From robhawley at earthlink.net Wed Jan 3 16:29:01 2007 From: robhawley at earthlink.net (Rob Hawley) Date: Wed Jan 3 16:29:07 2007 Subject: [SJAA-announce] SJAA General Meeting Saturday 8PM Message-ID: <001101c72f97$55b215d0$0400a8c0@robathome> The speaker this month will be Bob Fries on Aluminizing Mirrors. If you are interested in telescope building this is a Don't Miss. For more info on the topic and the speaker see the article in the January Ephemeris http://ephemeris.sjaa.net/0701/b.html For directions to Houge Park and our complete schedule see www.sjaa.net/gotstars Rob Hawley From bhavner at sbcglobal.net Thu Jan 4 17:04:59 2007 From: bhavner at sbcglobal.net (Bob & Brenda Havner) Date: Thu Jan 4 17:05:07 2007 Subject: [SJAA-announce] Fw: [AANC Contacts] Ice Cube Telescope Webcast 1/6/07 Live From SouthPole via Exploratorium Message-ID: <000d01c73065$877e9b00$0202a8c0@Turtlerock> Live from the South Pole: Ice Cube www.exploratorium.edu/poles Have you ever heard of a telescope that looks down, not up? How about one buried deep below the surface of the earth? Join us at the Exploratorium or online (www.exploratorium.edu/poles) at noon (PST), Saturday, January 6, 2007, for a live webcast as we talk to South Pole scientists about Ice Cube, one of the largest neutrino telescopes in the world, and the first to be buried under ice. This major new telescope consists of thousands of detectors spread over one square kilometer, and buried one and a half kilometers deep, to study cosmological mysteries such as black holes, gamma ray bursts and the remnants of supernova explosions. During the webcast, we will talk to University of Wisconsin physics professor James Madsen, who has been deployed at the South Pole to run his experiment, Ice Top, which involves looking for bursts of solar neutrinos that come from solar flares and cosmic ray bursts to help separate signal from noise. These bursts cause glitches in space radiation communications in satellites, like cell phone transmissions. Unlike a traditional dish telescope, the neutrino telescope consists of photo multipliers that are like eyes looking downward. Strung like pearls, these photo multipliers are dropped into holes in the ice that have been drilled with hot water. When the holes re-freeze, the buried detectors look for traces of neutrinos, which in turn enable scientists to glean information about specific cosmological events. -------- Raphael Rosen Public Information Department The Exploratorium 3601 Lyon St. San Francisco, CA 94123 www.exploratorium.edu Phone Contact: Leslie Patterson / (415) 561-0377 _______________________________________________ Contacts mailing list Contacts@aanc-astronomy.org http://mail.aanc-astronomy.org/mailman/listinfo/contacts From robhawley at earthlink.net Wed Jan 10 18:52:04 2007 From: robhawley at earthlink.net (Rob Hawley) Date: Wed Jan 10 18:52:00 2007 Subject: [SJAA-announce] Astro Class and Houge Park Star Party on Friday Message-ID: <001401c7352b$7a5ed690$0300a8c0@robathome> There are two events at Houge Park on Friday. For directions to Houge (and the schedule of future events) see www.sjaa.net/gotstars *************Beginning Astro Class************ Our Beginning Astro class will be held at 7:30 in the meeting room. The weather looks good so after the class Mike will take all of the hardy souls out to find the discussed objects in the evening sky. ***************Star Party********************** The star party will begin at 7 PM and last until 10 PM. This is a 3rd quarter star party. Friday 12 January 2007 Pacific Standard Time SUN Begin civil twilight 6:53 a.m. Sunrise 7:22 a.m. Sun transit 12:16 p.m. Sunset 5:11 p.m. End civil twilight 5:40 p.m. MOON Moonset 11:31 a.m. on preceding day Moonrise 1:21 a.m. Moon transit 6:42 a.m. Moonset 11:56 a.m. Moonrise 2:22 a.m. on following day Phase of the Moon on 12 January: waning crescent with 38% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated. It is going to be cold so make sure you dress warmly. Rob Hawley From robhawley at earthlink.net Fri Jan 12 09:54:22 2007 From: robhawley at earthlink.net (Rob Hawley) Date: Fri Jan 12 09:53:34 2007 Subject: [SJAA-announce] McNaught the Movie Message-ID: <003a01c73672$b1908a80$0300a8c0@robathome> This is a QuickTime movie of the orbit of the McNaught comet. It gives the viewer a good idea of the 3D nature of the solar system. Generated by my venerable Starry Night Pro 3 http://robhawley.net/McNaught.mov Rob Hawley From bhavner at sbcglobal.net Tue Jan 16 17:41:51 2007 From: bhavner at sbcglobal.net (Bob & Brenda Havner) Date: Tue Jan 16 17:48:35 2007 Subject: [SJAA-announce] Next Silicon Valley Astronomy Lecture Is Jan. 24 at Foothill College Message-ID: <001901c739d8$aa3c5bb0$0202a8c0@Turtlerock> Silicon Valley Astronomy Lecture Series Presents Glimpsing the Edge of the Universe: Results from the Hubble Space Telescope. University of California, Santa Cruz, Astronomer Bruce Margon will present Glimpsing the Edge of the Universe: Results from the Hubble Space Telescope, an illustrated, non-technical talk, Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. in the Smithwick Theater at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills. Admission is free and the public is invited. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early to locate parking. The Hubble Space Telescope has now circled the Earth 15 times every day for more than 16 years. Dr. Margon, who was until recently the associate director for science for the Hubble Space Telescope, will discuss the latest discoveries and ideas from this amazing instrument. (With the Hubble, astronomers have been glimpsing the most distant galaxies, whose light left them shortly after the Big Bang.) He will also discuss the future of the Hubble and some of its interesting sociology-the public reactions to it. Dr. Margon is vice chancellor for research at the UC Santa Cruz, having arrived there in Fall 2006 after working at the Space Telescope Science Institute. He was a key member of the team that built one of the Hubble's instruments, and also served as scientific director of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Because of his skill in explaining astronomy in non-technical terms, NASA has used him as one of its most frequent science commentators for the media when major discoveries from the Hubble were being announced. The lecture is presented as part of the eighth annual Silicon Valley Astronomy Lecture Series sponsored by the Foothill College Astronomy Program, NASA-Ames Research Center, SETI Institute and Astronomical Society of the Pacific. Visitors must purchase a campus parking permit for $2 (eight quarters). Parking lots 1, 3, 5 and 6 provide access to the theater. Foothill College is located on El Monte Road off Interstate 280. For more information, click here or call (650) 949-7888. From bhavner at sbcglobal.net Thu Jan 18 16:53:14 2007 From: bhavner at sbcglobal.net (Bob & Brenda Havner) Date: Thu Jan 18 16:53:18 2007 Subject: [SJAA-announce] Fw: HVAG 2007 schedule Message-ID: <002001c73b64$344d2d70$0202a8c0@Turtlerock> The Halls Valley Astronomical Group has scheduled starparties at Grant Park on the following dates: January 20th at Telescope Row February 17th at Telescope Row March 17th at Telescope Row April 14th at Halley Hill May 12th at Halley Hill June 16th at Halley Hill July 14th at Halley Hill August 11th at Halley Hill September 15th at Halley Hill October 13th at Halley Hill November 10th at Telescope Row December 8th at Telescope Row For additional information, including directions to the park, check our website: http://www.hallsvalley.org/ From bhavner at sbcglobal.net Mon Jan 22 13:37:44 2007 From: bhavner at sbcglobal.net (Bob & Brenda Havner) Date: Mon Jan 22 13:37:50 2007 Subject: [SJAA-announce] Fw: [AANC Contacts] Chabot Executive Director job listing Message-ID: <002401c73e6d$8e56a970$0202a8c0@Turtlerock> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Carter Roberts" To: Sent: Sunday, January 21, 2007 10:49 PM Subject: [AANC Contacts] Chabot Executive Director job listing The Chabot Space & Science Center has posted the job description for the position of Executive Director. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2007. Please alert anyone you know who mighyt want to apply for this position. Thanks, Carter Roberts Position Announcement Job Title: Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Background: The Chabot Space & Science Center (CSSC) is an innovative teaching and learning center focusing on astronomy, earth and life sciences, and the interrelationships of all the sciences. Its classrooms, observatory, planetarium, theatre, exhibits, and natural park setting create a place where a diverse population of students, teachers and the public can imagine, understand and learn to shape the future through science. CSSC has served San Francisco Bay Area schools and citizens with astronomy and science education programs for 123 years. In August, 2000, we moved to our new 86,000 square foot state-of-the-art science and technology education facility on a 13-acre site in the hills of Oakland, California, a prime Bay Area location. We have the world's largest publicly accessible astronomical observatory, a 70' planetarium dome with state-of-the-art Zeiss and digital projection systems, a very active educational program serving 50,000 kids / year, and interactive exhibit space. Over $80M was invested in this new facility. The Center addresses the critical issues of science education and public science literacy, particularly for under-represented populations in the sciences. We provide innovative and effective on-site and outreach K-12 programs, teacher professional development programs, and an array of science and technology educational experiences. Position Summary: Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director & CEO (ED / CEO) will provide overall leadership for the daily operations of the Chabot Space & Science Center, including operations, marketing, financial management, fundraising, public/community relations, program development, human resource management, and strategic direction. The Executive Director & CEO's responsibilities range from leadership in the management of daily operations to providing institutional vision guided by the mission and values of CSSC, to overseeing the programmatic definition and execution of construction for expansion. As CSSC approaches our 125th anniversary in November 2008, and with our new facility, we are eager to develop and implement a new strategic plan to propel the Center into its next phase. The ED / CEO will lead that strategic planning effort. The ED / CEO will have responsibility for a total paid staff of approximately 50 with support from hundreds of volunteers. Essential Functions: The ED / CEO will be a leader who can create and clearly articulate a next generation vision for CSSC and then raise the money from private individuals, foundations, and government resources to support the pursuit and development of that mission. The CEO must have the skills and personal qualities necessary to develop a broad consensus of support for that vision and associated mission. The CEO must be able to attract and retain outstanding human resources to the cause including staff, Board members, and volunteers. The ED / CEO must also be able to speak effectively on behalf of CSSC in public, and in print and broadcast media. The ED / CEO should have background in and a passion for science, and the desire and ability to inspire others with that passion. The job requires the capacity to work at the intersection of innovative program development and best business practices, of consensus-oriented management and effective decision-making, of strategic vision and practical implementation. The ED / CEO should be a strategic thinker and dynamic innovator who can make programs operational at the highest quality, while also possessing the ability to communicate the importance of the mission and the goals of the organization. The successful candidate will be a proven leader and an effective manager who can work successfully in a dynamic, fast-paced environment characterized by growth and change, and will have exceptional organizational and administrative skills, including the ability to plan, set goals and objectives, organize, and follow through. Knowledge of government and non-profit fiscal management is also required; including the ability to increase both earned and contributed income The ED / CEO should also be a model of integrity and fairness and have high ethical standards. Experience: The ED / CEO should have experience that demonstrates leadership in the management of complex and dynamic organizations in the process of change. Although the successful candidate will most likely have solid leadership experience in the management of a science institution or museum, it is also possible that the individual could come from another career background in the non-profit, for-profit, or public sectors. The successful candidate will be at an advantage if he/she brings to the position a demonstrated interest in science education, teacher training. A career path that has provided opportunities for broad intellectual interests which bridge traditional discipline and functional boundaries is important. Experience that demonstrates the ability to conceptualize, plan, implement, administer, evaluate, communicate, and develop resources for programs is essential. Successful experience in general management, fundraising, marketing, human resources management, budgeting, and volunteer/Board relations is important. Education: An undergraduate degree is required and an advanced degree is highly preferred. Educational emphasis in science or engineering is desirable. How to Apply: The application deadline is March 1, 2007. Send your resume and cover letter to:: Mr. Dick Spees, JPA Chairman C/o Kimberlee Garfinkle, Board Liaison Chabot Space & Science Center 10000 Skyline Blvd. Oakland, CA 94619 Or submit electronically to: kgarfinkle@chabotspace.org CSSC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 10000 Skyline Blvd. Oakland, CA 94619 phone (510) 336-7300 fax (510) 336-7491 www.chabotspace.org _______________________________________________ Contacts mailing list Contacts@aanc-astronomy.org http://mail.aanc-astronomy.org/mailman/listinfo/contacts From robhawley at earthlink.net Wed Jan 24 21:49:29 2007 From: robhawley at earthlink.net (Rob Hawley) Date: Wed Jan 24 21:49:26 2007 Subject: [SJAA-announce] Houge Park Star Party Friday Jan 26 Message-ID: <007901c74044$94f4bf50$0300a8c0@robathome> Public observing session on the grounds at Houge Park, featuring show objects of the winter sky. The big 64% moon sets at 2:32 am. Star party hours: 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm. No reservations needed; Free; families welcome. For more information and directions please see http://www.sjaa.net/gotstars Weather may be a factor on Friday. If the weather is threatening please check with the hotline (408) 559-1221. Rob Hawley From koopm at koopm.best.vwh.net Thu Jan 25 19:09:55 2007 From: koopm at koopm.best.vwh.net (Michael Koop) Date: Thu Jan 25 19:10:07 2007 Subject: [SJAA-announce] Mars and Mozart at The Tech this Saturday! Message-ID: <20070125195732.M76137@koopm.best.vwh.net> Subject: Mars and Mozart at The Tech this Saturday! Make The Tech part of your itinerary this weekend! Please drop by and join us for the official kick-off of the 20th annual Tech Challenge, the program that challenges middle school and high school age kids from all over Northern California to design and build a solution to the year's challenge. The 2007 challenge: A Mars Crater Mission! We're hosting an Information Clinic at The Tech this Saturday, and invite one and all to participate. We're thrilled to have with us special guest and renowned Mars expert Chris McKay, Planetary Scientist at the Space Science Division of NASA Ames Research Center, who will make a few special comments and be available to meet and talk to all attendees. Details of the event follow: When: Saturday, January 27th, 2007 Time: 11:00 a.m. to noon or 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Where: The Tech Museum of Innovation, New Venture Hall http://techchallenge.thetech.org/info_clinic.cfm Classical music station 102.1 KDFC will also be broadcasting live this Saturday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in honor of 251st Birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, so there will be lots going on at The Tech this weekend! KDFC personalities Dianne Nicolini, John Evans, Dusti Rhodes and Rik Malone will be on hand, and if you mention KDFC when you arrive at The Tech, you can enter the museum free. Come early and KDFC will have a special Children's Classical CD for as long as supplies last. For more info, visit http://www.kdfc.com/ So, carve out some time on Saturday to pay us a visit, meet and greet special guest Chris McKay, enjoy a little Mozart, and start planning your participation in the Mars Crater Mission Challenge!For more information on this Tech Challenge Kick-Off event or the 2007 Challenge, please visit http://techchallenge.thetech.org/index.cfm. We look forward to seeing you Saturday! The Tech Museum's Tech Challenge Martian Team --- techenews@thetech.org From pkohlmil at best.com Sun Jan 28 13:13:35 2007 From: pkohlmil at best.com (Paul Kohlmiller) Date: Sun Jan 28 13:13:50 2007 Subject: [SJAA-announce] February Ephemeris Online Message-ID: <009b01c74321$2d1e2300$875a6900$@com> The online version of the February Ephemeris is available online at http://ephemeris.sjaa.net/ Please see the main web page for information on the upcoming (Feb. 3) board elections http://www.sjaa.net/ Paul K -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.sjaa.net/pipermail/sjaa-announce/attachments/20070128/7b258322/attachment.html From bhavner at sbcglobal.net Tue Jan 30 17:32:32 2007 From: bhavner at sbcglobal.net (Bob & Brenda Havner) Date: Tue Jan 30 17:32:38 2007 Subject: [SJAA-announce] Fw: Night Sky Network Message: Moons and Rings Telecon with Dr. Mark Showalter Message-ID: <001601c744d7$ae61c950$0202a8c0@Turtlerock> Subject: Night Sky Network Message: Moons and Rings Telecon with Dr. Mark Showalter We invite you to join us for an exciting presentation given by SETI planetary astronomer Dr. Mark Showalter this Thursday, February 1st at 6:00 pm Pacific Time. Dr. Showalter is a specialist in the moons and rings of our Solar System and has even discovered a few moons. He has just come from a meeting with Cassini-Huygens mission scientists and will update us with their very latest discoveries from Saturn. But Saturn is only one of four planetary ring systems in our Solar System. Find out what creates these phenomenal structures and how moons can interact with them. Please join us for this interesting evening to learn more about some truly dynamic features found on some of our neighboring planets. This is your chance to ask an expert about the spectacular images of Saturn that you've been seeing lately and more. Stay with us after the Q&A session and there will be a drawing for five 2007 Moon Phases Mugs. You can view the accompanying PowerPoint in two ways: 1) Download the PowerPoint here: http://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/docs/ShowalterPPT.ppt (Note: This PowerPoint is 9MB) 2) Or you can view it online at http://www.astrosociety.org/nsntelecon/ To log into the Telecon on February 1st, between 5:45 - 6:00pm (Pacific Time): Toll-free conference call line: 1-888-889-4951. An operator will answer and: >You will be asked for the passcode: NIGHT SKY NETWORK >You might be asked for the call leader: MICHAEL GREENE >You will be asked to give your NAME and the CLUB you belong to, and number >of people listening with you. If you have any questions, please contact the Night Sky Network Administrators at: nightskyinfo@astrosociety.org We look forward to seeing you there! Marni Berendsen and Vivian White Night Sky Network Administrators From bhavner at sbcglobal.net Tue Jan 30 17:36:23 2007 From: bhavner at sbcglobal.net (Bob & Brenda Havner) Date: Tue Jan 30 17:36:26 2007 Subject: [SJAA-announce] Fw: [AANC Contacts] Spring 2007 Benjamin Dean Lecture Series Message-ID: <003301c744d8$3795b010$0202a8c0@Turtlerock> The Morrison Planetarium and California Academy of Sciences are pleased to announce the Spring 2007 Benjamin Dean Lecture Series. IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to venue conflicts, the first lecture of the series will be on a Tuesday instead of the regular Monday. Our apologies for any inconvenience. TUESDAY, February 20, 2007 Dr. Andrew Westphal University of California, Berkeley "Stardust: First samples from the Kuiper Belt and from Interstellar Space" Co-Sponsored by The Planetary Society March 19, 2007 Dr. Ray Jayawardhana University of Toronto "New Worlds in the Making: Origins of Planets and Brown Dwarfs" April 16, 2007 Dr. Peter Tuthill University of Sydney "From Dust to Dust: the Shrouds of Stellar Birth and Death" May 7, 2007 Dr. Sten Odenwald NASA Goddard Space Flight Center "The Day the Sun Blew Up" June 4, 2007 Dr. Paul Davies Arizona State Universe "Cosmic Jackpot" ____________________________________ Benjamin Dean Lecture Series in Astronomy Morrison Planetarium California Academy of Sciences 875 Howard Street San Francisco, CA 94103 415-321-8593 deanseries@calacademy.org http://www.calacademy.org/planetarium/dean.cfm http://www.calacademy.org/lectures/tickets/ _______________________________________________ Contacts mailing list Contacts@aanc-astronomy.org http://mail.aanc-astronomy.org/mailman/listinfo/contacts