The Official Publication of the Peoria Astronomical Society, Inc. Summer Issue No. 154 June 2003
Peoria History & Future of NorthMoor Astronomical Academy Society, Inc. P.O. Box 10111 Observatory Honors Peoria IL by Dr. Bert Princen 61612-0111 Eric Clifton In 1930 the Peoria Academy to function to the satisfaction By Becky Clifton of Science was formed by a of the members and the gen- Member of the group of local science educa- eral public alike, the Astron- Peoria Academy tors, researchers and interested omy Section, later renamed the On April 11, 2003 The of Sciences amateurs for the purpose of Peoria Astronomical Society, Peoria Academy of Science and the bringing a better understanding decided to develop a good ob- held their annual banquet at Astronomical Barracks Cater Inn. Among League of scientific matter to the citi- servatory. That opportunity zens of central Illinois. One came when Bradley University the members was longtime Peoria Astronomical Society year later the fledgling organi- offered its fine telescope to the Board of zation decided that it would be Peoria Academy of Science as member, Eric Clifton Eric Directors: beneficial to create a number of an outright donation. This was recognized and awarded topical sections. Ornithology, quality instrument had not an Honorary Membership in president botany, astronomy, geology and been used for a number of the Peoria Academy of Sci- Scott Hay entomology still do exist today years and did not serve anyone ence for years of work for it's Astronomy Section. Eric has Vice-president and are very active. Others fell during all that time. Its manu- out of favor and disappeared. facture dates back to 1909. earned recognition for his Tim Lester many contributions and ac- Among them archeology, an- The Academy and Astron- Secretary thropology and microscopy. omy Section started a cam- complishments over the last Dan Son Others were added later, such paign to raise the needed funds 41 years. Here is an outline of as herpetology. Several of the and find a suitable permanent Eric’s involvement with PAS Treasurer chapters incorporated in their location for this large refractor and the passion he holds for Mike Shelton own right, and a few of them telescope. Together with the astronomy. Pre-PAS Activities Legal Agent even received their own 501- Peoria Park District an excel- (c)-(3) status from the U.S. lent site was found on the Developed interest in As- Mike Hay tronomy at age 8 – found Go vernment. NorthMoor Golf Course at the Parliamentarian Most of the sections never north end of town. In July Dad’s college astronomy text Mike Hay had any need to own buildings 1955 the observatory was book or equipment. They all found completed and dedicated. Al- First Northmoor visit Nominating good meeting places, such as though the building was the (Northmoor was just one year Chairman Lakeview Museum, Forest Park property of the Astronomy old) was at age 8; stood in Steve Russell Nature Center or privately Section from the beginning, line with his Dad for more owned meeting halls. However, than an hour to see Mars (Continued on page 10) (Continued on page 8) Table of Contents History and Future of North Moor Observatory. . . . 1 Monthly Program Schedule...... 5 Academy Honors Eric CLifton ...... 1 Can You Spot This?...... 6 Needles from the Hay Stack...... 2 Minutes of the Board of Directors ...... 7 [email protected]...... 3 Building My Own Telescope ...... 9 Of Starlites Past ...... 4 Astronomy Humor ...... 11 Astronomical Calendar ...... 4 Observing Club Notes...... 12 The Bulletin Board...... 5 1 Starlite
dollar amount. This is absolutely We have had some excellent Needles from essential in order for Bert Princen to speakers recently. PAS alumni Dr. convince outside givers that this Bernard Jackson returned to Peoria the Hay Stack group believes we should keep to give us the early results from his by Scott Hay NorthMoor open for public observ- solar weather prediction experi- ing. Why should somebody outside ments. One of his goals is to get ear- I have to compli- our group help us rescue our own lier warnings and better ment Jeff Pittenger scope when only 20 percent of our measurements back to for putting together own membership has contributed Earth. Dr. Linda French ...We have the previous terrific anything? These groups will ask spoke about her research had some Starlite newsletter. what percentage of our membership to sort out the histories of Do any of you has shown support for this cause. If asteroids and comets. excellent know who put to- 80% of the membership would not Brian Poelker allowed us speakers gether the first even give a five dollar bill, an out- to hold a piece of Mars, Starlite newsletter? side group would wonder why are the Moon, Vesta, and recently... (Answer is at the end) they being asked to join us in our other items while he ex- I hope you all enjoyed the lunar efforts. What are we missing? Does plained some of the geol- eclipse. Now is the time to look at astronomy really no longer play in ogy of meteorites. Mars over these next few months. It Peoria Astronomical Society? Thanks to Dan Son, Nerio, Mike will be closer than at any time for For me, the highlight of the last Shelton, Scott Swords, Calene 60,000 years. several months was seeing Eric Fle ming, Steve Russell, Sheldon Few people on Earth have the Clifton was awarded an honorary Schafer, David Grebner, and every- opportunities that PAS members membership to the Peoria Academy one else who organized and came and Peorians enjoy viewing Mars of Science for between 35 and 40 out to our Astronomy Day event in through such a perfect instrument years of hard work for the astron- conjunction with Lakeview Mu- especially suited to solar system omy section. Eric told me his jaw seum. Thanks to Sheldon Schafer observing. (NorthMoor Observa- dropped when he heard the news. for providing several nice prints and tory) He was not expecting it. When I posters courtesy of Lakeview Mu- Even if you can only afford five look at the amount of time and ef- seum and NASA. or ten dollars, please make your fort Eric puts in behind the scenes check out to "Peoria Astronomical even today, given he has a family -Scott Hay Society-Public Observing Fund" to ordering him to cool his jets, it show that you think it is worthwhile would be hard to imagine how much (Answer: The first person to put to keep NorthMoor Observatory different our situation might be if it together the first Starlite newsletter open. It is the gesture that counts. were not for his sense of duty to- was past president Bernice Greb- I am pleading with you poor ward PAS. ner.)y folks to send us a check for any
Starlite is published quarterly during the months of March, June, September, and December by the Peoria Astronomical Society, Inc., P.O. Box 10111, Peoria IL 61612-0111. All rights reserved. Deadline for submission is the third Wednesday of the preceding month. Submissions should be directed to Jeffrey Pittenger, 721 Fillmore St, Morton IL 61550, or e-mailed to
Editors-in-Chief Jeffrey Pittenger
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[email protected] From: "Richard Tennis" compiled by Jeff Pittenger
PAS Messier Marathoners to do their stuff From: "gene Hodel"
on the Proclamation at the City Council From: "Dan & Barb Son" meeting in Peoria on PAS dark-sky month
(Continued on page 10) 3 Starlite Of Starlites Past ABCDEFABCDEFA by John Barra Years Ago Years Ago 40 June Newsletter 1963 25 June Starlite 1978 “On Saturday, August 12, at Van Zandt Observatory, “One can always tell when our group does plan to come out for a night of scientific accomplis h- something successful because we have what might ment. We will organize into teams for an official meteor be called a ‘success thermometer’. Have you ever count. Our report will be sent to the National Observa- noticed our president when our group is successful? tory in Washington, D.C. to be included in the statistics If you have, you have noticed that he indicates suc- for 1978.” cess just like a thermometer indicates temperature.” I sure hope they had more success than we did dur- I guess we will have to keep a careful eye on ing the Perseids of 2002. We had clear skies and no our president, Scott Hay, to see if he is a “success Moon for most of the night, but not all that many mete- thermometer.” If he comes to a meeting with a red- ors. Since there is a full Moon during this year’s face, just ask him what the “success” was. Perseids, for once I can say I don’t even care if it will be “On Friday, July 12, Barbara Becker and Eric cloudy that night. Clifton will give a resume of facts on our atmo s- “FOR SALE: Tasco Refractor Telescope 2.4” phere accumulated by everything from a weather 500X....Ask for Gary Bussman....Gary is a former me m- balloon to the latest satellites.” ber who has rejoined our group. WELCOME BACK Let me see, how old was Eric then giving pres- GARY!” entations in 1963. Add forty years to that and— Gary has been a long-time member ever since. He well, I guess Eric is older than I thought. Also can often be seen out at Jubilee viewing, as he was on given the few satellites then, and the many since, it April 26. And I can guarantee his viewing equipment has would probably take a lot longer to give such a improved in both terms of quality and cost since he sold presentation to our club now.y that “department store” Tasco. (Actually after reading the list of accessories that were included in that ad, I am sure that telescope didn’t fit that term either.)y
June 2003 July 2003 Aug 2003 Astronomical Calendar S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 June 7 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 First Quarter Moon 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24/31 June 9 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 Pluto is at opposition Last Quarter Moon June 14 July 2 July 25 Full Moon Moon passes 4° north of Jupiter Mercury passes 0.4° of Jupiter, 8 p.m. PAS Members Meeting, 7:30 p.m. June 18 Lakeview Planetarium July 26 PAS Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Star Party at Jubilee Observatory Northpoint Shopping Center Hardees July 4 Independence Day July 29 June 19 Earth is at aphelion 1 a.m. New Moon Moon passes 1.7° south of Mars, 1:00 a.m. July 6 August 2 June 20 First Quarter Moon PAS Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Mercury passes 0.4° south of Venus, 9:00 p.m. Northpoint Shopping Center Hardees July 13 June 21 Full Moon August 4 Last Quarter Moon Neptune is at opposition, 9:00 a.m. Summer Solstice, 2:10 p.m. July 15 Moon passes 5° south of Neptune, 12:00 a.m. August 5 June 24 First Quarter Moon Saturn in conjunction with the Sun July 16 PAS Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. August 6 June 28 Northpoint Shopping Center Hardees PAS Members Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Star Party at Jubilee Observatory Lakeview Planetarium July 17 June 29 Moon passes 0.3° north of Mars 3:00 a.m. August 12 New Moon July 21 (Continued on page 5)
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seeking. The off-shoot of this effort The Bulletin Board is clearer viewing of the evening skies for us few astronomers. This could be an opportunity for New Members the proclamation being read at the a weekend in Chicago for you and Peoria City Council meeting. whomever you might like to invite to Welcome to: Thanks to all that helped to get come along. Adler Planetarium is this to get our mission noticed: just a few blocks away. I don't know Jacqueline Buster Kellie and Tim Lester, Jon and if the Bears are playing in Chicago Steve Wrigley, Scott Hay, Shel- that Sunday. If you would like to help out in ƒ ƒ ƒ don Schaffer, and Jeff Pittenger.
We have a long way to go and this effort, please contact Rich Ten- nis Help Wanted hopefully we will be successful with laws in the books on this
subject ƒ ƒ ƒ There is plenty of work to be done to get the 14 back in working ƒ ƒ ƒ order. If you are able and willing to Lighting Grants help please contact Tim McGrath IDA Booth at Available regarding any work ‘parties’ that he may have scheduled. AARP Dear PAS members, PAS has a
wonderful opportunity to participate ƒ ƒ ƒ in helping your favorite civic, Dave Teppen, IDA leader of the Illinois IDA, asked for help in church, school, little league baseball Extra! Extra! manning the IDA, International fields or community group improve Dark-Sky Association, booth at their outdoor lighting. YOU can par- Well, we made dark skies a the upcoming AARP (American ticipate in a new Smart Lights from household phrase on April 22 with Association of Retired Persons) AmerenCILCO by helping your fa- convention in Chicago, Illinois . vorite civic/community organization The convention dates are Septem- write a grant for up to $5,000 for ber 5 - 7 and the times that the improving energy-efficient outdoor Calendar... show at McCormick Place are lighting. (Continued from page 4) 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Dave is Grant applications are to be sent asking for volunteers to man the in after April 1, 2003 and before Full Moon booth in groups of three for at September 1, 2003. For the first time August 13 least four hours. Smart Lights are being made avail- Perseid meteor shower peaks The objective of the booth is able to the AmerenCILCO custom- to provide information on the use ers. So, we are getting our bids early of non-glare, full cut-off lights in if we act to apply. There will be50 August 14 applicants awarded these grants to Mercury is at greatest eastern elongation, outdoor lighting and the safety 27° (evening) and energy/$ savings benefits of AmerenCILCO area. The web site such lights in our communities. below is the application that you can August 19 Last Quarter Moon This is the same goal that our own PAS Light Control Committee is (Continued on page 10) August 20 Deadline for September Starlite PAS Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Northpoint Shopping Center Hardees August 23 Star Party at Jubilee Observatory Monthly Program Schedule August 24 Uranus is at opposition Unless otherwise noted, meetings will be held in the Lakeview Museum August 27 Planetarium, with all programs beginning at 7:30 p.m. New Moon July 2, 2003 September 3, 2003 August 28 Tim Lester TBA Mars is at opposition Software Aided Astronomy August 30 October 1, 2003 Star Party at Jubilee Observatory August 6, 2003 TBA TBA
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Alpha Scuti. Can You Spot This? Move your scope from Alpha Globular Cluster NGC 6712 to Delta to M26, then back again to by John Barra Alpha. Note the position of Epsilon Can You Spot This? premiered above Delta. Now move constellation Scutum. You can find from A lpha to Epsilon in Starlite Issue #144, December it about halfway in between Aquila 2000. and continue about the ...a globular and Sagittarius. Notice the hook pat- same distance until you in an area Not all globular clusters are like tern comprised of several fifth- reach NGC 6712. It will M13, M5 and M3. And while we magnitude or greater stars as shown look very small, so if rich with expect to find globular clusters in in Chart 1. Right next to this hook is you are still using low open clus- Sagittarius and Ophicus, seldom do the Scutum star cloud, which helps power to starhop, put in we think of Scutum to find one. one in locating this pattern. your higher power eye- ters.... Rather, when one thinks of Scutum, If one has a copy of my piece and you should be the great Wild Duck open cluster, “Locating Messier Objects”, you able to resolve a few M11, usually comes to mind or should be able to find both M11 and stars to confirm that you have in it M26, the other bright open cluster M26 in charts 88 and 89. Then you a globular cluster. But don’t expect in that constellation. But NGC can skip chart 1 and go straight to to find anything like M13. Ho w- 6712, a globular cluster of lesser Chart 2. Otherwise use Chart 1 to ever, you will be able to be re- fame, gives an amateur astronomer locate stars 1 and 2 with low power. warded by the fact that you have the chance to strengthen his star- Follow these two stars until you lo- successfully starhopped to this lo- hopping skills while finding some- cate M11. Move back to star two, cation and found a globular in an thing different in this small constel- then using either low or high power, area rich with open clusters. lation near the heart of the galaxy. follow the lines of stars shown in When you are at Alpha, you might The first, but most important Chart 2. This line is parallel to an want to try and locate open cluster step in this endeavor is to locate the imaginary line between Beta and NGC 6664 right next to it. This cluster is not very bright, as open clusters go, and it may be over- whelmed by bright star Alpha, so you may have to put the star just outside the edge of your eyepiece to actually identify the open clus- ter.
OBJECT STATISTICS: Name: NGC 6712 Type: Globular Cluster Magnitude: 8.2 Size: 13’ Coordinates: R.A. 18 hr., 51.1 min.; Dec. -06 ° 16 min.y
6 Starlite www.astronomical.org: (Mike Radi- Minutes of the gan) Getting with Don Ware on the transfer of the web site. Board of Directors Old Business: Shirts will be ordered soon. Dark Sky proclamation is April 22nd by Dan Son, PAS Secretary at City Hall, meeting starts at 6:00. Board meetings take place on the third ======New Business: June 12th has Patrick Wednesday of the month. Those referenced Huth, a NASA astronomer at ICC. Discus- below were held at the Hardee’s of Willow March 19, 2003 sion was made about selling unused equip- Knolls Court in Peoria. Future PAS Board Academy of Science: (Scott Hay) 73rd ment and items donated to PAS. meetings will be held at the Hardee’s of Annual banquet is April 11th at Barricks ======Northpoint Shopping Center in Peoria. Cater Inn, cost is $19 per person for meal, the April 16, 2003 Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. program is free. Former Peorian Dr. Bernard Academy of Science : (Scott Hay) The ======Jackson, University of California at San Academy awarded an Honorary Member- February 19, 2003 Diego, will speak on cutting edge astronomy. ship to PAS member Eric Clifton. In addi- Academy of Science: (Scott Hay) The Also please join us as we award an Honorary tion to the attached list of Eric’s accom- Academy of Science annual banquet will be Membership to the Peoria Academy of Sci- plishments: When Scott Swords was presi- April 11th at 6 pm. The guest speaker is Dr. ence to Eric Clifton. dent; Eric was instrumental in dealing with Bernard Jackson. Jubilee Observatory: (Tim McGrath) the State of Illinois to enable PAS to keep Jubilee Observatory: (Tim McGrath) Steve Wrigley made a motion to put gravel the lease for the land at Jubilee College GFI outlets have been installed. April 12th on driveway. 2nd by Tim Lester. Motion State Park. He was the driving force for the and May 17th are scheduled work party passed. Tim Lester will service the tractor. astronomy section, working for several dates; start time will be 10 a.m. Looking for We have received the new counter weights years to achieve that agreement. He contin- a cabinet system for the new scope with and diagonal for the new scope. Works well. ues to keep good relations as a good will security and portability. Tim and Tim de- April 25th ICC class with 26th & 27th rain ambassador wit the park staff & brass cided that a few items are needed for the new dates. May 9th Cub Scouts with 30th & 31st through all these years. scope, an 11lb counter weight system, a rain dates. May 10th Church group. Education: (Scott Hay) Bradley’s power supply and diagonal for the scope. 14 Inch : (Mike Shelton) The ring is now Institute for Learning in Retirement st u- John Barra made a motion for a maximum of clamped onto the dome. dents will be at NorthMoor May 9th (no $300 be spent for these items. 2nd by Rich Light Pollution: (Rich Tennis) Rich is rain date) and at Jubilee on May 23rd with Tennis. Motion passed. working with the City of Normal on rewriting a 24th rain date. Approx 15 people at each CCD: (Stephen Russell & Tim it’s Lighting Ordinance. Will be talking to event. McGrath) I will send a thank you letter Jubilee Observatory: (Tim McGrath) (copy attached) to Ron Wodaski for a copy Mower works great thanks to Tim Lester. of his book. He had to replace a hub due to mowing the Light Pollution: (Rich Tennis) Light hill sideways. We will stop mowing the shrouds are on in the test area. hill. Gravel is in the drive. NorthMoor Observatory: (Bill Cole) Light Pollution: (Rich Tennis) On April 5th is cleanup date. Start time is 9a.m.. April 22nd around 5:30 be at Council Schedule is out for Saturday night host’s. Chambers for Peoria’s council meeting. NorthMoor Restoration: A presenta- Rich is looking for volunteers to go to Chi- tion is being made to show to possible dona- cago on Sept 5th, 6th & 7th. IDA need help tors for funds. at the McCormick Place during an AARP Observing Club: (John Barra) March convention. 29th is Messier Marathon night. NorthMoor Observatory: (Bill Cole) Program: (Dan Son) March- Thanks to those 7 people who showed up Video=April–Dr. Linda French=May -TBA to help clean and lubricate the dome. Starlite : (Jeff Pittenger) Deadline for Pekin Rotary in April. Ameren is awarding NorthMoor Restoration: (Scott Hay) Starlite will be May board meeting. Sunday SmartLights energy -efficient lighting grants With the help of Bonnie Nobles staff, Tim evening March 2nd will be Starlite party at to nonprofit, civic, and community organiza- Cassidy, Roger Allen and others at Peoria the Frasca’s. tions as well as public bodies throughout Park District, a packet was put together. www.astronomical.org: (Tim AmerenCILCO's service territory. Individual Bert Princen wrote a nice summary which McGrath) Don Ware has given PAS notice grants of up to $5,000 will be issued for new ties all the information together and ex- of his resignation come March. We can keep or replacement energy-efficient indoor and plains the situation in a single page. Bert, www.astronomical.org. We will look into outdoor lighting equipment. Past recipients Helen Ware and I have begun setting up what is needed to keep the web site up and include athletic fields, walking paths, play- appointments with some big potential do- running, including expenses. Dan Son made grounds, museums, school gymnasiums and nors. The committee wishes to thank PAS a motion to give $100 for 1 month to keep fairgrounds. http://www.cilco.com/ members and concerned citizens who made the web site up and running till the next OurCommunity/Programs/SmartLights.asp donations. board meeting. 2nd by Scott Hay. Motion NorthMoor Observatory: (Bill Cole) Observing Club: (John Barra) Will be carried. Work date is April 5th. March 27th ICC class having an Aug. 23rd star party with TCAA Old Business: PAS will continue with with 28th & 29th as rain dates. at the Mackinaw Valley Winery. the shirts with Mr.Cernan’s name removed NorthMoor Restoration: (Scott Hay) Program: (Dan Son) June: Web site from the original artwork. Permission was Fundraising committee will schedule meeting with Don Ware = July: Software with Tim given to remove the name from the artist. In next week. Lester.= Aug ??? hopes of getting a good turnout in possible Observing Club: (John Barra) Messier Starlite : (Jeff Pittenger) Deadline for logo design’s PAS will offer a 1 year mem- Marathon is March 29th. Starlite will be May board meeting. bership to PAS for the grand prize winner. Program: (Dan Son) May meeting will Old Business: Astronomy day is May PAS board will pick the finalist’s. be Brian Poelker on Meteorites. 10th. New Business: Bike ride will be August Starlite: (Jeff Pittenger) Deadline for New Business: Data used from the 9th. Rich asked and the board agreed to have Starlite will be May board meeting. Jubilee photometer was published in Astro- another Wine Party. TCAA and SAS will be Membership: (Scott Swords) We have 1 nomical Society of the Pacific in January invited and possible date is August 23rd. new member Jacqueline Buster. 2003y
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Jubilee Observatory as being the featured speaker at the Eric Clifton... Chairman – 1978-2002 Rocky Mountain Star Stare in Organized work parties for 3 Colorado Springs; has presented the (Continued from page 1) yrs. to build Jubilee show to numerous other groups and (Barry Redenbo - the big brother Was active in the design and organizations-from Cub Scouts to Eric never had - was in that same construction of the 24-inch tele- church groups line; they found that out about 30 scope-including fundraising for a Has 9 accumulated minutes of years after the fact!)Got a paper photometer, guide scope, & CAT totality during total solar eclipses. route in 7th grade in order to fi- system Speaking of eclipses, he organized nance the purchase of his first Trained almost all of the cur- and operated a daytime star party telescope … which lead to his rent Jubilee keyholders for 1500 CAT employees for the meeting Van …which lead to Eric digs wonderful outhouse 1994 annular eclipse; many CAT Eric’s joining the PAS (it was a holes employees use Eric as their "astro morning paper route - and any of One Back surgery … two hos- guru" you who really know Eric, realize pitalizations … three cortizone One of Eric's proudest mo- he's not the best "morning person" shots ments: during a star party for around; he must've really wanted Comet Hale-Bopp, he helped a se- that telescope) verely visually-handicapped young girl (so vision-impaired PAS Activities that she was legally-blind") to Joined PAS 41 years see her first star, first planet ago-at age 14 and first comet Took Dick Johnson's Has presented various papers (first Lakeview Planetarium and programs for ALCON Director) Astronomy class (astro league's annual na- at Wilcox library at age 14 tional convention) in Illinois, Became a NorthMoor Wisconsin, and Colorado keyholder in 1963 Has been PAS media liason; Served as NorthMoor created win-win relationships Chairman 1968-69 w/ Central IL radio/tv sta- Became a Jubilee key- tions-becoming the resource holder in 1978 for everything from announc- Served as Chairman Ju- ing meteor showers to alerting bilee Observatory 1978- public to such things as solar 2002 (24 years) Eric Clifton, long-time active member of the Astron- flares (creating unusual Served as PAS Presi- omy Section is awarded honorary membership in the aurora), iridium flares, and dent 1980-82 and again in Academy of Science International Space Station 1996-98 Public Viewing fly-overs. Served as PAS Vice-President Headed up public viewing at Early light pollution work- 1995-96 Jubilee Observatory for Scouts, before it was a dirty word Served as Chairman – Light ICC Classes; Bradley Classes, Pollution Committee – 1986-87 Church Youth Groups, etc. or Astrophotography Served as Trustee - Lakeview "took the show on the road" to Two-time 1st. place awards for Museum for 6 yrs. other locations astrophotography at the Chicago Served as Trustee - Peoria Headed up the Halley's Comet Astronomical Society's AstroFest Area Arts & Science Council for Star party -where nearly 3000 Has had one of those award- 6 yrs. people showed up at an empty winning photos published in a text- Elected as Honorary Member road near Washington IL at 4AM book - and, typical Eric - gave of the PAS in 1984—one of the Also has spear-headed numer- credit to the Peoria Astronomical youngest members ever to receive ous other PAS public star parties- Society. that honor for Hale -Bopp, Hyakutake, etc. ALCON-82 – 1982 Nat’l Con- Misc… vention of Astronomical League – Public Relations Favorite saying: "If I have been PAS President Has presented the story of Ju- able to see farther than others, it is Re-wrote the Society's By- bilee Observatory (the slide show because I stood on the shoulders of Laws of the history of DGVZO) to astro giants"-Isaac Newton clubs across the Midwest; as well (Continued on page 9)
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in the sound between each grit. Building My Own Telescope: After completing grinding, I moved onto polishing. When I poured The Experience Was Worth the Effort the pitch on my tool for the first time, by Andrea Schoch it stuck to the mirror. So, I had to carefully remove the small amount As I entered my senior year, I While researching the topic, I found that was on the mirror and the rest of came in with the knowledge that all my telescope making kit at Newport the pitch that was on the tool. The seniors must complete the dreaded Glass Works. Since I was on a small second time went a lot smoother. I “Senior Project” in order to gradu- time crunch, I opted for a small 6-inch allowed the pitch to sit on the tool a ate. But in all honesty, this project mirror with the pre-generated curve, little longer this time before I tried to encourages all students to accom- allowing the skipping of rough grind- shape it with the mirror. Then, I used plish something new and different, ing. Along with the mirror, the kit in- a doll rod to form the channels. If I something that they may have never cluded the tool, 6 grits (Silicon Carbide had to do this part over again, I would done without a little push. Senior 220, White Aluminum Oxide 30, 25, use a different type of pitch. My pitch Projects involve finding a mentor, 20, 15, and 9), Cerium Oxide, and was very temperamental. Towards the completing an interview, writing a pitch. At this time I also purchased my (Continued on page 11) research paper, completing 15 to 20 sonotube from Newport. hours of service, and finally present- ing the project to a panel of commu- Eric Clifton... nity and school judges. At first I did not have any direc- (Continued from page 8) Guest lecturer for Bradley Co m- tion for my project, but after speak- puter Science classes; topic: the Inter- ing with my physics teacher, Mr. Stellar Space Flight movie he created Calgaro, I had an idea. I would build while a computer science student at a telescope! For me, this was a huge SIU task, because in no way did I con- Was John Dobson's chauffeur sider myself a builder. I always Called Van his "other dad"--- loved book learning, so to remove (sadly, lost both dads in 1994) myself from that box was a gigantic Co-presenter of the Program at the step. PAS Annual Banquet in September Le’go My Eggo.. 1963 along w/ the then "Mr." Bernard Jackson With my project well on its way, Taught his wife of nearly 20 yrs my teacher helped me get into contact the most important lesson she's ever with Dan Son. Dan agreed to be my learned: “Look Up” mentor for the project. He was able to Loves talking with people about get me in touch with Mike Hay, who astronomy (duh!) helped start me on the right foot with I would also like mention one ad- grinding and also provided his test ditional achievement. According to equipment when it came time to test the Scott Swords and Mike Hay, had it not surface of my mirror. been for Eric working for years with Grinding took me about 20 hours to the State of Illinois, PAS likely would complete. I was very worried about not have the current Jubilee Decker- having to go back to a previous grit, so Grebner-Van Zandt Observatory site. I was a little fanatical about cleaning. I Mike Hay stated that the second or would wash the tabletop that I was us- third time that the lease came up, ing for a grinding surface about 5 times, things were not looking promising for wash my bucket about 4 times, take a us staying in the park, and Eric was shower, and change clothes between the fellow who cinched the deal. Scott each grit. After showering and chang- Swords, who was president at the ing, I would then clean my area again! time, stated that Eric was our head In the beginning grinding was difficult, diplomat, and that he spent several because I put too much water between years working to achieve the current the tool and my mirror. This was caus- agreement. ing a lot of suctioning, and no grinding — Eric you are a tremendous asset was taking place. While grinding, it and the Society would not be same In the beginning... was also fun to listen to the differences without you !y
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NorthMoor... nancial sources are needed to reach Bulletin Board... our goal and the Academy and Astro- (Continued from page 1) nomical Society have started a fund (Continued from page 5) the telescope remained the property drive for this purpose. print out and take to your favorite of the Academy until the early — Please make checks payable to: civic organization that would 1980's when the Board of Directors Peoria Astronomical Society-Public benefit from improved outdoor decided that the telescope would be Observing Fund. They can be sent to lighting. better served if the ownership were the PO Box or to the return address Hopefully, as PAS members, transferred totally to the Peoria As- shown on the cover of this Starlite the project would lean to lower tronomy Society and acted to com- Newsletter.y energy full cut-off light fixtures plete the transaction. be placed to the project area. The Astronomy group has taken http://www.ameren.com/ very good care of the building and PeoriaAstro... community/ADC_Smart% the equipment therein. From spring 20Lights%20Application.pdf It through fall, the observatory is open (Continued from page 3) would be a great step to bring full every Saturday night to the public, http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/space/05/26/ cut-off lighting into the minds of space.planets.reut/index.html barring poor viewing weather, and it From:
10 Starlite
Telescope Experience... ing Teflon to use for the move- ment; Magic Sliders work won- (Continued from page 9) ders! After the mount was almost end of polishing, I had to reform the complete, I went online to search channels about every 5 minutes. It for accessories. I ordered my fo- also began to crack, so eventually I cuser, spider, and main mirror had to re-melt the pitch and start mount from University Optics. To over. After completing polishing, I finish off my telescope, I added sent my mirror back to Newport wire protection tubing for my end Glass Works for aluminizing which rings. was included with my kit. Overall, my project was a suc- While still in the polishing cess. I learned so much from this stage, I also turned towards con- experience. Although I was unable structing a mount and addressing to build my telescope under the accessories. Obtaining the plans price of what you could buy one from the San Francisco Sidewalk for, it was a worthwhile experi- Astronomers’ page, I chose to use a ence. So far I have been able to Dobsonian mount. With the help of view the stars and the most recent my dad, the mount was fairly easy lunar eclipse with my homemade to build. The hardest part was find- Andrea with her completed scope. telescope!y Great Job!!
- The new bino-mount you just Astronomy Humor made used to be a LA -Z-BOY. Original source unknown - You clean your optics with a roll of Brawny and a can of Gumout. YOU MAY BE A REDNECK - You refer to a "Full Moon" as - You've rolled out a floor jack to ASTRONOMER IF … what you saw the last time your adjust the declination angle of your - You permanently mounted mother-in-law pulled weeds. tripod. your 20" Dob to the bed of your - You won't go to the club Chris t- - You believe you can "step-up" the goose-neck trailer. mas Party unarmed. mirror grinding process with a - You've ever halted a star party - Your tripod is streaked with to- Black & Decker power tool. caravan in order to fetch road-kill bacco stains. - Getting to your favorite observing for the club picnic. - Your Telrad or finder scope is held site requires an air-boat and a - You've rigged your telescope's on by a coat hanger and duct tape. "Monster Truck." power switch to operate using "The - The major materials you used in - You've ever wondered if a 90mm Clapper." your homemade Dob project are Short Tube would make a good ri- - You own an observatory that's mo- PVC and Bondo. fle scope. bile and four automobiles that aren't. - Most of your telescope accessories - You've ever bungee'd your entire - Your best looking piece of furni- were bought at a Home Depot clear- scope setup to the luggage rack. ture is an equatorial mount and tri- ance sale. - You refer to your .22 rifle as your pod. - "Dark Sky Rep." - You installed a skylight on your - You've ever Simonized your cor- outhouse. rector plate. - You have to kick you scope every - You've ever brought a can of ba- 10 minutes to keep it tracking. con grease to a star party … "Just in - Your friends are impressed when case!" you show them the Tasco 60mm - You hear about "An asteroid graz- you tote in your gun rack. ing Uranus" and think it's an afflic- - A fun evening involves a 6-pack, a tion of the lower human torso. green laser pointer, and the family - A tornado totals your cat. "observatory" and you are able to - Your grandma thinks that a replace your entire inventory with COMET is used to remove sunspots You've ever built a scope that re- one trip to K-Mart. and the ring around Saturn. quired a "cherry-picker" to reach the - You think a "light dome" is the - You think "retrograde" refers to eyepiece. beer sponsored venue for the next the year you were held back in - Your 12" Dob has ever been mis- Merle Haggard tour.y school. taken for a rest area trashcan.
11 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PEORIA, IL PERMIT NO. 875 Astronomy Section Newsletter Peoria Academy of Science c/o Princen 677 E. High Point Terrace Peoria, IL 61614
#154, June 2003
In This Issue... History of NorthMoor, Academy Honors Eric Clifton, Can You Spot This?, and more....
to review the sky to learn how to Observing Club Notes find those objects new to the sky that by John Barra month. Since that time, the object of Messier Marathon Results for 2003 of the objects. However, it is impossible the club has been to have some Clouds left the area 20 minutes too to view some of the late-rising objects in me mbers available at Jubilee on late on Friday night, so the PAS held the southeast because of the trees. We moonless weekends to help other the annual marathon the next evening will look for a new site—probably south members learn how to locate objects (March 32-April 1). It was clear at sun- to southeast of Peoria —with a clear ho- on the list. set and sunrise, with in- rizon from the west to the southeast, but During the past year or so, Rich termittent cloud-outs far enough away from Peoria to have a Tennis and Tim McGrath have com- ...We will during the night. Six dark sky. Suggestions are welcomed. pleted the list—although Tim is look for a members began, but only The Messier Club is an informal waiting the typical three-month lag two the survived the cold group time for the Astronomical League to new site.... the entire evening. John Several members have asked why send his certificate and pin. Those Barra was able to ob- the Messier Club does not have regular members who wish to work towards serve 106 objects, while meetings anymore. The Messier Club, receiving the Messier awards should Tim McGrath finished with 102. Barra since it was revitalized a few years ago, head out to Jubilee on clear, was unable to view M74, because it was never intended to be a formal club. moonless Fridays or Saturdays. You was too low in the sky in late March, Rather, it was reformed as a loose group might want to check your e-mail—if and M2, M30 and M55, because of the of members attempting to work towards you belong to the e-mail group— trees to the southeast. Other members receiving their Astronomical League before you head out because me m- participating were Gene Hodel, Tim Messier Club awards for observing all bers who do go out usually indicate Lester, Rich Tennis and Brad Karnes. I 110 Messier objects—with the help of that fact ahead of time through e- think we will look for a new site for other PAS members who have accom- mails. For more information on the the marathon next year. The Jubilee plished this feat. For a year, we did meet Messier awards, click on the Messier site is still a good site for seeing most informally before each general meeting Club link on the PAS home page.y
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