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2016 Stellafane Convention Schedule

You will receive a printed Convention Bulletin with the schedule in it when you check in at the gate. Download as PDF file.

Thursday, August 4, 2016

 8:30 am -  5:00 pmHH Workshop: Sub-Arcsecond Spatial Resolution Imaging
Seminar or WorkshopHartness House Hosted by Tom Spirok Workshop (Separate Registration)

12:00 pm -  4:00 pmLarge RV Permit Holders must arrive
Operating HoursEntry Gate  Please don't arrive before Noon!

 3:00 pm - 10:00 pmEarly Entry Permit Holders can arrive
Operating HoursEntry Gate  Please don't arrive before 3:00!

 6:00 pm -  8:00 pmHH Workshop: Sub-Arcsecond Spatial Resolution Imaging
Seminar or WorkshopHartness House Hosted by Tom Spirok Dinner (Separate Registration)

Friday, August 5, 2016

 9:00 am - Historic ClubhouseOpens
Operating HoursClubhouse  Clubhouse Opens

 9:00 am - Raffle Tickets at the Tee Shirt BoothOpens
Operating HoursRaffle Tickets  Opens

 9:00 am - Porter Turret TelescopeOpens
Operating HoursPorter Turret Telescope  Opens

 9:00 am - Registration Gate Opens
Operating HoursEntry Gate  Gate Opens

 9:00 am - Tee Shirt Booth in Tuthill TowersOpens
Operating HoursSchwag Shop  Opens

10:00 am - McGregor Observatory and Schupmann TelescopeOpens
Operating HoursMcGregor Observatory  Opens

10:00 am -  4:00 pmTelescope Making Demo
Telescope MakingTent north of Pavilion Organized by Ray Morits ATM Demo Hours

10:00 am - Ice Cream Shop in the Flanders PavilionOpens
Operating HoursIce Cream Shop  Opens

10:00 am -  6:00 pmShuttle Bus Operates
Operating HoursBus Stops  Bus Stops: Pine Island, Food Tent, Pink Clubhouse

10:00 am - 10:30 amTelescope Making Demo: Intro & Rough Grinding
Telescope MakingTent north of Pavilion Presented by Ray Morits Intro & Rough Grinding

10:30 am - 11:00 amTelescope Making Demo: Fine Grinding
Telescope MakingTent north of Pavilion Presented by Rick Hunter Fine Grinding

11:00 am - 12:00 pmAstronomy Activities for Children: Models of the Moon
ChildrenMcGregor Observatory Library Presented by Kris Larsen Ages 4-11; Limited to first 20

11:00 am -  1:30 pmTelescope Making Demo: Making Dental Stone Tools
Telescope MakingTent north of Pavilion Presented by Junie Esslinger Making Dental Stone Tools

11:00 am - 12:00 pmThe Evolution of the Telescope
Beginners TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Carl Malikowski 

11:30 am - 12:00 pmTelescope Making Demo: Making Pitch Laps
Telescope MakingTent north of Pavilion Presented by Phil Rounseville Making Pitch Laps

 1:00 pm -  2:00 pmTelescope Making Demo: Polishing & Figuring
Telescope MakingTent north of Pavilion Presented by Dave Groski Polishing & Figuring

 1:00 pm -  2:00 pmSolar System Walk
Beginners TopicMeet at Green Shed near Clubhouse Presented by Jessica Johnson 

 1:00 pm -  2:00 pmObserving Earth Satelites
Intermediate TopicMcGregor Library Presented by Rich Nugent 

 1:00 pm -  2:00 pmConstructing Large Binoculars, To Bino Or Not To Bino?
Intermediate TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Paul Courtemanche 

 1:00 pm -  2:00 pmSolar Observing Hour
Solar ObservingObserving Fields  Please set up your Solar Scope and Share

 1:00 pm -  5:00 pmStellafane New Horizons Project (Requires Signup)
Teens ages 12-16Bunkhouse Presented by Paul Fucile and James Lee (Teens 12-16)

 2:00 pm - Breuning Observatory and Argentini TelescopeOpens
Operating HoursBreuning Observatory  Opens

 2:00 pm -  4:00 pmTelescope Making Demo: Testing (Bring your own mirror)
Telescope MakingMirror Lab Room in Pavilion Presented by Dave Kelly Testing (Bring your own mirror)

 2:00 pm -  3:00 pmAstronomy in Motion
Intermediate TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Al Takeda Talk

 2:00 pm -  3:00 pmAstronomy Activities for Children: Models of Comets (and Real Meteorites
ChildrenMcGregor Observatory Library Presented by Kris Larsen Ages 4-11; Limited to first 20

 3:00 pm -  4:00 pmChasing Shadows: Getting Started as a Citizen-Scientist with Occultation Timing
Intermediate TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Ted Blank 

 3:00 pm -  4:00 pmBreezy Hill Rocks!
EveryoneMeet at Pink Clubhouse Jessica Johnson A Geology Tour

 3:00 pm -  4:00 pmCollimation and Maintenance of a Cassegrain-Type System
Advanced TopicMcGregor Library Presented by Phil Rounesville 

 4:00 pm -  5:00 pmHuman and Environmental Effects of LED Street Lighting
Intermediate TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Mario Motta, M.D. 

 4:00 pm -  5:00 pmIntroduction to Stellafane
Beginners TopicMcGregor Observatory Library Presented by Kim & Dennis Cassia 

 5:00 pm -  7:00 pmFree Time
EveryoneRelax or Enjoy Dinner  No on-site talks or demos scheduled

 5:00 pm -  8:00 pmTelescope Competition Registration
Telescope CompetitionClubhouse  Optical and Mechanical Registration

 5:00 pm -  8:00 pmHartness-Porter ATM Museum Open
Museum OpenHartness House Hosted by Bert Willard, Curator 

 6:00 pm - Tee Shirt Booth in Tuthill TowersCloses
Operating HoursSchwag Shop  Closes

 6:00 pm - Breuning Observatory and Argentini TelescopeCloses
Operating HoursBreuning Observatory  Closes

 6:00 pm - Raffle Tickets at the Tee Shirt BoothCloses
Operating HoursRaffle Tickets  Closes

 6:00 pm - Ice Cream Shop in the Flanders PavilionCloses
Operating HoursIce Cream Shop  Closes

 7:00 pm -  8:30 pmFriday Evening Videos
EveryoneFlanders Pavilion  Astronomy documentaries for the whole family

 8:00 pm -  9:00 pmAstronomy in Motion
Intermediate TopicNear Domed Observatory Presented by Al Takeda Demo

 8:00 pm - Historic ClubhouseCloses
Operating HoursClubhouse  Clubhouse Closes

 8:30 pm - Friday Evening Informal Talks
Major Convention EventFlanders Pavilion Bruce Beford, MC Short presentations by Convention Attendees

 9:00 pm - Breuning Observatory and Argentini TelescopeOpens
Operating HoursBreuning Observatory  Opens

10:00 pm - Registration Gate Closes
Operating HoursEntry Gate  Gate Closes

10:00 pm - Telescope Competition Optical Begins
Telescope CompetitionFields around Clubhouse  Optical Competition Begins

11:59 pm - Breuning Observatory and Argentini TelescopeCloses
Operating HoursBreuning Observatory  Closes

11:59 pm - Porter Turret TelescopeCloses
Operating HoursPorter Turret Telescope  Closes

11:59 pm - McGregor Observatory and Schupmann TelescopeCloses
Operating HoursMcGregor Observatory  Closes

Saturday, August 6, 2016

 7:00 am - 12:00 pmSwap Tables
Major Convention EventSwap Table Area - North of Main Camping Area  

 7:00 am - Registration Gate Opens
Operating HoursEntry Gate  Gate Opens

 8:00 am - Historic ClubhouseOpens
Operating HoursClubhouse  Clubhouse Opens

 8:00 am - Porter Turret TelescopeOpens
Operating HoursPorter Turret Telescope  Opens

 8:00 am -  9:30 amTelescope Competition Registration
Telescope CompetitionClubhouse  Mechanical (and Optical if needed) Registration

 8:00 am - McGregor Observatory and Schupmann TelescopeOpens
Operating HoursMcGregor Observatory  Opens

 9:00 am - Raffle Tickets at the Tee Shirt BoothOpens
Operating HoursRaffle Tickets  Opens

 9:00 am - Tee Shirt Booth in Tuthill TowersOpens
Operating HoursSchwag Shop  Opens

 9:00 am -  5:00 pmShuttle Bus Operates
Operating HoursBus Stops  Bus Stops: Pine Island, Food Tent, Pink Clubhouse

10:00 am - Telescope Field Walk
Beginners TopicMeet at Front of Clubhouse Led by Carl Malikowski 

10:00 am - Ice Cream Shop in the Flanders PavilionOpens
Operating HoursIce Cream Shop  Opens

10:00 am - 11:00 amAstronomy Activities for Children: Models of the Planets
ChildrenMcGregor Observatory Library Presented by Kris Larsen Ages 4-11; Limited to first 20

10:00 am -  1:00 pmTelescope Competition Mechanical
Telescope CompetitionFields around Clubhouse  Mechanical Competition

10:00 am -  4:00 pmTelescope Making Demo
Telescope MakingTent north of Pavilion Organized by Ray Morits ATM Demo Hours

10:00 am - 11:00 amA Dipper Full of Stars
Beginners TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Richard Sanderson 

10:00 am - 10:30 amTelescope Making Demo: Intro & Rough Grinding
Telescope MakingTent north of Pavilion Presented by Ray Morits Intro & Rough Grinding

10:30 am - 11:00 amTelescope Making Demo: Fine Grinding
Telescope MakingTent north of Pavilion Presented by Rick Hunter Fine Grinding

11:00 am - 12:00 pmIntroduction to Stellafane
Beginners TopicMcGregor Observatory Library Presented by Kim & Dennis Cassia 

11:00 am - 12:30 pmTelescope Making For Teens
Teens ages 12-16Bunkhouse Presented by "Stargazer" Steve Dodson Ages 12-16

11:00 am - 11:30 amTelescope Making Demo: Making Dental Stone Tools
Telescope MakingTent north of Pavilion Presented by Junie Esslinger Making Dental Stone Tools

11:00 am - 12:00 pmMirror Testing: See How It Is Really Done
Intermediate TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Douglas Arion, PhD 

11:30 am - 12:00 pmTelescope Making Demo: Making Pitch Laps
Telescope MakingTent north of Pavilion Presented by Phil Rounseville Making Pitch Laps

 1:00 pm -  2:00 pmSolar System Walk
Beginners TopicMeet at Green Shed near Clubhouse Presented by Jessica Johnson 

 1:00 pm -  2:00 pmTelescope Making Demo: Polishing & Figuring
Telescope MakingTent north of Pavilion Presented by Dave Groski Polishing & Figuring

 1:00 pm -  2:00 pmWhere Have All The (Bright) Novae Gone?
Intermediate TopicMcGregor Library Presented by John O'Neill 

 1:00 pm -  2:00 pmWD1145+017, A White Dwarf Destroying A Planet. How Pro-Am Collaboration Helped Solve A Mystery
Intermediate TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Mario Motta, M.D. 

 2:00 pm -  3:00 pmAstronomy Activities for Children: Models of the Sun
ChildrenMcGregor Observatory Library Presented by Kris Larsen Ages 4-11; Limited to first 20

 2:00 pm -  4:00 pmTelescope Making Demo: Dobsonian Basics
Telescope MakingTent north of Pavilion Presented by Ken Slater Dobsonian Basics

 2:00 pm -  3:00 pmTaking ATM Techniques To The APO Level
Advanced TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Alan Ward 

 2:00 pm -  3:00 pmSolar Observing Hour
Solar ObservingObserving Fields  Please set up your Solar Scope and Share

 2:00 pm - Breuning Observatory and Argentini TelescopeOpens
Operating HoursBreuning Observatory  Opens

 3:00 pm -  4:30 pmThe Science of Byurakan, The Golden Era of Soviet Astronomy
Advanced TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Larry Mitchell 

 3:00 pm -  4:00 pmAn Introduction to Telescopes For All Ages Part 1
Beginners TopicMcGregor Library Presented by Alan French 

 4:00 pm -  5:00 pmAn Introduction to Telescopes For All Ages Part 2
Beginners TopicMcGregor Library Presented by Glenn Chaple 

 4:30 pm -  5:30 pmObserving Programs of the AAVSO
Intermediate TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Kris Larsen 

 6:00 pm - Raffle Tickets at the Tee Shirt BoothCloses
Operating HoursRaffle Ticets  Closes

 6:00 pm - Ice Cream Shop in the Flanders PavilionCloses
Operating HoursIce Cream Shop  Closes

 6:00 pm - Breuning Observatory and Argentini TelescopeCloses
Operating HoursBreuning Observatory  Closes

 6:00 pm - McGregor Observatory and Schupmann TelescopeCloses
Operating HoursMcGregor Observatory  Closes

 6:00 pm - Historic ClubhouseCloses
Operating HoursClubhouse  Clubhouse Closes

 6:00 pm - Porter Turret TelescopeCloses
Operating HoursPorter Turret Telescope  Closes

 6:00 pm -  7:00 pmFree Time
EveryoneRelax or Enjoy Dinner  No on-site talks or demos scheduled

 6:00 pm - Tee Shirt Booth in Tuthill TowersCloses
Operating HoursSchwag Shop  Closes

 7:00 pm - Saturday Evening Program & Keynote Talk
Major Convention EventAmphitheater (Flanders Pavilion if rain)  Includes Keynote, Shadowgram, Raffle & Awards

 9:00 pm - Breuning Observatory and Argentini TelescopeOpens
Operating HoursBreuning Observatory  Opens

 9:00 pm - 11:30 pmObserving Olympics Pin Awards
EveryoneMcGregor Observatory  Pick up your Observing Olympics Pin

10:00 pm - Telescope Competition Optical Begins
Telescope CompetitionFields around Clubhouse  Optical Competition (Only if not held Friday)

11:59 pm - Breuning Observatory and Argentini TelescopeCloses
Operating HoursBreuning Observatory  Closes

Sunday, August 7, 2016

 8:00 am - 12:00 pmConvention Cleanup
EveryonePlease clean up around your campsite  Please put trash in the dumpsters

 9:00 am - 12:00 pmHartness-Porter ATM Museum Open
Museum OpenHartness House Hosted by Bert Willard, Curator 

— Major Convention Events —

 Friday Evening Informal Talks

Fri 08:30 pm - Flanders PavilionBruce Beford, MCShort 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 pmSwap 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: You Never Forget Your First Time by Kristine Larsen, PhD
  • Presentation of Telescope Competition Awards
  • Stellafane Keynote Talk: The Great North American Eclipse of 2017 by Fred Espenak, Mr. Eclipse

— Telescope Competition —

 Telescope Competition

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

Details are on the Telescope Competition Page

— Telescope Making —

 Telescope Making Demo

Fri 10:00 am -  4:00 pmTent north of PavilionOrganized by Ray MoritsATM Demo Hours
Fri 10:00 am - 10:30 amTent north of PavilionPresented by Ray MoritsIntro & Rough Grinding
Fri 10:30 am - 11:00 amTent north of PavilionPresented by Rick HunterFine Grinding
Fri 11:00 am -  1:30 pmTent north of PavilionPresented by Junie EsslingerMaking Dental Stone Tools
Fri 11:30 am - 12:00 pmTent north of PavilionPresented by Phil RounsevilleMaking Pitch Laps
Fri 01:00 pm -  2:00 pmTent north of PavilionPresented by Dave GroskiPolishing & Figuring
Fri 02:00 pm -  4:00 pmMirror Lab Room in PavilionPresented by Dave KellyTesting (Bring your own mirror)
Sat 10:00 am -  4:00 pmTent north of PavilionOrganized by Ray MoritsATM Demo Hours
Sat 10:00 am - 10:30 amTent north of PavilionPresented by Ray MoritsIntro & Rough Grinding
Sat 10:30 am - 11:00 amTent north of PavilionPresented by Rick HunterFine Grinding
Sat 11:00 am - 11:30 amTent north of PavilionPresented by Junie EsslingerMaking Dental Stone Tools
Sat 11:30 am - 12:00 pmTent north of PavilionPresented by Phil RounsevilleMaking Pitch Laps
Sat 01:00 pm -  2:00 pmTent north of PavilionPresented by Dave GroskiPolishing & Figuring
Sat 02:00 pm -  4:00 pmTent north of PavilionPresented by Ken SlaterDobsonian 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.

— Beginners Talks —

 The Evolution of the Telescope

Fri 11:00 am - 12:00 pmFlanders PavilionPresented by Carl Malikowski

Join us as we explore the telescope and it’s evolution though out history. We’ll explore the changes and the folks that helped bring them to fruition. We’ll touch on some of the more peculiar designs and how its evolution has helped form our present knowledge of our universe today.

 Solar System Walk

Fri 01:00 pm -  2:00 pmMeet at Green Shed near ClubhousePresented by Jessica Johnson
Sat 01:00 pm -  2:00 pmMeet at Green Shed near ClubhousePresented by Jessica Johnson

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 Jessica Johnson 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.

 Introduction to Stellafane

Fri 04:00 pm -  5:00 pmMcGregor Observatory LibraryPresented by Kim & Dennis Cassia
Sat 11:00 am - 12:00 pmMcGregor Observatory LibraryPresented 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 ClubhouseLed by Carl Malikowski

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 10:00 am - 11:00 amFlanders PavilionPresented 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 Part 1

Sat 03:00 pm -  4:00 pmMcGregor LibraryPresented by Alan French

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 will cover telescope basics (types, mounts, and eyepieces), telescopes suitable for children, and Glenn Chaple will follow in the next hour to introduce you to what the novice can find and see with a common backyard telescope.

 An Introduction to Telescopes For All Ages Part 2

Sat 04:00 pm -  5:00 pmMcGregor LibraryPresented by 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 will cover telescope basics (types, mounts, and eyepieces), telescopes suitable for children, and Glenn Chaple will follow in the next hour to introduce you to what the novice can find and see with a common backyard telescope..

— Intermediate Talks —

 Observing Earth Satelites

Fri 01:00 pm -  2:00 pmMcGregor LibraryPresented by Rich Nugent

Every astronomer has, from time to time, noticed satellites crossing the night skies. From the dawn of the Space Age until now, low earth orbit has become quite cluttered with these easily observable and fascinating objects. Whether you are a beginner or a more seasoned amateur astronomer, this talk offers something for everyone. Topics include: observing basics, oldies but goodies, the ISS, the more challenging geostationary satellites, and Apps and web sites to make observing satellites fun and exciting.

 Constructing Large Binoculars, To Bino Or Not To Bino?

Fri 01:00 pm -  2:00 pmFlanders PavilionPresented by Paul Courtemanche

Have you ever stood by two 10-inch Dobsonian telescopes, side by side, and wondered: What if…? This talk will cover Paul's personal journey, from the conception to the design requirements, compromises, construction, and the unforgettable experiences, of building a 10-inch binocular telescope. There will be a chance to examine this Stellafane award winning instrument and ask questions, and since words don’t come close to the actual experience, all are invited to come by the Pink Clubhouse at night and look through this one-of-a-kind instrument.

 Astronomy in Motion

Fri 02:00 pm -  3:00 pmFlanders PavilionPresented by Al TakedaTalk
Fri 08:00 pm -  9:00 pmNear Domed ObservatoryPresented by Al TakedaDemo

A single image captures an object in one moment. However, by adding the dimension of time, we can study how the object interacts with its surroundings. A single photo can be marvelous to look at, but movies can bring the subject to life. In his presentation, Al Takeda will discuss how to make motion pictures of astronomical objects. Topics will include the subjects that lend themselves to movement, the type of telescopes and lenses to use, cameras to use, and how to assemble the pictures to create a movie. Al will demonstrate some of these techniques in real time Friday evening only, using his own astro­imaging system. The location for his demonstration will be next to the domed observatory.

 Chasing Shadows: Getting Started as a Citizen-Scientist with Occultation Timing

Fri 03:00 pm -  4:00 pmFlanders PavilionPresented by Ted Blank

The steady stream of light from a star can occasionally be interrupted by the passage of an asteroid between the star and our eye or camera. This is called an occultation. Such an event can last from a fraction of a second up to a good portion of a minute (for large asteroids like Ceres). Measuring the duration of the star's disappearance turns out to be an inexpensive yet incredibly accurate way to measure the diameter of the asteroid. If the occultation event is recorded on video, tiny details in the light curve can also tell us a lot about the star. We can learn whether it is a binary system with components too close to be resolved optically, and the relative brightness of each. Asteroid ring systems have been discovered this way, as well as indications that some asteroids might have their own moons. In this talk, Ted will describe how you can get started measuring occultations. He will show the results of some recent measurements, describe the techniques and equipment used and demonstrate the free software tools available to let you know where and when to observe. Professional astronomers are waiting to use your measurements as an input to their studies of the Solar System's origins.

 Human and Environmental Effects of LED Street Lighting

Fri 04:00 pm -  5:00 pmFlanders PavilionPresented by Mario Motta, M.D.

Light pollution is becoming a significant problem across the globe as more people recognize the loss of our heritage of a beautiful night sky. In addition, over the past 20 years considerable evidence has accumulated that shows that the most important reason to control light pollution may be our own health. Newer LED lighting can be a solution but only if designed properly, and limited in excess blue emission. Light at night has been proposed as an explanation for the rise of certain human health issues, by glare and melatonin suppression. A considerable amount of research has firmly placed this concept on the map as a real and very vexing problem. While clearly it is not practical to imagine going back to a world without nighttime lighting, we can and should demand that night lighting have proper shielding, and that our night lighting is designed in a way to minimize deleterious human effects.

 Mirror Testing: See How It Is Really Done

Sat 11:00 am - 12:00 pmFlanders PavilionPresented by Douglas Arion, PhD

You read about mirror testing, but it's hard to visualize what it really looks like, and how it is actually done. In this session, we will demonstrate a variety of mirror testing techniques, where you can see, hands-on, how Foucault, Ronchi, and null testing are performed, what the shadows and patterns look like, and how to interpret them.

 Where Have All The (Bright) Novae Gone?

Sat 01:00 pm -  2:00 pmMcGregor LibraryPresented by John O'Neill

In the first half of the 20th century, seven bright novae were discovered. Since 1950 that figure is just one. In this talk, John will discuss the lack of recent bright novae discoveries and some of the possible explainations for this. Along the way, he will also touch on what novae are and how you might search for them. He will also recall the excitement of some of the bright novae discoveries of the past.

 WD1145+017, A White Dwarf Destroying A Planet. How Pro-Am Collaboration Helped Solve A Mystery

Sat 01:00 pm -  2:00 pmFlanders PavilionPresented by Mario Motta, M.D.

Last year analysis of data from the Kepler K2 mission uncovered a strange signal from a white dwarf star 570 light years away in Virgo. A grad student at Harvard, Andrew Vandenburg, decided to look deeply into the abnormal photometric flickering from this star, and realized he needed more info. Initially he used Kepler and Mt Whipple data, but quickly realized much more monitoring was needed. Andrew got several advanced amateurs to collect photometric data on this object over the winter and spring of 2016. Armed with that data, an amazing story of a star that is destroying a Ceres sized planetoid that is spiraling in to the star has emerged. For years it was not understood why some white dwarfs have heavy metal signatures in their spectra, an astronomical mystery. Now that we are catching a white dwarf in the act of “eating” a planet, with a similar spectral signal from the star, we seem to have a mechanism of how this develops and evidence that this not a rare event. Dr. Motta will describe the science of why this is occurring, and the importance of amateur professional collaboration in astronomy.

 Observing Programs of the AAVSO

Sat 04:30 pm -  5:30 pmFlanders PavilionPresented by Kris Larsen

The president of the American Association of Variable Star Observers will describe the wide variety of the organization’s observing programs, from visual binocular and telescopic observing through PEP, DSLR, and CCD (with a sneak peak of what is coming in the future).

— Advanced Talks —

 Collimation and Maintenance of a Cassegrain-Type System

Fri 03:00 pm -  4:00 pmMcGregor LibraryPresented by Phil Rounesville

Collimation and maintenance of a Cassegrain system does not require specialized skills. Professional optician Phil will give us the lowdown on the simple steps we can take to get the best performance from these instruments.

 Taking ATM Techniques To The APO Level

Sat 02:00 pm -  3:00 pmFlanders PavilionPresented by Alan Ward

This presentation captures the journey into the realm of design and construction of both a 6” f/15 and a 4” f/12 three‐element oil‐spaced apochromatic refractor, along with an analysis of the design criteria required to optimize for a visual instrument. From his personal perspective, Alan will share his remarkable account about the motivation, collaboration, knowledge, and experience acquired by a couple of passionate amateur telescope makers in their quest in building the ultimate refractor.

 The Science of Byurakan, The Golden Era of Soviet Astronomy

Sat 03:00 pm -  4:30 pmFlanders PavilionPresented by Larry Mitchell

There is so much science that has come out of the Byurakan Observatory that it takes a while to adequately cover, and Larry is looking forward to sharing it with us. Viktor Ambartsumian was a genius, on Einstein's level, and his colleagues and followers were and are unbelievable astronomers and scientists. Their work is largely unknown in amateur circles in the west. A lot of the knowledge of the science of astronomy that we take for granted now was discovered by them years ago. The astronomers of Byurakan are still at it and are kindly assisting Larry now with this presentation by providing little known information.

— Workshops & Seminars —

 HH Workshop: Sub-Arcsecond Spatial Resolution Imaging

Thu 08:30 am -  5:00 pmHartness HouseHosted by Tom SpirokWorkshop (Separate Registration)
Thu 06:00 pm -  8:00 pmHartness HouseHosted by Tom SpirokDinner (Separate Registration)

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

— Children's Events —

 Astronomy Activities for Children

Fri 11:00 am - 12:00 pmMcGregor Observatory LibraryPresented by Kris LarsenAges 4-11; Limited to first 20
Fri 02:00 pm -  3:00 pmMcGregor Observatory LibraryPresented by Kris LarsenAges 4-11; Limited to first 20
Sat 10:00 am - 11:00 amMcGregor Observatory LibraryPresented by Kris LarsenAges 4-11; Limited to first 20
Sat 02:00 pm -  3:00 pmMcGregor Observatory LibraryPresented by Kris LarsenAges 4-11; Limited to first 20

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 4 to 11.Younger children are welcome but will need help from a parent. Due to space limitations, each workshop is limited to 20 children on a first-come basis. Each workshop has a different astronomical theme: This year they are all related to our solar system.

  • Friday 11:00 AM to Noon: Models of the Moon:
    Children ages 4 to 11 are invited to make models of the moon and its cratered surface to take home. Limited to 20 attendees.
  • Friday 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM: Models of Comets:
    Children ages 4 to 11 are invited to make a model of a comet to take home, and will handle real meteorites (not to take home). Limited to 20 attendees.
  • Saturday 11:00 AM to Noon: Models of the Planets:
    Children ages 4 to 11 are invited to make scale models of the planets to take home. Limited to 20 attendees.
  • Saturday 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Models of the Sun:
    Children ages 4 to 11 are invited to make a model of the sun to take home. Limited to 20 attendees.

First-come, first-served and limited to 20 children each session. Late-comers may be turned away.

— Teen Events —

 Stellafane New Horizons Project

Fri 01:00 pm -  5:00 pmBunkhousePresented by Paul Fucile and James Lee(Teens 12-16)

This year our program will be modeling technology from the New Horizons probe which so spectacularly flew by Pluto in 2015.

This will be a hands on class where the group will work together to construct a New Horizons 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 will 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 pmBunkhousePresented by "Stargazer" Steve DodsonAges 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 —

 Solar Observing Hour

Fri 01:00 pm -  2:00 pmObserving FieldsPlease set up your Solar Scope and Share
Sat 02:00 pm -  3:00 pmObserving FieldsPlease 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.

— Events for Everyone —

 Breezy Hill Rocks!

Fri 03:00 pm -  4:00 pmMeet at Pink ClubhouseJessica JohnsonA 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.

 Free Time

Fri 05:00 pm -  7:00 pmRelax or Enjoy DinnerNo on-site talks or demos scheduled
Sat 06:00 pm -  7:00 pmRelax or Enjoy DinnerNo 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 -  8:30 pmFlanders PavilionAstronomy documentaries for the whole family

Short astronomy documentaries for the whole family.

 Observing Olympics Pin Awards

Sat 09:00 pm - 11:30 pmMcGregor ObservatoryPick up your Observing Olympics Pin

Anyone who checks off 15 or more objects on the Observing Olympics List may claim their pin.

 Convention Cleanup

Sun 08:00 am - 12:00 pmPlease clean up around your campsitePlease 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.

— Museum Open —

 Hartness-Porter ATM Museum Open

Fri 05:00 pm -  8:00 pmHartness HouseHosted by Bert Willard, Curator
Sun 09:00 am - 12:00 pmHartness HouseHosted 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.

— Operating Hours —

 Large RV Permit Holders must arrive

Thu 12:00 pm -  4:00 pmEntry GatePlease 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 pmEntry GatePlease 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 GateGate Opens
Fri 10:00 pm - Entry GateGate Closes
Sat 07:00 am - Entry GateGate Opens
The hours of operation of the Registration Gate.

 Shuttle Bus Operates

Fri 10:00 am -  6:00 pmBus StopsBus Stops: Pine Island, Food Tent, Pink Clubhouse
Sat 09:00 am -  5:00 pmBus StopsBus 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.

 Tee Shirt Booth in Tuthill Towers

Fri 09:00 am - Schwag ShopOpens
Fri 06:00 pm - Schwag ShopCloses
Sat 09:00 am - Schwag ShopOpens
Sat 06:00 pm - Schwag ShopCloses
Tee Shirts, hats, sweats, bumper stickers, and Raffle Tickets.

 Historic Clubhouse

Fri 09:00 am - ClubhouseClubhouse Opens
Fri 08:00 pm - ClubhouseClubhouse Closes
Sat 08:00 am - ClubhouseClubhouse Opens
Sat 06:00 pm - ClubhouseClubhouse Closes
The historic Pink Clubhouse is available for tours, talk, and shady relaxation.

 Porter Turret Telescope

Fri 09:00 am - Porter Turret TelescopeOpens
Fri 11:59 pm - Porter Turret TelescopeCloses
Sat 08:00 am - Porter Turret TelescopeOpens
Sat 06:00 pm - Porter Turret TelescopeCloses
The Porter Turret Telescope is open for tours and solar/stellar observing.

 McGregor Observatory and Schupmann Telescope

Fri 10:00 am - McGregor ObservatoryOpens
Fri 11:59 pm - McGregor ObservatoryCloses
Sat 08:00 am - McGregor ObservatoryOpens
Sat 06:00 pm - McGregor ObservatoryCloses
The McGregor Observatory and Schupmann Telescope is open for tours and observing.

 Raffle Tickets at the Tee Shirt Booth

Fri 09:00 am - Raffle TicketsOpens
Fri 06:00 pm - Raffle TicketsCloses
Sat 09:00 am - Raffle TicketsOpens
Sat 06:00 pm - Raffle TicetsCloses
Purchase tickets for the famous Stellafane Raffle. Many thanks to our generous donors!

 Ice Cream Shop in the Flanders Pavilion

Fri 10:00 am - Ice Cream ShopOpens
Fri 06:00 pm - Ice Cream ShopCloses
Sat 10:00 am - Ice Cream ShopOpens
Sat 06:00 pm - Ice Cream ShopCloses
Hot and muggy? Need a cool treat for yourself and the kids?

 Breuning Observatory and Argentini Telescope

Fri 02:00 pm - Breuning ObservatoryOpens
Fri 06:00 pm - Breuning ObservatoryCloses
Fri 09:00 pm - Breuning ObservatoryOpens
Fri 11:59 pm - Breuning ObservatoryCloses
Sat 02:00 pm - Breuning ObservatoryOpens
Sat 06:00 pm - Breuning ObservatoryCloses
Sat 09:00 pm - Breuning ObservatoryOpens
Sat 11:59 pm - Breuning ObservatoryCloses
The domed Breuning Observatory with the Argentini Ritchey-Chretien Telescope is open for tours and observing.

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