2022 Stellafane Convention Schedule

Friday Evening Informal Talks

Fri 7:30 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 digital projector will be available for your use - please bring your presentation on a USB stick.

Swap Tables

Sat 7:00 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. The Swap Table area will be open 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 7:00 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). Mario Motta, of the Springfield Telescope Makers, will be master of ceremonies.

• Greetings, announcements, Raffle Drawings
• Stellafane Shadowgram by Dr. Kristine Larsen: Holding up Half the Sky: Women in Astronomy
• Presentation of Telescope Competition Awards
• Stellafane Keynote by Dava Sobel: Building the Glass Universe

Telescope Competition

Fri 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm	Clubhouse		Optical and Mechanical Registration
Fri 10:00 pm -	Fields around Clubhouse		Optical Competition Begins
Sat 8:00 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 by T-Shirt Sales	Org. by M. Hayes & R. Predmore	ATM Demo Hours
Fri 10:00 am - 10:30 am	Tent by T-Shirt Sales	Presented by Read Predmore	Intro & Rough Grinding
Fri 10:30 am - 11:00 am	Tent by T-Shirt Sales	Presented by Rick Hunter	Fine Grinding
Fri 11:00 am - 11:30 am	Tent by T-Shirt Sales	Presented by TBD	Making Dental Stone Tools
Fri 11:30 am - 12:00 pm	Tent by T-Shirt Sales	Presented by Phil Rounseville	Making Pitch Laps
Fri 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm	Tent by T-Shirt Sales	Presented by Dick Parker	Polishing & Figuring
Fri 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm	Tent by T-Shirt Sales	With Dave Kelly & Doug Arion	Testing (Bring your own mirror)
Sat 10:00 am - 5:00 pm	Tent by T-Shirt Sales	Org. by M. Hayes & R. Predmore	ATM Demo Hours
Sat 10:00 am - 10:30 am	Tent by T-Shirt Sales	Presented by Read Predmore	Intro & Rough Grinding
Sat 10:30 am - 11:00 am	Tent by T-Shirt Sales	Presented by Mike Hayes	Fine Grinding
Sat 11:00 am - 11:30 am	Tent by T-Shirt Sales	Presented by TBD	Making Dental Stone Tools
Sat 11:30 am - 12:00 pm	Tent by T-Shirt Sales	Presented by Phil Rounseville	Making Pitch Laps
Sat 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm	Tent by T-Shirt Sales	Presented by Dick Parker	Polishing & Figuring
Sat 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm	Tent by T-Shirt Sales	Presented by Glenn Jackson	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 on Friday - 12½-inch Max Diameter.

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 ATM demo schedule is being finalized and details will be added shortly.

I Want to Believe: Returning to an Age of Reason

Fri 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Flanders Pavilion

Presented by Dean Regas

After 20 years of public speaking at the Cincinnati Observatory, Dean Regas has heard every astronomy conspiracy theory and doomsday prediction in the universe – and frankly, he’s worried. He’s worried that we are slipping into an age of growing superstition. In this rational, often humorous lecture, Dean tackles such controversial topics as: The Mayan Calendar, Moon landing, UFO sightings, Doomsday Comets, Astrology, and the Star of Bethlehem. The truth is out there and Dean shows why it is important to confront superstitions head-on and how you can champion a new age of reason.

Introduction to Stellafane

Sat 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Flanders Pavilion

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.

Solar System Walk

Fri 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm	Meet at M44 (Green Shed) behind Clubhouse	Roger Williams
Sat 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm	Meet at M44 (Green Shed) behind Clubhouse	Roger Williams

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 a docent 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.

Telescope Field Walk

Sat 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Meet at Front of Clubhouse

Led by David McGaw

During the “Telescope Field Walk” an experienced Amateur Telescope Maker 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.

The New Generation of Materials for Telescope Building: 3D Printing

Fri 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Flanders Pavilion

Presented by Doug Arion

Additive machining - 3D printing - represents a revolution in telescope making. Its importance ranges from the ability to make custom-fit parts to the huge cost reduction in making components that will help people afford telescopes. From mirror mounts to secondary holders, focusers, finder brackets, and electronics boxes, there is little in the structure of a telescope where 3D printing can't apply.

Armchair Astronomy: A New Twist on the Polar Equatorial Telescope

Fri 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Flanders Pavilion

Kevin McCarthy

In this presentation, a new approach to the venerable tradition of fixed eyepiece viewing will be described. Ease of use, no setup, and observer comfort have always been important, no less so as we age. In the "Quad-Plex, Tropical Polar Single-Mirror Siderostat-Heliostat-Spectroscope", aka, "Armchair Astronomy", any of four optical instruments index into the beam path of a 9-inch minor axis optical flat, which is mounted on a ten foot high truss tower to the south of one of our villas on the Caribbean island of St. John, USVI. The instruments are all comfortably arranged for viewing at a leather armchair in the loft of the great room, with Baader TurboFilm preventing convection through the loft shutter's aperture. During the day, solar observation and imaging is performed in white light, Hydrogen Alpha, and Calcium K, while at night, a TMB 130 mm f/6 triplet APO and Intes Micro 7-inch f/15 Maksutov-Cassegrain provide wide field and high magnification viewing and imaging, respectively. This talk will also briefly touch upon some other projects here: maximizing ease of use for a commercial 24-inch Dob on a two-axis equatorial platform, building an automated "roll-under" imaging observatory, and an elegant equatorial sundial inspired by a Stellafane visit long ago.

Operation Moonwatch: Citizen Science at the Dawn of the Space Age

Fri 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Flanders Pavilion

Presented by Richard Sanderson

Richard Sanderson will discuss Operation Moonwatch, a worldwide citizen-science program that was active during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Teams comprised mostly of amateur astronomers and ordinary people made critically important observations of Sputnik and other early satellites. Richard will illustrate his presentation with photos of historical items from his Operation Moonwatch collection.

Nights of Future Passed

Fri 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Flanders Pavilion

Presented by Phil Harrington

This is not your grandparents’ hobby! This presentation takes a poignant, sometimes comical, look back at how far our hobby and our equipment advanced in the 20th century. We will also look at how the rise of amateur telescope making influenced the commercial telescope marketplace forever.

Introducing the AAVSO Instrument and Equipment and AAVSONet Sections

Sat 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Flanders Pavilion

Presented by Peter Bealo

Most of AAVSO deals with observation and analysis of variable stars. The AAVSO I&E section works with people designing and manufacturing equipment to make observations easier, more reliable, more automated or that allow for observations previously difficult to achieve. We will discuss ongoing I&E projects, the I&E Forum and how I&E members can help you develop your new idea. AAVSONet is a worldwide network of automated telescopes that AAVSO members have access to for the purposes of collecting photometric observations of variable stars and exoplanets. We’ll discuss the network, some current work being produced and how to propose new observing projects.

Two Years Work on a U.N. Committee for International Cooperation on Light Pollution

Sat 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Flanders Pavilion

Presented by Mario Motta

Dr. Mario Motta spearheaded two widely read AMA white papers on light pollution. The papers were produced by the AMA Council on Science and Public Health, and changed the way lighting companies approach street lighting. In 2020 Mario was asked to join the United Nations “Committee On the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space” (COPUOS), under the sponsorship of Spain and the International Astronomical Union (IAU), whose mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all of its aspects through international cooperation. COPUOS was to address worldwide light pollution as well as satellite proliferation, radio noise, and more. COPUOS produced a 296-page report now submitted to the U.N. General Assembly. That report is the subject of this talk. Mario will also report on the European-wide meeting “Responsible Outdoor Lighting At Night” (ROLAN 2022) held in May of 2022, at which 31 world-renowned speakers presented, including Dr. Motta.

Observations of Nova RS Ophiuchi by Slitless Spectroscopy

Sat 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Flanders Pavilion

Present by Clifton Ashcraft

I obtained both slitless spectra and magnitude estimates during the August 8, 2021 outburst of recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi. My observations covered the period from August 13, 4 days after discovery, to October 31 when it had subsided close to pre-outburst magnitude. Magnitude estimates were made by comparison to known brightness field stars in wide field images taken with an ASI174MC camera at the focus of a 55 mm camera lens. Spectra were obtained using an ASI178MM CMOS video camera with the sensor located 74 mm behind a 100 line/mm transmission grating and at the f/11 focus of a 14” Celestron SCT. Initial spectra were dominated by Hydrogen emission lines, with Helium, Oxygen and Iron emission lines becoming more prominent as the nova decreased in brightness. These changes in both spectra and magnitudes were very similar to those of the previous outburst in 2006.

Building a CNC Router and Using It for Telescope Making

Sat 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Flanders Pavilion

Present by Alexander Varakin

You will learn how to build a CNC router with 28"x34"x5" work envelope for less than $1000 and use it for various telescope making projects. The projects presented will be a 15-inch hexapod Dobsonian and rough grinding of a telescope mirror.

The Hidden Gems of Stellafane

Sat 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Flanders Pavilion

Present by Larry Mitchell

Larry will talk about the objects on the 2022 Stellafane Observing Olympics list, and will present some of the latest published technical information that has resulted in contradictory theories.

Details are on the Observing Olympics Page

Hartness House Workshop

Thu 8:30 am - 5:00 pm	Hartness House	Hosted by Tom Spirock	Workshop (Separate Registration)
Thu 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm	Hartness House	Hosted by Tom Spirock	Dinner (Separate Registration)

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

Astronomy Activities for Children

Fri 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm	McGregor Observatory	The Sun	Ages 5-12; Limited to first 15
Sat 11:00 am - 12:00 pm	McGregor Observatory	Star Clocks and Star Finders	Ages 5-12; Limited to first 15
Sat 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm	McGregor Observatory	Comets and Meteorites	Ages 5-12; Limited to first 15

There will be three 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 three 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 15 children on a first-come basis. Late-comers may be turned away.

Teen Robotics Program

Fri 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Bunkhouse

Presented by Paul Fucile and Eimear Gallagher

Teens 12-17

The Stellafane Teen program participants this year will learn about the mission and technology behind the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Launched on the morning of December 25, 2021, the spacecraft coasted successfully into a stable orbit around Lagrange Point 2. Present operations involve precisely aligning the 18 mirror segments with the first Science images scheduled to appear this summer. Designed to perform infrared astronomy, a multi-layer heatshield will keep the instruments cool permitting a view deeper into space than before.

This will be a hands-on class where the group will work in teams to construct a JWST inspired technology that will be demonstrated at the Convention. 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. Special note: There will be a lot of specialized instruction so you will need to be on time!

Horseshoe Pitching Contest

Fri 1:00 pm -

Swap Table Area

Hosted by Wayne Zuhl

16 and under / Weather Permitting

Held in the Swap Table Area on Friday starting at 1:00 PM (Weather Permitting) for children age 16 and under. The overall winner of the event will win a telescope that they will assemble with 'Stargazer' Steve Dodson in the Pavilion Saturday morning. This year the kit is being donated by Peter Bealo. Complete information and rules (pdf)

Solar Observing Hour

Fri 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm	Observing Fields		Please set up your Solar Scope and Share
Sat 2:00 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 Simoni and Porter Turret observatories will be set up for solar observing as well.

Observing Olympics

Thu 8:30 pm - 12:00 am	Observing Fields	Coordinated by Eileen Myers	Telescopes & Binoculars
Fri 8:30 pm - 12:00 am	Observing Fields	Coordinated by Eileen Myers	Telescopes & Binoculars
Sat 8:30 pm - 12:00 am	Observing Fields	Coordinated by Eileen Myers	Telescopes & Binoculars
Sun 10:30 am - 11:30 am	Hillside below McGregor	Coordinated by Eileen Myers	Award Pins Only

Observing Olympics: Dusk to Midnight or later depending on observing conditions.
See the Observing Olympics Page for details and observing lists.

Cook Spectrohelioscope

Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm	Simoni Observatory	Solar Observing	Weather Permitting
Sat 8:00 am - 5:00 pm	Simoni Observatory	Solar observing	Weather Permitting

The circa 1930 Cook Spectrohelioscope will be observing solar prominences and sunspots in hydrogen-alpha light. The Simoni Observatory is northwest of the Stellafane Clubhouse on Breezy Hill.

Porter Turret Telescope

Thu 9:00 pm - 12:00 am	Observing		Weather Permitting
Fri 9:00 am - 6:00 pm	Open, Solar Observing		Weather Permitting
Fri 8:00 pm - 12:00 am	Observing		Weather Permitting
Sat 8:00 am - 6:00 pm	Open, Solar Observing		Weather Permitting
Sat 9:00 pm - 12:00 am	Observing		Weather Permitting

The 1930 Porter Turret Telescope is located just north of the clubhouse on Breezy Hill.

McGregor Observatory

Thu 9:00 pm - 12:00 am	Observing		Weather Permitting
Fri 10:00 am - 4:00 pm	Open, Solar Observing		Weather Permitting
Fri 8:00 pm - 12:00 am	Observing		Weather Permitting
Sat 8:00 am - 6:00 pm	Open, Solar Observing		Weather Permitting
Sat 9:00 pm - 12:00 am	Observing		Weather Permitting

The McGregor Observatory, home of the 13-inch Schupmann Refractor, is located on a hilltop in the northwest corner of Stellafane East.

Breuning Observatory (Domed Observatory)

Fri 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm	Open
Fri 9:00 pm - 12:00 am	Observing		Weather Permitting
Sat 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm	Open
Sat 9:00 pm - 12:00 am	Observing		Weather Permitting

The domed Breuning Observatory is located just south of and downhill from the McGregor Observatory.

Friday Evening Videos

Fri 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Flanders Pavilion

Astronomy documentaries for the whole family

Short astronomy documentaries for the whole family.

Convention Cleanup

Sun 8:00 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 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm	Hartness House	Hosted by Matt Considine, Curator
Sun 9:00 am - 12:00 pm	Hartness House	Hosted by Matt Considine, Curator

The Hartness-Porter 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.

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 3:00 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 8:00 am -	Entry Gate		Gate Opens
Fri 10:00 pm -	Entry Gate		Gate Closes
Sat 7:00 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 9:00 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.