don't arrive before Noon!

Large RVs have to be pre-registered, and must arrive between Noon and 4PM on Thursday. Do not arrive early, we have large trucks making food deliveries and installing sanitation facilities before then.

 Early Entry Permit Holders can arrive

Thu 03:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Entry Gate

Please don't arrive before 3:00!

Please do not arrive before 3:00 PM and do not park on Jordan Road. The large RV's come in before you, starting at noon. You will not be admitted before 3:00 PM, and our gate staff is busy getting the RV's safely in place.

 Registration Gate

Fri 09:00 am -	Entry Gate		Gate Opens
Fri 10:00 pm -	Entry Gate		Gate Closes
Sat 07:00 am -	Entry Gate		Gate Opens

The hours of operation of the Registration Gate.

 Shuttle Bus Operates

Fri 10:00 am -  6:00 pm	Bus Stops		Bus Stops: Pine Island, Food Tent, Pink Clubhouse
Sat 09:00 am -  5:00 pm	Bus Stops		Bus Stops: Pine Island, Food Tent, Pink Clubhouse

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.