You will receive a printed Convention Bulletin with the schedule in it when you check in at the gate.
Download the 2018 Convention Bulliten (PDF File).
8:30am- 5:00pm HH Wrkshp: Antique Telescopes, Observatories & Equipment
Seminar or Workshop Hartness House Hosted by John Briggs & Tom Spirock Workshop (Separate Registration)
12:00pm- 4:00pm Large RV Permit Holders must arrive
Operating Hours Entry Gate Please don't arrive before Noon!
3:00pm-10:00pm Early Entry Permit Holders can arrive
Operating Hours Entry Gate Please don't arrive before 3:00!
6:00pm- 8:00pm HH Wrkshp: Antique Telescopes, Observatories & Equipment
Seminar or Workshop Hartness House Hosted by John Briggs & Tom Spirock Dinner (Separate Registration)
8:30pm-12:00am Observing Olympics
Observing Observing Fields Coordinated by Eileen Myers Telescopes & Binoculars
8:30pm- Observing with the Hartness Turret Telescope
Observing Hartness House Weather Permitting
9:00pm-12:00am Porter Turret Telescope
Observing Observering Weather Permitting
9:00pm-12:00am McGregor Observatory
Observing Observering Weather Permitting
9:00am-12:00pm Coatings
Advanced Topic West of Clubhouse Presented by Alan Ward Mirror Coating
9:00am- 9:00pm Porter Turret Telescope
Observing Open, Solar Observing Weather Permitting
9:00am- Registration Gate Opens
Operating Hours Entry Gate Gate Opens
10:00am- 6:00pm Shuttle Bus Operates
Operating Hours Bus Stops Bus Stops: Pine Island, Food Tent, Pink Clubhouse
10:00am- 9:00pm McGregor Observatory
Observing Open
10:00am- 4:00pm Telescope Making Demo
Telescope Making Tent north of T-Shirt Sales Organized by Read Predmore ATM Demo Hours
10:00am-10:30am Telescope Making Demo: Intro & Rough Grinding
Telescope Making Tent north of T-Shirt Sales Presented by Glenn Jackson Intro & Rough Grinding
10:30am-11:00am Telescope Making Demo: Fine Grinding
Telescope Making Tent north of T-Shirt Sales Presented by Rick Hunter Fine Grinding
11:00am-12:00pm Astronomy Activities for Children: Meteorite CSI
Children McGregor Observatory Library Meteorite CSI Ages 5-12; Limited to first 25
11:00am-11:30am Telescope Making Demo: Making Dental Stone Tools
Telescope Making Tent north of T-Shirt Sales Presented by Junie Esslinger Making Dental Stone Tools
11:30am-12:00pm Telescope Making Demo: Making Pitch Laps
Telescope Making Tent north of T-Shirt Sales Presented by Steve Dodson Making Pitch Laps
12:00pm- 1:00pm Free Time
Everyone Relax or Enjoy Lunch No on-site talks or demos scheduled
1:00pm- 5:00pm Stellafane Teen Robotic Project (Requires Signup)
Teens ages 12-16 Bunkhouse Presented by Paul Fucile (Teens 12-17)
1:00pm- 1:45pm Telescope Making Demo: Polishing & Figuring
Telescope Making Tent north of T-Shirt Sales Presented by Dick Parker Polishing & Figuring
1:00pm- 2:00pm Homemade 15-foot dome observatory
Intermediate Topic Flanders Pavilion Presented by Mark Sproul
1:00pm- 2:00pm Night Vision and Live Video for Amateur Astronomy
Intermediate Topic McGregor Observatory Library Presented by Martin Hilario
1:00pm- 2:00pm Solar System Walk
Beginners Topic Meet at M44 (Green Shed) behind Clubhouse CCSU Students
1:30pm- 5:30pm Coatings
Advanced Topic West of Clubhouse Presented by Alan Ward Mirror Coating
2:00pm- 6:00pm Breuing Observatory (Domed Observatory)
Observing Open
2:00pm- 3:00pm Imaging Large Planetary Nebulas and Supernova Remnants
Intermediate Topic Flanders Pavilion Presented by Al Takeda Talk
2:00pm- 3:00pm Astronomy Activities for Children: How Telescopes Work
Children McGregor Observatory Library How Telescopes Work Ages 5-12; Limited to first 25
2:00pm- 3:00pm Solar Observing Hour
Observing Observing Fields Please set up your Solar Scope and Share
2:00pm- 4:00pm Telescope Making Demo: Testing (Bring your own mirror)
Telescope Making Tent north of T-Shirt Sales Presented by Dave Kelly Testing (Bring your own mirror)
3:00pm- 4:00pm A Survey of Astronomical History: Why Our Heritage Matters
Beginners Topic McGregor Observatory Library Presented by Kevin Johnson
3:00pm- 4:00pm Coatings
Advanced Topic Flanders Pavilion Presented by Alan Ward Talk
3:30pm- 5:00pm Imaging Large Planetary Nebulas and Supernova Remnants
Intermediate Topic near Domed Observatory Presented by Al Takeda Demo/Workshop
4:00pm- Simoni Observatory / Spectrohelioscope Dedication
Major Convention Event Northwest of Clubhouse
4:00pm- 5:00pm Exoplanet Discoveries: The Role of Amateur Astronomers
Intermediate Topic Flanders Pavilion Presented by Dennis Conti, Chair AAVSO Exoplanet Section
4:00pm- 5:00pm Introduction to Stellafane
Beginners Topic McGregor Observatory Library Presented by Kim & Dennis Cassia
5:00pm- 7:00pm Free Time
Everyone Relax or Enjoy Dinner No on-site talks or demos scheduled
5:00pm- 8:00pm Hartness-Porter ATM Museum Open
Museum Open Hartness House Hosted by Bert Willard, Curator
5:00pm- 8:00pm Telescope Competition Registration
Telescope Competition Clubhouse Optical and Mechanical Registration
6:00pm- 7:30pm Friday Evening Videos
Everyone Flanders Pavilion Astronomy documentaries for the whole family
7:30pm- Friday Evening Informal Talks
Major Convention Event Flanders Pavilion Bruce Beford, MC Short presentations by Convention Attendees
8:30pm-12:00am Observing Olympics
Observing Observing Fields Coordinated by Eileen Myers Telescopes & Binoculars
9:00pm-12:00am Porter Turret Telescope
Observing Observering Weather Permitting
9:00pm-12:00am McGregor Observatory
Observing Observering Weather Permitting
9:00pm-12:00am Breuing Observatory (Domed Observatory)
Observing Observering Weather Permitting
10:00pm- Registration Gate Closes
Operating Hours Entry Gate Gate Closes
10:00pm- Telescope Competition Optical Begins
Telescope Competition Fields around Clubhouse Optical Competition Begins
7:00am- Registration Gate Opens
Operating Hours Entry Gate Gate Opens
7:00am-12:00pm Swap Tables
Major Convention Event Swap Table Area - North of Main Camping Area
8:00am- 9:00pm Porter Turret Telescope
Observing Open, Solar Observing Weather Permitting
8:00am- 9:00pm McGregor Observatory
Observing Open
8:00am- 9:30am Telescope Competition Registration
Telescope Competition Clubhouse Mechanical (and Optical if needed) Registration
9:00am- 5:00pm Shuttle Bus Operates
Operating Hours Bus Stops Bus Stops: Pine Island, Food Tent, Pink Clubhouse
9:00am-12:00pm Coatings
Advanced Topic West of Clubhouse Presented by Alan Ward Mirror Coating
10:00am- 1:00pm Telescope Competition Mechanical
Telescope Competition Fields around Clubhouse Mechanical Competition
10:00am-11:30am Telescope Field Walk
Beginners Topic Meet at Front of Clubhouse Led by David McGaw
10:00am-11:00am Introduction to Stellafane
Beginners Topic McGregor Observatory Library Presented by Kim & Dennis Cassia
10:00am-11:00am A Dipper Full of Stars
Beginners Topic Flanders Pavilion Presented by Richard Sanderson
10:00am- 4:00pm Telescope Making Demo
Telescope Making Tent north of T-Shirt Sales Organized by Read Predmore ATM Demo Hours
10:00am-10:30am Telescope Making Demo: Intro & Rough Grinding
Telescope Making Tent north of T-Shirt Sales Presented by Glenn Jackson Intro & Rough Grinding
10:30am-11:00am Telescope Making Demo: Fine Grinding
Telescope Making Tent north of T-Shirt Sales Presented by Rick Hunter Fine Grinding
11:00am-12:00pm Binoculars
Beginners Topic Flanders Pavilion Presented by Phil Harrington
11:00am-12:00pm Astronomy Activities for Children: Comets!
Children McGregor Observatory Library Comets! Ages 5-12; Limited to first 25
11:00am-11:30am Telescope Making Demo: Making Dental Stone Tools
Telescope Making Tent north of T-Shirt Sales Presented by Junie Esslinger Making Dental Stone Tools
11:30am-12:00pm Telescope Making Demo: Making Pitch Laps
Telescope Making Tent north of T-Shirt Sales Presented by Phil Rounseville Making Pitch Laps
12:00pm- 1:00pm Free Time
Everyone Relax or Enjoy Lunch No on-site talks or demos scheduled
1:00pm- 1:45pm Telescope Making Demo: Polishing & Figuring
Telescope Making Tent north of T-Shirt Sales Presented by Dick Parker Polishing & Figuring
1:00pm- 2:00pm Solar System Walk
Beginners Topic Meet at M44 (Green Shed) behind Clubhouse CCSU Students
1:00pm- 2:00pm American Medical Association On Street Lighting
Intermediate Topic Flanders Pavilion Presented by Mario Motta
1:00pm- 2:00pm Astronomy Activities for Children: Saturns and Stuff
Children McGregor Observatory Library Saturns and Stuff Ages 5-12; Limited to first 25
1:30pm- 5:30pm Coatings
Advanced Topic West of Clubhouse Presented by Alan Ward Mirror Coating
2:00pm- 4:00pm Telescope Making Demo: Dobsonian Basics
Telescope Making Tent north of T-Shirt Sales Presented by Ken Slater Dobsonian Basics
2:00pm- 3:00pm Maria Mitchell’s Astronomical Legacy
Beginners Topic McGregor Observatory Library Presented by Kris Larsen
2:00pm- 3:00pm UnFinished Business : The Stellafane Spectrohelioscope
Advanced Topic Flanders Pavilion Presented by Matt Considine
2:00pm- 6:00pm Breuing Observatory (Domed Observatory)
Observing Open
2:00pm- 3:00pm Solar Observing Hour
Observing Observing Fields Please set up your Solar Scope and Share
3:00pm- 4:00pm Variable Stars and their stories
Intermediate Topic McGregor Observatory Library Presented by Stella Kafka, Director of the AAVSO
3:00pm- 4:00pm History of Amateur Telescope Making before Russell Porter
Advanced Topic Flanders Pavilion Presented by Bart Fried
4:00pm- 5:30pm Advanced Observing
Advanced Topic Flanders Pavilion Presented by Larry Mitchell
4:00pm- 5:00pm Introduction to Telescopes
Beginners Topic McGregor Observatory Library Presented by Glenn Chaple & Alan French
6:00pm- 7:00pm Free Time
Everyone Relax or Enjoy Dinner No on-site talks or demos scheduled
7:00pm- Saturday Evening Program & Keynote Talk
Major Convention Event Amphitheater (Flanders Pavilion if rain) Includes Keynote, Shadowgram, Raffle & Awards
8:30pm-12:00am Observing Olympics
Observing Observing Fields Coordinated by Eileen Myers Telescopes & Binoculars
9:00pm-12:00am Porter Turret Telescope
Observing Observering Weather Permitting
9:00pm-12:00am Breuing Observatory (Domed Observatory)
Observing Observering Weather Permitting
9:00pm-12:00am McGregor Observatory
Observing Observering Weather Permitting
10:00pm- Telescope Competition Optical Begins
Telescope Competition Fields around Clubhouse Optical Competition (Only if not held Friday)
10:00pm- Discover and Enjoy the Night Sky (Held regardless of weather)
Beginners Topic McGregor Observatory Library Presented by Steve Dodson
8:00am-12:00pm Convention Cleanup
Everyone Please clean up around your campsite Please put trash in the dumpsters
9:00am-12:00pm Hartness-Porter ATM Museum Open
Museum Open Hartness House Hosted by Bert Willard, Curator
10:30am-11:30am Observing Olympics
Observing Hillside below McGregor Coordinated by Eileen Myers Award Pins Only
Fri 4:00 pm - | Northwest of Clubhouse |
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.
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:
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.
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). John Gallagher, of the Springfield Telescope Makers, will be master of ceremonies.
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
Fri 10:00 am - 4:00 pm | Tent north of T-Shirt Sales | Organized by Read Predmore | ATM Demo Hours |
Fri 10:00 am - 10:30 am | Tent north of T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Glenn Jackson | Intro & Rough Grinding |
Fri 10:30 am - 11:00 am | Tent north of T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Rick Hunter | Fine Grinding |
Fri 11:00 am - 11:30 am | Tent north of T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Junie Esslinger | Making Dental Stone Tools |
Fri 11:30 am - 12:00 pm | Tent north of T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Steve Dodson | Making Pitch Laps |
Fri 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm | Tent north of T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Dick Parker | Polishing & Figuring |
Fri 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Tent north of T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Dave Kelly | Testing (Bring your own mirror) |
Sat 10:00 am - 4:00 pm | Tent north of T-Shirt Sales | Organized by Read Predmore | ATM Demo Hours |
Sat 10:00 am - 10:30 am | Tent north of T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Glenn Jackson | Intro & Rough Grinding |
Sat 10:30 am - 11:00 am | Tent north of T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Rick Hunter | Fine Grinding |
Sat 11:00 am - 11:30 am | Tent north of T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Junie Esslinger | Making Dental Stone Tools |
Sat 11:30 am - 12:00 pm | Tent north of T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Phil Rounseville | Making Pitch Laps |
Sat 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm | Tent north of T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Dick Parker | Polishing & Figuring |
Sat 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Tent north of T-Shirt Sales | 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 on Friday.
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.
Fri 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Meet at M44 (Green Shed) behind Clubhouse | CCSU Students | |
Sat 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Meet at M44 (Green Shed) behind Clubhouse | CCSU Students |
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.
Fri 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | McGregor Observatory Library | Presented by Kevin Johnson |
Fri 4:00 pm - 5:00 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.
Sat 10:00 am - 11:30 am | Meet at Front of Clubhouse | Led by David McGaw |
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.
Sat 10:00 am - 11:00 am | 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.
Sat 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Phil Harrington |
Sat 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | McGregor Observatory Library | Presented by Kris Larsen |
Sat 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm | McGregor Observatory Library | Presented by Glenn Chaple & Alan French |
Sat 10:00 pm - | McGregor Observatory Library | Presented by Steve Dodson |
Using free Stellarium software, Steve 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.
Fri 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Mark Sproul |
Fri 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Al Takeda | Talk |
Fri 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm | near Domed Observatory | Presented by Al Takeda | Demo/Workshop |
When we look at the Sun and Moon we see that their angular size is about a half a degree. They are the largest angular sized astronomical objects that we normally experience. However, did you know that there are other deep sky objects that subtend angles greater than 3 degrees?
In this talk, Al will discuss how to image those fairly elusive but very large planetary nebulas and supernova remnants. Topics will include using different catalogs to find these objects, the type of cameras and optics to use, and helpful filters. He will also briefly talk about how to post process those captured images.
Al will demonstrate some of these techniques Friday afternoon from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM only. The location for his seminar will be next to the Domed Observatory.
Fri 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | McGregor Observatory Library | Presented by Martin Hilario |
Fri 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Dennis Conti, Chair AAVSO Exoplanet Section |
Sat 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Mario Motta |
Sat 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | McGregor Observatory Library | Presented by Stella Kafka, Director of the AAVSO |
Variable stars have always been the most intriguing (and fun) targets for observers, professional and amateur alike. Stellar variability, both intrinsic and extrinsic, provides unique insights into critical stages of stellar evolution, helps determine distances to nearby galaxies, and adds to our understanding of explosion physics and chemical enrichment of the Milky Way.
I will introduce some of the most common aspects of stellar variability and their significance in astrophysics. I will discuss their common light curve identifiers, and present work by AAVSO observers that has led to cutting-edge scientific discoveries throughout the years. Finally, I will discuss how you can participate in variable star observations from your back yard, contributing to the AAVSO International Database and to cutting-edge science.
Fri 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | West of Clubhouse | Presented by Alan Ward | Mirror Coating |
Fri 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm | West of Clubhouse | Presented by Alan Ward | Mirror Coating |
Fri 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Alan Ward | Talk |
Sat 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | West of Clubhouse | Presented by Alan Ward | Mirror Coating |
Sat 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm | West of Clubhouse | Presented by Alan Ward | Mirror Coating |
The optical surfaces of all modern quality astronomical instruments are either coated and/or oiled-spaced with extremely thin layers of metallic/dielectric or liquid materials to improve optical performance. This presentation will describe the mechanics of depositing these materials & the theory of thin-film interference, and give an overview of what every telescope user should know about the many available optical coatings/oilings for lens/mirrors and how to care for them.
Alan's portable coating machine is west of the clubhouse and will be coating attendees mirrors on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sat 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Matt Considine |
Sat 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Bart Fried |
Sat 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Larry Mitchell |
Thu 8:30 am - 5:00 pm | Hartness House | Hosted by John Briggs & Tom Spirock | Workshop (Separate Registration) |
Thu 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Hartness House | Hosted by John Briggs & Tom Spirock | Dinner (Separate Registration) |
Workshop and Dinner information is here. Separate registration and fees apply.
Fri 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | McGregor Observatory Library | Meteorite CSI | Ages 5-12; Limited to first 25 |
Fri 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | McGregor Observatory Library | How Telescopes Work | Ages 5-12; Limited to first 25 |
Sat 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | McGregor Observatory Library | Comets! | Ages 5-12; Limited to first 25 |
Sat 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | McGregor Observatory Library | Saturns and Stuff | 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 activity as listed above
First-come, first-served, and limited to 25 children each session. Late-comers may be turned away.
Fri 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Bunkhouse | Presented by Paul Fucile | (Teens 12-17) |
This year’s Teen Program participants will learn about the science and technology behind NASA’s newest Red Planet mission, the Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport (InSight) spacecraft. Launched on May 5 and now on a 300-million-mile (483-million-kilometer) trip to study the never before examined interior of Mars, this 794 pound (360 kg) spacecraft is due for an Elysium Planitia touch down on November 26, 2018. This will be a demonstration of some of NASA’s newest geological sensing capabilities.
This will be a hands on class working in teams to construct a InSight 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 the 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 on a first-come first served basis at the event, until the class is full.
Note: There will be a lot of specialized instruction so you will need to be on time! Since we will be working with tools and other mechanisms, only closed toe shoes will be allowed.
Thu 8:30 pm - | Hartness House | Weather Permitting |
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).
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 McGregor and Porter Turret will be set up for solar observing as well.
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 |
Thu 9:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observering | Weather Permitting | |
Fri 9:00 am - 9:00 pm | Open, Solar Observing | Weather Permitting | |
Fri 9:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observering | Weather Permitting | |
Sat 8:00 am - 9:00 pm | Open, Solar Observing | Weather Permitting | |
Sat 9:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observering | Weather Permitting |
Thu 9:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observering | Weather Permitting | |
Fri 10:00 am - 9:00 pm | Open | ||
Fri 9:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observering | Weather Permitting | |
Sat 8:00 am - 9:00 pm | Open | ||
Sat 9:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observering | Weather Permitting |
Fri 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm | Open | ||
Fri 9:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observering | Weather Permitting | |
Sat 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm | Open | ||
Sat 9:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observering | Weather Permitting |
Fri 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Relax or Enjoy Lunch | No on-site talks or demos scheduled | |
Fri 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm | Relax or Enjoy Dinner | No on-site talks or demos scheduled | |
Sat 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Relax or Enjoy Lunch | No on-site talks or demos scheduled | |
Sat 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm | Relax or Enjoy Dinner | No on-site talks or demos scheduled |
We have your days and nights pretty heavily scheduled; these hours are kept free for a bit of relaxation or a leisurely lunch or dinner.
Fri 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Astronomy documentaries for the whole family |
Short astronomy documentaries for the whole family.
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.
Fri 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Hartness House | Hosted by Bert Willard, Curator | |
Sun 9:00 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.
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.
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.
Fri 9:00 am - | Entry Gate | Gate Opens | |
Fri 10:00 pm - | Entry Gate | Gate Closes | |
Sat 7:00 am - | Entry Gate | Gate Opens |
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.
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