This Months KAS Events

Highlights of the October Sky

. . . 3rd. . . New Moon Annular eclipse Africa

October 2005 . . . 8th. . . Draconid Meteor Shower Peak This Months KAS Events

th .. . . 10 . . . Astrophotography Contest First Quarter Moon 7:00 pm Friday, October 7

. . . 17th. . . Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center Located at Westnedge & West Vine Partial Lunar eclipse in western states Kalamazoo Nature Center Observing .. . . 19th. . . Dusk, October 8 & 29

Moon 1.0° S of the Pleiades Board Meeting .. . . 21st. . . 4:00 pm Sunday, October 9 Orionid Meteor Shower Trinity Reformed Church Peak

.. . . 24th. . . Last Quarter Moon

.. . . 29th. . . Mars closest approach Inside this Newsletter. . .

.. . . 30th. . . Daylight savings time ends Astro Quiz………………..……………………………………... p. 2 Board Meeting Minutes………………………………... p. 3 .. . . 31st. . . Observations……………………………………………………. p. 4 Zodiacal light visible in NASA Space Place………………………………………….. p. 5 east before morning Astrophotography Contest………………………….. p. 6 twilight for next two weeks KAS Officers & Announcements………………… p. 7

www.kasonline.org October 2005 2005 Page 2

Oncurrent a sadder note, no funding will be provided in NASA’s April Meeting budgetadministration for any type of servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. Just funds to deorbit the observatory AstroQuiz 7)once Cloudy it becomes Nights inactive. is the best The placefight isn’tto find: over yet! Contact Minutes A)your Comprehensive local representative equipment today. reviews B) A friendly, helpful community of amateur astronomers TheI keep general seeing meeting references of the to beingKalamazoo an "experienced Astronomical observer" Society RichardC) Haggis then recipes covered upcoming events and then our new wasand realizedbrought that to order the hobby by President has no standardized Richard Bell way on Friday,of NewsletterD) The Gnome Editor, Mafia Robert Wade, gave us a tour of the Februarymeasuring 7, whether 2005 at one 7:10 is pm.experienced Approximatel or non-experienced.y 35 members new Prime Focus in PDF format. Everyone is encouraged to andSo, I guestsdevised were a short in attendance quiz that will at the almost Kalamazoo certainly Area become Math ask8) When for the arriving PDF newsletter, at a star party but contact after dark, Robert it is (ynefel always at &the Science standard Center in the (KAMSC). amateur astronomy circles. So, grab a gmailbest to: dot com) if you’d prefer to receive a hard copy. pencil, and take the A) Turn off your headlights to avoid ruining fellow partici- Our feature presentation of the evening was entitled “First Thepant's meeting night vision concluded at about 9:35 pm. The March Light:"ARE YOU A Beginner’s AN EXPERIENCED Guide to Telescopes”. OBSERVER The ?"program TEST was meetingB) Check will in with feature the acoordinator Winter Star of theParty event report before by settingthose broken into two parts. Part one featured a PowerPoint thatup your were equipment lucky enough to attend! presentation1. To find out given if an upcomingby the KAS night President will be himself. suitable forBefore C) Check in with the coordinator of the event before setting divingobserving, into youthe details consult: about telescopes, Richard encouraged up the keg visitorsA) The Clearto start Sky out Clock by readin g some of the excellent begin- D) First drop off anyBoard paid any "escorts"Meeting you hired for the ner’sB) The books sky available today. These include Night Watch and lonely drive TheC) Your Backyard grandfather's Astronomer’s arthritis Guide. Minutes D) The entrails of a goat 9) When sighting in your finder scope, aim for: Richard then encouraged beginners to learn the brightest A) An easily seen tree top or tower at least 1/4 mile away stars2. You and should major clean constellations your mirror and then learn to find deep B) An easily seen bright star if it's too dark to see a tree or skyA) Only objects when with absolutely binoculars. necessary However, Richard admitted towerThe KAS at least board 1/4 met mile at away 4:10 pm on 2/20/05 at Trinity Re- thatB) When hardly you anyone notice startsa distinct out lossthis ofway, contrast so he jumped into C)formed Ron Boe'sChurch hat, (326 easily W. seen Cork from St.). anywhere Present wereon the Richard planet telescopes.C) When the He neighborhood started by defining kids start some writing of the "Wash terminology Me" D)Bell, Any Rich window Mather, with Frank open Seve curtainsrance, Mike Sinclair, Carol oftenin the useddust onwith the telescopes primary like aperture, focal length and Van Dien, and Robert Wade. magnification.D) When you spot Next mole was tunnels a detailed running explanation close to theof themir- dif- 10) When collimating a Newtonian you will find ______ferentror's surface types of telescope along with the pros and cons of toAfter be helpfulapproval of the agenda, the treasurer’s report was each type. A)examined A Cheshire ($7088.66). sight tube There was extensive discussion 3. Star-hopping is: B)concerning A laser collimator the joint KAMSC/KAS $5000 matching grant RichardA) Finding then objects discussed manually the usingvast array nearby of starsaccessories as guide- avail- C)for A public bottle outreach. of extra strength Mike will Tylenol seek to have the $5000 ableposts today along with some purchasing advice. The presen- D)transferred A copy of to "The the Longshoreman'sKAS, or given back Dictionary to the sponsor of Colorful if tationB) A valuable ended skillafter forcomparing learning theseveral sky of the most popular Phrases"match funds are unavailable. More discussion to follow.. telescopesC) Riding aavailable pogo stick today. with Acelebrities detailed set of notes was pro- The year 2005 programs are now set—see the KAS website vided,D) Intellectually so if you missedsuperior the to meetingusing GOTO and would like a copy Givefor details yourself. then please contact Richard. 10 points for each "A" answer 4) GOTO is: 5Richard points for reported each "B" on answer his meeting with the Kalamazoo Na- PartA) technologically two of the program advanced was method a telescope of locating clinic objects and show- 500ture points Center. for The each KNC piece staff of astronomical still would like gear the you KAS mail to to and-tell.B) Useful forA thehandful astronomer of guests with limitedbrought time telescopes and/or light they theprovide creator volunteers of this quiz to collect fees for public observing ses- neededpolluted help skies with setting up and using. Special thanks to sions held there. Officer consensus was that member par- DaveC) An Garten, acronym Bob for Havira,"Gadgets Mike Of Terrible Sinclair, Observers" and Bill Van Dien 0-5ticipation points: was You unlikely—especially probably don't know in a view telescope of donated from a forD) Intellectuallyproviding help superior and bringing to star-hopping their telescopes for the dis- microscope,member equipment you moron! and time. A brief discussion was held play. 5-50on possible points: dates/topics Become a Department for Astronomy Store Day. Telescope The KNC sales- 5) Uranus is: personwants anda Fall save presentation—most up for some astronomy KAS officers courses favored an AfterA) The the seventh snack planet break, from Richard the sun gave his president’s report. 50-100earlier publicpoints: event You areat perhaps proficient one in of the the ways art fairs of astronomy, or a joint HeB) A once planet again with reminded a faint system everyone of rings to renew their member- GrasshopperKingdom/Kings game. Again, more discussion to follow. shipC) The dues least if respectedthey haven’t planet done for soastronomers already. He due then to being men- 500+ points: Truly a genius! You make Einstein look like Jim tionedupstaged that by thathe took show-off the KASneighbor, 12” LX200 Saturn up to Optec in Carrey.The KNC With Observing this sort Schedule of score, is you almost have complete a bright future and in Lowell,D) The mostMI torespected have the planet focuser for ten-year upgraded. olds, dueThis to should it's theshould sciences be published and are a in magnet March. to Pleasethe opposite set aside sex! time to greatlyname improve the ability of our telescope. help on one or more of these sessions. I certainly hope this test helps you all determine your levels Next6) Two was stars Observing which are Reports attrac ted(not to many, one another but there in space were ofThe expertise! meeting Of was course, adjourned the real at 5:45prestige pm, kickswith thein at next the 500 some)are and then current astronomical events. The top story pointmeeting level, set so for do Mar. your 6, best 4 pm, to atobtain Trinity this Reformed score. Happy Church. test- wasA) A ofbinary course system the successful landing of the ESA’s Huygens ing, I have to go check my mailbox! landerB) Often on a thevisual surface double of Titan. The images during the de- Respectfully Submitted by Robert Wade for Roger Williams scentC) Just to friends the surface and from the surface itself are just as- Posted by Hillbilly Gazer on the Cloudy Night Forums tounding.D) Unable to be legally married under the guidelines of the October 2005 2005 Page 32

goalsOn a sadder of the note, KAS. no Afunding tentative will bedate provided of Saturday, in NASA’s Oc- AprilBoard Meeting Meeting toberbudget 29for at any 10:00 type amof servicing– 3:00 pm mission was announced.to the Hubble A Space Telescope. Just funds to deorbit the observatory oncesite hasit becomes yet to inactive. be determined. The fight isn’t All over interested yet! Contact KAS MinutesMinutes yourmembers local representative are strongly today. encouraged to attend.

The general officers meeting of the of the KAS Kalamazoo assembled Astronomical for a Societyboard AsRichard announced then covered at theupcoming September events andgeneral then ourmeeting, new meetingwas brought on toSunday, order by September President Richard 11, 2005 Bell at on Trinity Friday, anotherNewsletter field Editor, trip Robert to Wade,Abrams gave Planetarium us a tour of theand February 7, 2005 at 7:10 pm. Approximately 35 members Reformed Church. President Richard Bell MSUnew Prime Observatory Focus in PDF isformat. being Everyone planned. is encouraged The trip to is and guests were in attendance at the Kalamazoo Area Math ask for the PDF newsletter, but contact Robert (ynefel at &brought Science Centerthe meeting (KAMSC). to order at 4:10 pm. Other gmailscheduled dot com) for if you’dNovember prefer to 5. receive We’ll a hard also copy. try to ar- officers and board members in attendance include range a tour of the SOAR telescope control facility. JeanOur feature DeMott, presentation Bob Havira, of the evening Rich wasMather, entitled Frank “First The meetingKAS will concluded pay for at admissionabout 9:35 pm.to the The planetar- March Severance,Light: A Beginner’s and Carol Guide Van to Telescopes”. Dien. The program was ium.meeting A willtrip feature like this a Winter was planned Star Party for report last byyear, those but broken into two parts. Part one featured a PowerPoint that were lucky enough to attend! presentation given by the KAS President himself. Before canceled due to poor weather conditions. divingRich intoMather the details started about things telescopes, off Richardwith hisencouraged treas- visitorsurer’s report.to start out As by of readin the gboard some ofmeeting, the excellent the begin-KAS Bob Havira thenBoard discussed Meeting his plans to organize ner’shas $6,092.97books available in today.our account. These include Major Night expenses Watch and the nomination and election of KAS officers. After Thewere Backyard $655.73 Astronomer’s for our Guide . Minutessome discussion, it new canopy and fold- was decided to have a Richard then encouraged beginners to learn the brightest starsing tablesand major as constellations well as and then learn to find deep poster for volunteers sky$525 objects for Astronomicalwith binoculars. However, Richard admitted The KAS board met at 4:10 pm on to2/20/05 nominate at Trinity Re-them- thatLeague hardly anyonemembership. starts out this way, so he jumped into formed Church (326 W. Cork St.).selves Present at were the Richard October telescopes.The funds He for started the can- by defining some of the terminology Bell, Rich Mather, Frank Severance, Mike Sinclair, Carol Van Dien, and Robert Wade. meeting. Several oftenopy usedand withtables telescopes came like aperture, focal length and names, both familiar magnification. Next was a detailed explanation of the dif- fromferent typesthe $1,000of telescope grant along with the pros and cons of After approval of the agenda, the treasurer’sand new, report were was dis- weeach type.received from examined ($7088.66). There was extensivecussed discussionas possible Pfizer late last year. concerning the joint KAMSC/KASofficers $5000 matching for 2006. grant Bob RichRichard also then reported discussed that the vast array of accessories avail- for public outreach. Mike will seek to have the $5000 transferred to the KAS, or given backwill to thecontact sponsor if these $600able today has along been with someallo- purchasing advice. The presen- individuals and see if tation ended after comparing several of the most popular match funds are unavailable. More discussion to follow.. catedtelescopes for availableour new today. land A detailed set of notes was pro- The year 2005 programs are now set—theysee are the KASwilling website to acquisitionvided, so if you fund. missed This the meeting and would like a copy for details. serve the KAS. moneythen please comes contact from Richard. a Nominees will then donation from Jean DeMott through her plant Richard reported on his meeting with the Kalamazoo Na- beture announced Center. The at KNC the staff Novemb still woulder meeting. like the KAS Elections to salesPart two from of the 2004 program and was matching a telescope donation clinic and show-from will then be held at the December Annual Meet- and-tell. A handful of guests brought telescopes they provide volunteers to collect fees for public observing ses- Pfizer.needed help Jean with reported setting thatup and her using. plant Special sale hasthanks been to ing.sions held there. Officer consensus was that member par- anDave even Garten, bigger Bob success Havira, Mikethan Sinclair,last year. and Bill Van Dien ticipation was unlikely—especially in view of donated for providing help and bringing their telescopes for the dis- Preparationsmember equipment for the and Holidaytime. A brief Party discussion are being was made.held Generalplay. meeting topics for 2006 were then dis- on possible dates/topics for Astronomy Day. The KNC Richardwants a Fall will presentation—most contact Orion KAS and officers Sky favoredPublishing an cussed. Richard will again invite speakers from (among others) for small donations for BINGO After the snack break, Richard gave his president’s report. earlier public event at perhaps one of the art fairs or a joint Hethe once Abrams again remindedPlanetarium everyone lecture to renew series. their member- Frank prizes.Kingdom/Kings Jean will game. be Again, looking more for discussion volunteers to follow. to help shipSeverance dues if hasthey severalhaven’t donecolleagues so already. he couldHe then invite men- with decorations at the next meeting. tionedfrom Hope that he College took the and KAS Eastern 12” LX200 Michigan up to Univer-Optec in The KNC Observing Schedule is almost complete and should be published in March. Please set aside time to sity.Lowell, Bob MI Havirato have hasthe afocuser friend upgraded.in the local This commu- should The meeting was brought to a close at 6:00 pm. greatly improve the ability of our telescope. help on one or more of these sessions. nity who could give a presentation on ar- The next board meeting is schedule for 4:00 pm cheoastronomy. Richard asked Bob to invite her Next was Observing Reports (not many, but there were Sunday,The meeting October was adjourned 9 at Trinity at 5:45 pm, Reformed with the next Church. some)to speak and atthen the current February astronomical 2006 meeting. events. The top story Allmeeting members set for areMar. welcome 6, 4 pm, at to Trinity attend. Reformed Church. was of course the successful landing of the ESA’s Huygens Respectfully Submitted by Robert Wade for Roger Williams Jeanlander DeMott on the surface then discussof Titan.ed The her images plans during to schedule the de- Minutes submitted by Richard S. Bell ascent “retreat” to the surfaceto map and outfrom thethe surfacefuture itself projects are just and as- tounding. October 2005 Page 4

Observations By Richard S. Bell

There are several KAS activities I’m looking for- and Mars both stay clear on October 29th! ward to this month. The first is, of course, Astro- photography Night at our general meeting on Octo- We plan to send out many press releases for ber 7th. The 11th annual Astrophotography Contest MarsWatch 2005, but I don’t except the mega-sized will be held that night and I plan to enter some pho- crowd we had for 2003’s event. For one, Mars proba- tos that I’ve taken over the past year. There will also bly won’t get all the main-stream media covered it be a special “face off” at this years contest. I can’t say got in 2003. Secondly, the bogus e-mail about Mars what that will be because I don’t what to bias any- that circulated throughout the internet this past one’s voting. You’ll just summer may have people have to attend the meeting thinking this is another false and find out. We’ll also alarm. Basically, this whole hold the traditional show- e-mail thing may have a and-tell portion of the “Kohoutek Effect”. Never- meeting, so please bring theless, if the weather coop- your favorite astrophotos erates, then I still expect a from years past. fair sized crowd at the Na- ture Center. Please mark The public observing this on your calendar and sessions end for the season plan to bring out your tele- this month. The first will scope if all goes well! be held on October 8th (the day after the general meet- A special KAS meeting ing). Let’s hope for some crisp, clear autumn skies so will take place on October 29th as well. KAS Vice we can enjoy the deep sky delights offered by Pega- President Jean DeMott has been hoping to hold a sus, Andromeda and more. Last year we ended our “retreat” for the past couple of years now. The plan is public observing season with the successful Total to get as many interested KAS members together as Lunar EEK!-lipse party. This year we end the season possible and lay out a comprehensive strategy on the with MarsWatch 2005 on October 29th. That date future of the KAS. Basically, now that we’re finally a just so happens to coincide with the Red Planet’s 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, what goals to we closest approach to Earth. Mars isn’t actually in op- want to set? What will our timeline be? We’ve dis- position until November 7th. cussed searching for our own property for some time now, and in fact a special land acquisition fund has Mars won’t be as close our as large [through the already been created. Where should we try to buy telescope] as it was in 2003, but this will be the best land? What should we do with it? Should we even opportunity for a good view of Mars until 2018. Mars bother to acquire land at all? We’ll try to answer was a whopping 25.13” in diameter on August 27, these questions and discuss several other topics as 2003 and this year it’ll “only” appear 20.15” in diame- well. The “retreat” is scheduled to run from 10:00 am ter. In a very real way though, Mars may actually be – 3:00 pm. We haven’t decided on a location yet, but in a better position now than it was two years ago. we do plan to arrange for lunch for everyone that at- The kicker is Mars’ altitude; it’ll be twice as high in tends. I’ve always had a “Master Plan” laid out in my the sky on October 29th as it was on August 27, 2003! brain, but I’m really looking forward to getting it all That’ll put it above most of the atmospheric turbu- on paper for the first time. I hope you’ll join us for lence. So, even though Mars is farther away and this very important and critical meeting. hence smaller in size, it should actually be easier to see more detail this year than in 2003 because of better seeing! Let’s just hope the atmospheres of Earth October 2005 Page 5

The Space Place by Tony Phillips

Where No Spacecraft Has Gone Before heliosheath, the solar wind slows eventually to a dead stop. The slowing wind becomes denser, more turbulent, and its magnetic field—a remnant of the sun’s In 1977, Voyager 1 left our planet. Its mission: to visit own magnetism--grows stronger. Jupiter and Saturn and to study their moons. The flybys were an enormous success. Voyager 1 discov- So far from Earth, this turbulent magnetic gas is curi- ered active volcanoes on Io, found evidence for sub- ously important to human life. “The heliosheath is a merged oceans on Europa, and photographed dark shield against galactic cosmic rays,” explains Stone. rings around Jupiter itself. Later, the spacecraft Subatomic particles blasted in our direction by dis- buzzed Saturn’s moon Titan—alerting astronomers tant supernovas and black holes are deflected by the that it was a very strange place indeed! —and flew heliosheath, protecting the inner solar system from behind Saturn’s rings, seeing what was hidden from much deadly radiation. Earth. Voyager 1 is exploring this shield for the first time. Beyond Saturn, Neptune and Uranus beckoned, but “We’ll remain inside the heliosheath for 8 to 10 years,” Voyager 1’s planet-tour ended there. Saturn’s gravity predicts Stone, “then we’ll break through, finally seized Voyager 1 and slingshot it into deep space. reaching interstellar space.” Voyager 1 was heading for the stars—just as NASA had planned. What’s out there? Stay tuned…

Now, in 2005, the spacecraft is nine billion miles (96 For more about the twin Voyager spacecraft, visit astronomical units) from the Sun, and it has entered a voyager.jpl.nasa.gov. Kids can learn about Voyager 1 strange region of space no ship has ever visited be- and 2 and their grand tour of the outer planets at fore. spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/vgr_fact3.shtml .

“We call this region ‘the heliosheath.’ It’s where the solar wind piles up against the interstellar medium at the outer edge of our solar system,” says Ed Stone, project scientist for the Voyager mission at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Out in the Milky Way, where Voyager 1 is trying to go, the “empty space” between stars is not really empty. It’s filled with clouds of gas and dust. The wind from the Sun blows a gigantic bubble in this cloudy “interstellar medium.” All nine planets from Mercury to Pluto fit comfortably inside. The heliosheath is, essentially, the bubble’s skin.

“The heliosheath is different from any other place we’ve been,” says Stone. Near the Sun, the solar wind moves at a million miles per hour. At the October 2005 Page 6

Astrophotography Contest

• be taken with amateur equipment; It’s time, once again for the astrophotographers of the KAS to show off their best work from the • be submitted in print form; past year. Yes, it’s time for the Astrophotogra- Fill out the provided description card containing phy Contest! Please, no wagering! the following information: subject, date, camera (digital or otherwise), film (if any), exposure, There are six categories available for your entries: location, instrument used, and a note of any digital enhancements made (Please note: All digital • SOLAR SYSTEM ― Sun, Moon, planets, enhancements must be made by the photogra- comets, meteors, asteroids, aurora pher. NO professional jobs.)

• ― DEEP SKY A single person Nebulae, galaxies, may enter up to a open clusters, maximum of three globular clusters, (3) photographs double stars, etc. per category. • WIDE-FIELD ― Constellations All photographs and extended re- must be submitted gions. to Richard Bell by October 6, 2005 if • ARTISTIC ― you are not able to Sunsets, astro- attend the October nomical locations, General Meeting. digitally contrived images, etc. Voting will be held • HISTORICAL during the KAS ― Any photo General Meeting taken on any year at KAMSC on Oc- (cannot have been entered in a previous contest) tober 7. Ballots will be handed out to each member at the beginning of the meeting. Voting will CCD ― Imaging with Astronomical CCD Cam- take place throughout the meeting intermission. eras The results will be announced during the second half of the meeting. The rules are simple. Certificates will be awarded at the November- All photographs entered must... General Meeting to the winners in each category as well as the Best First-time Entry and the • be taken by the KAS member who enters the Overall Winner of the 2005 KAS Astrophot- photograph; ography Contest. • be taken between October 1, 2004 – October 7, 2005; October 2005 Page 7

KAS Officers The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) Observers Handbook for 2006 will be available in October. Bill Nigg will be collecting money for a bulk purchase. Bring (or mail) Bill a check made out to Bill Nigg to the September or October KAS general meeting for $18.50 The OFFICERS single price is $28.95 for independent buyers.

He will order by October 11th for delivery at the President November and December KAS general meeting - Richard S. Bell or other TBA. If the quantity goes over 10 then 373-8942 buyers will get an additional $1.50 refund. The [email protected] RASC Observers Handbook is in its 98th year of printing and is famous for providing full observing data on sky objects Vice President and events for the year in an observatory usable form. Over 300 pages Jean DeMott of updated tables, diagrams, and official observing program details are 381-1406 included. See www.rasc.ca/publications.htm for more information. [email protected] All Ages….. Treasurer Rich Mather …..all telescopes. 629-5312 [email protected] The KAS is the Secretary/ALCOR place to learn Roger Williams about the heav- 375-4847 ens above. [email protected] Invite a friend today. Newsletter Editor Robert A. Wade 372-4149 [email protected] October Star Parties, Etc. Oki-Tex Star Party Members at Large October 1– October 9 Bob Havira 344-7707 Held at Camp Billy Joe located in the panhandle of Oklahoma near the town of Kenton, Oklahoma. A week of dark sky observing, guest speakers, vendors and a re- [email protected] laxed star party atmosphere. Over 350 people attended last year.

Frank Severance Enchanted Skies Star Party 372-2237 Oct. 4, 2005 - Oct. 8, 2005 [email protected] The 12th annual Enchanted Skies Star Party will be held in Socorro. The event features Mike Sinclair dark-sky observing, a lecture series, and a genuine Southwestern chuck-wagon dinner 373-7003 served in the open air. A highlight of the star party will be the night atop Socorro [email protected] County's South Baldy peak, a 10,700-foot mountain that soon will host the Magdalena Ridge Observatory, a state-of-the-art research facility now under development. Star Carol Van Dien party attendees will be able to bring their telescopes to this outstanding site and enjoy 342-4983 the high-quality observing conditions. [email protected] KAS MEMBERSHIP

Any person, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap, or national origin, expressing an interest in astronomy or a related science will be welcomed as a member of the society on payment of their required dues.

Membership in the KAS has the following advantages:

• Monthly programs on a wide variety of astronomical subjects. • Participate in work shops such as astrophotography and telescope construction. • The opportunity to attend field trips to various astronomical museums, planetariums, observatories, and star parties. • Take advantage of magazine discounts from such publications as Sky & Telescope. • Check out material from the club's library during general meetings. • The privilege of using telescopes and facilities of Owl Observatory, upon completion of proper training courses. • Attend monthly observing sessions at the Kalamazoo Nature Center free of charge. • Membership in the Astronomical League, a nationwide organization of amateur astronomers. • Subscription to our monthly Prime Focus Newsletter and the Astronomical League's quarterly newsletter the Reflector.

To become a member, please print and fill out the Kalamazoo Astronomical Society Membership Application Form at http:// www.kasonline.org/form.html and mail it to:

Kalamazoo Astronomical Society c/o KAMSC 600 West Vine, Suite 400 Kalamazoo, MI 49008

STAMP c/o 2462 N. 10th St. Kalamazoo, MI 49009