2000

recorded by AANC Secretary Alan Gould

Minutes:

Minutes from AANC Board Meeting: 2/20/2000 -- [next meeting May 21, 2000]

Agenda 1. Call to Order: 1:15 pm by Jane Houston-Jones

2. Roll Call and introductions of new members

Present: Jane Houston (President; rep for SFAA, ...), Alan Gould (taking minutes--Secretary; LHS), Don Stone (Treasurer, EAS), Carter Roberts (EAS), David Harris (HS) , Dave Anderson (TVSG),

Dennis LeClert (SAS),

Ilona Magyary (SMAS), Tinka Ross (Mt. Tam Observers; Morrison Planetarium), Lance Shaw (Hercules SG)

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

Carter: EAS is misspelled. Dave Rodrigues is misspelled.

Minutes approved with these corrections

4. AANC Treasurer's Report

1999 income: $2,617.85

Net assets: $7,618.98

Washington Mutual Account Bank account balance as of 12/21/99: $5870.88

Money Fund Account as of 12/31/99 $1740.10

For year 2000, the following are paid:
TMW, EAS, LHS, MDAS, MTIA, SFAA, SFSWA, SJAA, WMAS
FThe following are due: ASP, COSC, EITU, CTMW, EITU ,FPOA, HS, LUMICON, MTO, NCHLADA, PAS, SCAS, SAS, SJAA, SMAS, SVAS, TVS, VOM
Also(?) Gr70, Morrison Planetarium , Santa Cruz, ExplorIt, Chico

5. Club Reports

[at bottom of page--click "Club Reports" to go there]

6. Old Business A. Year 2000 AANC Symposium. Status AANC Annual Astronomy Symposium

Thanks to Ilona for stepping in and really making this event happen.

Ilona: On theme of "A Date With The Universe" a number of speakers are lined up after more than 30 phone calls. Includes David Morrison on Astrobiology, Dr. Seran Gibbard on adaptive optics, Donald Goldsmith on "Runaway Universe," Dr. Karel Schrijver on Sun-Earth connection.

Jane: asked some of the Bay area GREAT observers to speak. Noone has committed yet. This will be in connection with the announcement of the new AANC Century list of objects.

Ilona: Kirsten said we can have solar observing with solar telescopes during the day. We have also set up a timeline. Registration will go until 9am. At 9am Inroduction by Jane and Steve Craig. Dr. Morrison 9:30-10:30. Each speaker will be 50 min with 10 min questions. 15 min break. Dr. Gibbard 10:50-11:50. Lunch 12-1. AANC Awards 1-1:30. Dr. Goldsmith 1:30-2:30. Break. Dr. Karel Schrijver 3-4. Mini-break. Morris-Century Award 4:10-4:30. Amateur Observer's Panel 4:30-5:30. Closing 5:30-5:45 [It's OK for us to be there until 6, then observing outside.]

Don has list of previous workshop attendees that we could do direct mailing to.

Should we have some way to honor John at the symposium?

Ilona: Volunteers needed:

Registration committee--Kirsten will connect with Don to get list

3 registration assistants needed

Name badges can be assembled Friday night before the symposium

Set-up committee--to set-up Goethe room the night before. (SFAA?)

Refreshments committee (purchase and prepare)

Lunch for speakers--need list of who gets lunch (to know how much food to get) and people to GET lunch

Sign committee--people to make signs on easels

Clean-up people to get Goethe room in pristine condition

Carter: do we need timer for speakers? Carter will bring timing lights. Have yellow comes on after 45 min and stays on for 5 min.

Don can make the symposium program (schedule).

7. New Business

A. AANC Observing list update (Century Award) -- not much to report at this time. Many people think it's fine. Some people gave negative criticism which was discouraging to Morris.

B. AANC Awards

Nominees:

Amateur Award: Previously nominated: Mike Ryan.

Professional Award: Previously nominated: Alex Fillepenko.

Commercial Award: Previously nominated Rainbow Optics (Jim Badura) -- makes star spectroscopes

New: Don nominates Rachel repair group for their devoted. Jane seconds.

We present awards both at Annual Symposium AND at Annual StarBQue.

Nominations closed.

Don moved that we elect awardees as slate unanimously. Dennis seconded. Motion passed.

David moved that we name the AANC Amateur award, the "AANC John Hewitt Amateur Astronomer" award. Carter seconded. Motion passed unanimously

C. Astronomy Day 2000 - April 8th -- we can recycle the Astronomy Day web page. Jane requests that clubs send info to her and that will be posted on the AANC Astronomy Day web page for the press and everyone else.

D. Star-B-Que -- AANC would like to continue sponsoring this event with FPOA. Star-B-Que this year will be July 29, 2000.

E. We need a Vice President! -- Jane appoints David Anderson as interim Vice President to replace John Hewitt. David accepted.

Motion: Don moved that we allocate $1000 annually for things to purchase for clubs. Morris asked who would administer it? Don: AANC board would approve or deny any request. John H. suggested that there be upper limit ($50 or so). David A./Morris: no need for this motion, since Board would need to approve any requsts anyway. David A.: lets just publicize to member clubs that AANC can buy such items. Morris amended (Don accepted; John H seconded) motion to be $500 rather $1000. Motion passed. [No dollar limit on individual requests under $500.]

Adjourned 3:50 pm

Club reports

Eastbay Astronomical Society/COSC---Carter.

Zeiss Projector installed and was demonstrated for "insiders." Opening in July. EAS annual dinner will be June (probably 10th) rather than May. Helen Pillans award will go to Ken Swaggerty for work on Rachel, etc. The 45' dome for Rachel is almost ready for installation--could go in by end of htis week with telescope installed probably next week.

Hercules Stargazers (David Harris)

No program 1/20 on eclipse because of clouds. 1/29 first star gaze of new year. Mostly cloudy. Saw Jupiter and brighter objects. Next 2/26, 4/8 (Astro Day) booth at Academy of Sciences, 4/29, 5/6. David read a remebrance of John Hewitt that he wrote.

Lawrence Hall of Science (Alan Gould)

With loss of John Hewitt, we are seeking replacement planetarium staff person, but the job is not posted yet. We will not be able to fully reploace his duties in Satruday night Stargazing, but the replacement person will act as coordinator for other staff, possibly including UC Astronomy students. LHS programs are on everyday Saturday and Sunday (see LHS website). 1pm and 2:15 pm show will be Colors From Space and 3:30 show always being Constellations Tonight on how to use a star map to find the currently visible constellations.

Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society

From: "Liede-Marie Haitsma"

The main topic of interest is with regards to public star viewing on Mt. Diablo. There is now a Mt. Diablo Observatory Association/Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society/State Park Interface. A MDAS Board member will attend every MDOA meeting. The roles and difference between MDAS and MDOA were clarified for Ranger Dave Matthews. Ranger Matthews helped clarify the position of MDAS regarding public astronomy nights. Volunteers participating in public astronomy nights are individuals who represent the State Park and as such: Must be trained as park docents; Must wear an official State Park vest; Cannot identify MDAS or MDOA as sponsoring the event; Untrained MDAS members who participate in astronomy nights are treated as members of the public from the point of view of the park.

Society nights: a board member or designated representative must be present. There will be a major Swap meet scheduled for September or October and will include many of Owen's belongings. Mt. Diablo Observatory Association Fund-Raising: It was passed at the last MDAS meeting that MDAS membership renewal form shall include a line to allow members to make a contribution to MDOA along with their annual MDAS dues. --Liede-Marie Haitsma Mount Tamalpais Interpretive Association

Programs will be starting up in April. A flyer announcing all the speakers in the Mountain Theatre on the new moon Saturday nights April through October will be mailed out in March. Each lecture will feature a prominent astronomer. Following the talk, the public will be offered telescope viewing compliments of the SFAA. --Jane Houston Jones

Project Astro

Project Astro is seeking Amateur or Professional astronomers. Communication went out to AANC newsletter editors, clubs and etc already. Teachers have aaalso been solicited. This year the training will be at the San Mateo Office of Education Auuugust 11, 12. Deaddline for signup is on April 26th. Jane Houston wrote some articles forCreative Classroom Magazine about School Star Parties (tips and such), and an activity on Stellar Sspectroscopy outdoors, using eyeeballs and telescopes and the Rainbow Optiics Star Spectroscope. this was coordinated through ASP and Project Astro. --Jane Houston Jones

FPOA Report

Star-B-Cue 2000 will be held July 29th. FPOA did receive the check from AANC for repairs. Meeting on February 12th with the State Park management explained the Volunteer in Park Program and the Role of Cooperating Associations. Ranger Cameron Bowers will hold a session March 4th for training in these two roles. Actual telescope certiification may occur onthis day too, for new interpreters. Cameron will be the new Vvvolunteer Ccoordinator for the Observatory, going forward. First FPOA session for 2000 will be on Astronomy Day, April 8th. Morris Jones is setting up email lists, and a better way for board members to communicate with each other. He will also assist Bob Black with some website improvements. --Jane Houston Jones

SFAA Report

SFAA awards this year were handed out at the January Awards Banquet. Toney Burkhart was awarded the Herman Fast award, the clubs highest honor. Renita Mock received a service award for taking on club Secretary duties. Lorrie Boen was recoggnized for doing a great job on the Newsletter. Steve Ggottlieb won Observer of the year. Kerry Sagar, Jim Uber and Matthew Mazurek won photography awards int he annual astrophotography contest. A moment of silence was held in honor of AANC VP John Hewitt, whose memorial was held this same night.

City Star Parties start up again February 12, and next is March 11 at 6:00 PM. INformation on how to get there is on the SFAA website. http://www.zennla.com/sfaa. President again is Al Stern, VP is Bill Stepka, Secretary is Renita Mock, Treassurer is Chelle Owens. Star party coordinator is Bill Stepka. Loaner Program is Ray Cash. MOunt Tamalpais programs begin again in April. --Jane Houston Jones

SJAA

San Jose Astronomical Association, February 1999. SJAA has lots of activities in progress:

January meeting featured Michael Light, author of _Full Moon_,

In February Dr. Jeff Moore brought latest images from Galileo and reported on the demise of Mars Polar Lander.

March features Jane Houston and Mike Koop on the NASA Leonid Multi-Aircraft Campaign.

Observational Astronomy class is offered monthly on first quarter Saturdays with instructor Doug Davis.

Morris Jones has departed the board of directors in preparation for relocating to Marin, he's replaced in the February elections with Doug Mitchell.

The annual swap meet and auction happens April 15 at Houge Park.

SJAA web page: http://www.sjaa.net

SJAA Ephemeris (monthly newsletter) online: http://ephemeris.sjaa.net -- Morris Jones

Sidewalk Astronomers

There are not too many public programs in SF due to the rain and cloudy nights. But check the hotline (415) 287-2007 for the next viewing at 24th and Sanchez or 9th and Irving. John Dobson is teaching his telescope making and Cosmology classes in Los Angeles January through March 2000. --Jane Houston Jones

SCAS Report

Striking Sparks day is March 25th. All 10 Sparks telescccopes have been sponsored. One is sponsored by AANC again, and two of them are sponsored by kids -- members of the Young Astronomers club. March Young Astronomers club speaker is Jane Houston talking about her NASA Airrborne Leonid Mission. New offficers are Burney Baron, President. Christine Churchill, VP, Larry McCune, Treasurer, Steve follett, Secretary. Young Astronomers Advisor, Ed Megill, Sparks Day coordinators Vicki Tandecke and Victoria Vertrees. star Parties are held at the Palmieri Observatory, The Geysers, CA --Jane Houston Jones

Stockton Astronomical Society

(Dennis LeClert) Club will change the name of the Above-And-Beyond award to be a name that honors Clarence Custer. Nest meeting was 3/9. Glen Yeoman will speak on indian legends associated with various constellations. Spring Skies. Were going to do something for eclipse in January, but it was clouded out. Lots of requests to star parties with schools, but this time of year is not good weather-wise. Some requests were for full moon nights.

San Mateo Astronomical Society (Ilona Magyary) plugging along. No speaker for March yet. April speaker will be Dr. Gerson Goldhaber from UC. For Astronomy there will be guest speaker on Sun, solar observing, activities, planetairum shows. There will be children from various schools. Club has been conducting public star parties. Ilona is working with girl scout troup for astronomy badge. Ilona did activities on "colors from space." TriValley Stargazers (Dave Anderson)

Last Friday TVS had telescope workshop with stations for people to learn about various types of telescopes. Event was very successful. Perhaps this should be BEFORE Christmas next year for the benefit of those wanting to buy telescopes as gifts. Star party in Fremont (Hopkins Jr. High) for the eclipse. It was clear enough to see shape of moon. Cleared a bit more about mid-eclipse.

VMOA Report

Ferguson Observatory schedule of events is available at http://www.rfo.org. Feb 5 solar and night observing, and March 11 solar and night observing are the next few dates. Cost is $4.00. (707) 833-6979 for information Al Heppe has been teaching a class at the Ferguson Observatory called Relativity for the Non-Scientist. 15 sessions for $75.00. Fran Sanders has retired fromt he decent team leadership at RFO. Terry Dye is the new decent coordinator. --Jane Houston Jones

West Marin Astronomy club

The West Marin club is active doing public astronomy programs in Marin County. Programs have been offered at the Tiburon Library, most recent one was 2/15. Well attended in spite of clouds. We showed solar system and Deep sky slides instead. Next Dark sky event is February 26th and March 4th in Lagunitas. Next Moon and Planet program, March 12th at Book Passage and March 17th in Fairfax. These events are listed on the SFAA calendar: http://zennla.com/sfaa/calenda r/ --Jane Houston Jones

Support for the AANC web pages provided by Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California, Berkeley.

Minutes from AANC Board Meeting: 5/19/2000 -- [next meeting July 23, 2000]

contacts@aanc-astronomy.org (larger list, includes AANC club editors) editors@aanc-astronomy.org (AANC member club editors only)

Agenda 1. Call to Order: 10:25 pm by Jane Houston-Jones

2. Roll Call and introductions of new members

Present: Jane Houston (President; rep for SFAA, ...), Dave Anderson (TVSG), Vice President

Alan Gould (taking minutes--Secretary; LHS), Don Stone (Treasurer, EAS), Morris Jones (SJAA),

Liede-Marie Haitsma (MDAS),

Carter Roberts (EAS), David Harris (HS) , Dennis LeClert (SAS),

Ilona Magyary (SMAS)

June Sky & Telescope has article with picture of Jane Houston-Jones in it. Check it out!

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

Alan forgot to print minutes but there were LOTS of errors--though nothing apparently fatal.

4. AANC Treasurer's Report

Net assets: $7,610.98

Washington Mutual Account Bank account balance as of 12/21/99: $4,870.88

Franklin Money Fund Account as of 12/31/99 $1,740.10

Income:

Received $1560 from Cal Academy for registrations.

$530 additional came direct to Don ata the gate.

Total $2090 income.

Expenses:

CAS AV service $300

Catering (lunch) for was $250

Publicity $420.44

Telephone $19.95|

Misc. $10

Total expenses $990 + some more to be given to Ilona.

Over $1099 in the black on symposium.

The following are paid:
TMW, EAS, LHS, MDAS, MTIA, SFAA, SFSWA, SJAA, WMAS, HS, SCAS, TVS
The following are due: ASP, COSC, EITU, CTMW, FPOA, LUMICON, MTO, NCHLADA, PAS, SAS, SJAA, SMAS, SVAS, VOM
Also(?) Gr70, Morrison Planetarium , Santa Cruz, ExplorIt, Chico

Jane: we should send out renewal form to clubs.

5. Club Reports

[at end of these minutes]

6. Old Business A. Year 2000 AANC Symposium. Debriefing AANC Annual Astronomy Symposium

Ilona: we improved a little in some areas and missed in others. We missed John very much. Some of the speakers were very good. Gifford had migraine that day and could not drive. She did not have contact info, due to a communication snafu. Kevin Medlock stepped in to fill the hole nicelywith report on Rachel restoration. If we have committees functioning earlier, it would go better. Need more helpers earlier. Awards section was not interesting to non-amateur astronomer attendees. Perhaps we should limit the personal stories/chit chat.

Jane: Sonoma Striking Sparks event was same day, so they could not help or participate. But overall the event seemed very successful.

Alan: Do we lower the cost of the conference or spend the extra money on member clubs?

Consensus was don't change cost of the conference, but spend extra money for AANC clubs. We can advertise the $500/club AANC grant program.

Dennis: We should send formal letter to club presidents announcing AANC Grant program. Alan: publicize through AANC e-mail list also.

Ilona: Did we have right number of Speakers? [consensus: yes]

Should we have solar observing? [maybe... didn't get it together this year.]

Foodwise how did we do? For volunteers/speakers? [great!] Refreshments? [good--except blowing fuses on coffee makers ata first] Do we want to do this again at CAS? [yes]

Theme might be "Instrumentation"

Dennis: We HAVE to have some announcement out earlier, even if we don't have speakers lined up.

Big thanks to Ilona for all her hard work on the symposium this year. Wouldn't have happened at all without her.

AANC Observing list update (Morris)

Ideas for a patch? At conference about 40 stayed to hear concpt of Century list. It was WELL received. Ilona: Having the list is very good for beginners and as a tool for focus of education in observing. 7. New Business

A. Fall Astronomy Day 2000

In past it was Sept 1st quarter Moon. Ilona: Try to make it October. Dennis: Year-round schools are becoming more common in his area.

Best date seems to be 10/7, 75% Moon. Saturn rises 9pm. Jupiter 1/2 hour later. Sunset 6:45pm.

B. John Hewitt remembrance. Carter moved that AANC buy a seat at new Chabot Planetarium in memory of John Hewitt. Ilona seconded. Jane: It would be a great tribute. Motion passed unanimously. Adjourned 1:00 pm

Club reports

Eastbay Astronomical Society/COSC---Carter.

Next meeting 6/10 -- speaker Laura Benedetti from UC--Raining Diamonds? Annual dinner Sat 7/15 -- pre-opening event at new Chabot with demo of new planetarium Zeiss projector, and see new planetary landscape exhibits. New Chabot is opening this summer, possibly 7/31 or 8/3. Chabot will need a lot of volunteers to run telescopes and such. They are doing volunteer training sessions. New Chabot website www.chabotspace.org. Lots of work to do on new observatories. NCHALADA met 5/20 Next NCHALADA meeting is Sat 8/5 at Chabot (old site). Morning will be Top Research Papers of 20th century. History of Atmospheric Research. EAS website is currently http://silicon.com/~eas

Hercules Stargazers (David Harris)

Weather interefered 2/26 cancelled by rain. 3/11 double event--3scopes--10th anniversary of beginning of HS. A few visitors but clouded over--left about 9:30. 4/8 Astronomy Day was a big day--Calif Acad of Sci program Sherry Gee and David H went and helped from 9-2:30. No solar viewing because of clouds. Stationed right by front entrance with SFAA and 4H club from Castro Valley (Debby Scherrer). Gave out literature. Later went visit amateur Walt Meadows recovering from surgery in hospital. Evening stargazing 3 people 25 visitors, 10-12 people from Coplumbia. 4/29 we had 3 telesocpes--Lance brought 18" Obsession. Good sky--stayed out til 12. 5/6 cancelled--bad weather. May 12 Did event for Stege Elemetary in Richmond set up by Lance Shaw and a teacher at the school. Lance did solar viewing, talks and telescope demos during day. Teacher had moonrocks and some exhibits. Evening telescopes provided by D. harris George Lowe, 2 UC students and a parent. Got got views of Moon despite clouds. Next stargazes 6/24, 7/22, 7/29

Lawrence Hall of Science (Alan Gould)

We finally hired replacement for John: Toshi Komatsu, a UC student who had been hired by John last spring and graduated in December. We hope to start up Saturday night Stargazing again in June and are seeking volunteer helpers, possibly including UC students. We have summer camps for kids. LHS planetarium programs are on every Saturday and Sunday (see LHS website). We start public shows EVERY day in mid-June. See LHS website for schedule -- http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu

Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society

From: "Liede-Marie Haitsma"

Public nights have started again--150 people showed up to first one. Volunteers must be trained by ranger (Head Ranger Dave Matthews). Alex Fillipenko speaks this Tues (5/23) on anti-gravity. Next star party June 10. Joe Disch award is starting. Contributions to Mt. Diablo Obs. Assn. is accepting donations. Sorry to report that Owen Durdin passed away -- at a star party. June 27 meeting will have Lumicon President Paul Swanson speaking on Lumicon. CCD photometering is subject of July 25 by Lou Cook.

Mount Tamalpais Interpretive Association

The Mount Tamalpais Interpretive Association (MTIA) information: Website: http://www.mtia.net/ Same day Hotlines: (415) 566-2357, (415) 455-5370 (messages after 4:00 pm)

2000 Schedule of Events:

Program sponsored by Mt. Tamalpais State Park, with generous support from the Mt. Tamalpais Interpretive Association. Telescopes are courtesy of San Francisco Amateur Astronomers. The June program is presented especially for young astronomers. The August program is in cooperation with the Planetary Society.

Presenters, Programs & Dates for 2000

MAY 6th at 8:30 P.M. (rained out, may replace the June 3rd program) DR. IMKE dePATER Professor of Astronomy, UC BERKELEY "Startling Images of Planets and Satellites" How do images using the adaptive optics system on the 10-m Keck compare with the HST and spacecraft data?

JUNE 3rd at 8:30 P.M.(may be replaced by May speaker) MARIA MITCHELL (as portrayed by Tinka Ross) "A Cometary Rise to Fame" The story of America's first woman astronomer and the comet that started her career.

JULY 1st at 8:30 P.M. DR. DANA BACKMAN Researcher, NASA-AMES/ Assoc. Professor, FRANKLIN and MARSHALL COLLEGE "Planets and Hints of Planets Around Nearby Stars: Is Our Solar System Unusual or Normal?" The list of known extrasolar planetary systems is steadily growing, yet none of them really resembles the one we live on. What does this mean for our understanding of how common or rare planets like the Earth may be?

JULY 29th at 8:30 P.M. DR. PHILIP SCHERRER Professor of Physics, STANFORD UNIVERSITY "Journey to the Center of the Sun" New understanding of the solar interior, based on recent observations from the SOHO spacecraft, has implications for the mechanisms that generate the solar sunspot cycle.

AUGUST 26th at 8:00 P.M. DR. DOMENICK TENERELLI Systems Engineer Consultant for TPF, LOCKHEED- MARTIN "The Terrestrial Planet Finder" The TPF, under development, is a major component of NASA's Origins program. Missions over the next two decades will study planets beyond our solar system.

SEPTEMBER 30th at 7:30 P.M. DR. LYNN ROTHSCHILD Research Scientist,Ecosystem Branch, NASA-AMES RESEARCH CENTER "The Sun, the Moon and the Algae" Evolution is influenced by the physical environment, including extraterrestrial factors. What was the roll of the Sun and the Moon on the development of life?

OCTOBER 28th at 7: 00 P.M. DR. ROCCO MANCINELLI Sr. Research Scientist-SETI INSTITUTE "Life's Expansion Beyond its Planet of Origin" What is the potential for survival, adaptation, and biological evolution of life beyond the home planet?"

Information Contacts: Telephone: (415) 455-5370, (415) 388-2070 Same day Hotlines: (415) 566-2357, (415) 455-5370 (messages after 4:00 pm)Mailing Address: MTIA/Astronomy Programs, P.O. Box 3318, San Rafael, CA 94912

Directions: From Highway 101 take the Highway 1, Stinson Beach exit. At Tam Junction (the first stop light), turn left onto the Shoreline Highway (also called Highway 1). In about 2 miles turn right onto Panoramic Highway. In another 3/4 miles the road splits 3 ways. Take the middle fork. In about 5 miles the Pan Toll Ranger Station will be on your left. Turn right through the gates across the road from the station and continue for about another 1/2 mile to the Rock Springs parking area.

Parking: Parking is free but limited. Please Car Pool. When you approach the Rock Springs Parking Area, you will find the lot has been divided into two sections by a string of orange cones. Astronomers with telescopes park to the left of the cones, while the general public is asked to park to the right. There will be signs and volunteers to assist you. If the lot is filled, there will be a sign directing you to the upper parking lot. Go past the entrance to the Mountain Theater for about another 1/4 mile. The road will be closed by a gate, and there will be a sign directing you to park in the lot to your right. There is a short trail from the lot to the Mountain Theater.It is recommended that if you wish to observe after the program and you are in the upper lot, that you take the trail back to your car then drive down to Rock Springs for the observing. Some patrons do not stay for the observing, so you should find a parking space.

Mountain Theater: The programs, held in the outdoor amphitheater, are about a three minute walk from from the parking area. We gather at the end of evening twilight, and when visibility is adequate. But, by the time the program is concluded (45 minute to 1 hour) it will be dark. Bring Flashlights. There are lanterns along the path and on the stairs at the theater, but if you feel that you need any assistance please do not hesitate to ask one of the State Park Volunteers to help you. There are also a few flashlights available for loan at the Mountain Theater which can be returned at Rock Spring when you are finished with them. (Or for a $5.00 donation you can take the flashlight as a memento of the evening.)

Closing Time: A State Park Ranger will announce the park's closing time for the evening. We ask that all guests vacate the premises promptly after the program. If you plan to stay and observe after the scheduled viewing time, you must have a pass from the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers on your windshield or risk be issued a $68.00 parking citation.

Star Party Etiquette: The observing sessions are courtesy of the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers. The equipment is the personal property of the members. Please do not handle or adjust any equipment without the explicit permission of the owner(s). White light ruins dark adeptness, so please use only filtered (preferably red) light around the telescopes. (The greeters in the Mountain Theater have filters and loaner flashlights for those who do not bring their own.) The observing sessions last about 1 to 1 1/2 hours after the programs. --Jane Houston Jones

Project Astro

Project Astro is seeking Amateur or Professional astronomers. Communication went out to AANC newsletter editors, clubs and etc already. Teachers have also been solicited. This year the training will be at the San Mateo Office of Education August 11, 12. Deadline for signup is on April 26th. Jane Houston wrote some articles forCreative Classroom Magazine about School Star Parties (tips and such), and an activity on Stellar Sspectroscopy outdoors, using eyeeballs and telescopes and the Rainbow Optiics Star Spectroscope. this was coordinated through ASP and Project Astro.--Jane Houston Jones

FPOA Report

Star-B-Cue 2000 will be held July 29th.

Fremont Peak Observatory Association information:

website:www.fpoa.net Hotline number: (831) 623-2465 Fremont Peak State Park office number: (831) 623-4255

Board meetings are Feb 12, March 11, April 8, May 6, June 3, July 8, Sept 23, Oct 28, and Nov 18 (offsite) Training is March 4 (State volunteering training), June 3 (Telescope certification) additional training sessions are likely Public nights are April 8 and 29, May 6 and 27, Jun 3, 10, 24, July 1, 8, 22, 29, Aug 5, 19, 26, Sept 2, 23, 30, Oct 7, 21, 28 Special events July 29 Star-B-Cue, Sept 9 FPOA member appreciation night Work Parties April 8, Oct 21

The FPOA newsletter, The Observer was published in March, 2000. The group has an e-mail list now, members@fpoa.net, exclusively for members of FPOA. Announcements of scheduled events, work parties, rules and procedures are the usual kind of material communicated on the list. The FPOA thanks Morris Jones for the great new online tools!

Volunteer training was held March 4, 2000 from 9am to 5 pm at San Juan Bautista State Historical Park. This training was provided by the State Park staff, and certifies volunteers who want to give a program at FPOA. FPOA volunteers doing public programs must be a State Park volunteer.

Telescope certification is separate. New volunteers must take 2 hours of telescope certification training. A new training session for use of the telescope and use of the setting circles will be held June 3 at the observatory. FPOA Director of Equipment Rob Toebe conducts the training. Communication was sent out to those new volunteers who attended the state training in March. AANC board members Jane Houston Jones will take the certification training this year. Morris Jones, Dennis Leclert, Dennis Tye and others in the AANC family are already to use the Challenger telescope and provide programs at FPOA.

Issues: Fremont Peak State Park plans some changes that are garnering some controversy from astronomers who use the park after sunset, the park closing hours. VP Bob Black gathered comments from astronomers and presented these to the Park Management on May 12. The park management listened and went away promising to get back with comments and more information in 8 weeks. Some of the changes involve curb stops in the parking lot used frequently by astronomers. In the dark these stops could be a tripping hazard. There are the typical concerns on both sides: Insurance and safety at night, rules of park use are Park issues. Access and too much paperwork requested are issues raised by the astronomers. All agree flush toilets are a great and necesasary improvement. Frank and ongoing talks continue. More information can be found on the FPOA website, or by calling or e-mailing the state park ranger or supervising ranger or FPOA board members. --Jane Houston Jones

SFAA Report

San Francisco Amateur Astronomers information

Website: http://zennla.com/sfaa/

Hotline: (415) 566-2357

Monthly meetings are held at the Cal Academy of Sciences Morrison Planetarium (In Golden Gate Park) on the third Wednesday of every month. Meetings get underway at 7:30 with the business meeting, speakers go on at 8:00. After the meeting there is a friendly group that meets for coffee and conversation at the Lucky Penny all-night diner at Geary and masonic in San Francisco. Those sessions are sometimes as good as the meeting itself! Speakers recently: April: Lew Epstein on phases of the moon, why the full moon is so bright, science, philosophy, and cosmology. May: Bob Berta on CCD Imaging, June: Jane Houston on the 1999 NASA Leonid MAC Mission.

SFAA Yosemite weekend: July 1, 2, 3

City Star parties: May 13, Jun 10, July 8, Aug 5, Sept 2, last City Star party for the year Oct 7, The SFAA hosts monthly Star Parties along with the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, here in the City. During the months between April and October, there are Astronomy Lectures one half-hour before sunset. The City Star Party is a great way to meet people and to learn what amateur astronomy is all about. All are welcome.

Location, Talks, Telescopes at the City Star party The star party's are held at Land's End. Each month one week after the Mt. Tam star party. At each City Star party, we have a guest speaker who will give a short talk on a myriad of astronomical topics. Lands End is the area above the large parking lot by the Cliff House off Geary Blvd. You turn at Seal Rock Inn and go to the end of the road. This is where we are holding our star parties. Telescopes are provided by club members don't forget to bring warm clothing and a flash light.

Mount Tam Star Parties:May 6, Jun 3, July 1, July 29, August 26, Sept 30, last Tam Star party of the year Oct28 The SFAA hosts monthly Star Parties at Rock Springs on Mt. Tamalpais the Saturday nearest the new moon. During the months between April and October there are also Astronomy Lectures before the Star Party at the Mountain Theatre above Rock Springs. A Star Party is a great way to try out different telescopes if you are trying to make a decision about what to get. All of our members are more than happy to let you see the skies through their scopes. All are welcome.

The SFAA, sponsored by Orion Telescopes is beginning a new award program. The SFAA 2000 Literary Award is a program where all members are eligible to write a 750 word article and be judged by their fellow club members. Submissions are due August 31, 2000. All entries will be distributed to every member for judging. First, second and third place winners will be presented at the SFAA Annual Awards Banquet in January 2001. Contact Newsletter Editor Lorrie Boen at LorrenLee@aol.com--Jane Houston Jones

San Jose (SJAA) (Morris Jones)

Urban star parties 2x per mo at Houge Park. Speaker on July 15 on Moon Illusion. SJAA was approached by instructor at Evergreen Jr College starting an astronomy rpgram. Would like SJAA's help in building an observatory with equipment that has been found there. For details of upcoming events, see SJAA web page: http://www.sjaa.net

SJAA Ephemeris (monthly newsletter) online: http://ephemeris.sjaa.net

Santa Cruz Astronomy Club (SCAC)

information:

Santa Cruz Astronomy Club; Gary Staas gstaas@pdfdream.com

http://astro.santa-cruz.ca.us/

L-2 San Carlos Lane, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95065; Hotline number: (831)335-2423

The SCAC has just joined the AANC! Welcome! Here are some of their activities:

Club meetings are second Thursdays at Villa San Carlos Apartments recreation room, 2500 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz. Business meeting starts at 7:00, and the general meeting gets underway at 7:30. Speakers begin by 8:00. Recent speakers: June 8: Dr. Pascal Lee on Mars on Earth. Terrestrial Polar Research for the Human Exploration of Mars. July 13: Jane Houston and Mike Koop on the 1999 NASA Leonid MAC mission.

Star Parties: May 27th, June 3, June 24 at Bonny Doon Airport

Telescope classes: May 6 - more information on the website

Newsletter is "The Observer" and it's on their website (above) Editor is President Gary Staas. --Jane Houston Jones

Sidewalk Astronomers

Sidewalk Astronomers information:

Local address: 1801 Golden Gate Ave., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. (John Dobson's address)

Event "hotline" is (415) 289-2007 for the current events.

John Dobson and Barry Hirrell will be giving talks at the annual Grand Canyon Star Party June 3 - 10.

Email these members for more current information: Overall - Jonathan Wilkendorf at JAW147@earthling.net, San Francisco area, contact Barry Hirrell at starbox@earthlink.net, North Bay and South Bay area, contact Jane Houston Jones or Morris Jones mojane@whiteoaks.com. Business address: The Sidewalk Astronomers, 1946 Vedanta Place, Hollywood, CA 90068. (818) 841-0548.

For information on John Dobson's schedule call (818) 842-6484. Our two main websites are: http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/6389/; or http://members.aol.com/raycash/sidewalk.htm. --Jane Houston Jones

Sonoma County Astronomical Society (SCAS)

information:

707-795-7829 (Ed Megill); P.O. Box 183, Santa Rosa,CA 95402; MEETING PLACE: Proctor Terrace School, Bryden Lane near 4th Street, SANTA ROSA; 2nd Wed /month, 7:30 pm

Yosemite trip is August 18th/19th

Star parties and meetings: Young Astronomers first Friday each month, Dark Sky star party at the Geysers on Saturday nearest the new moon, general meeting second Wednesday, board meeting third Wednesday.

School Star parties: May 12 wilson/Liberty School in Petaluma, 100 K-6th graders. In April, Healdsburg High, Happy Days Presbyterian, McDowell Elementary, Meadow elementary, plus some more that didn't reach me in time.

Recent Speakers: April: Niels Bruckner, Physics Dept UC Berkeley discussed a Superfluid Helium Gyroscope, using quantum mechanics to measure absolute rotation. May: Marc Davis, Atronomy and Physics Department, UC Berkeley discussed Science with the DEEP Redshift survey. June 14th: Alex Fillippenko, Astronomy Dept UC Berkeley will discuss "Einstein's Biggest Blunder"

Striking Sparks 2000, March 25th

10 students were awarded telescopes at the 15th annual Striking Sparks day, bringing the total to 152 telescopes that the SCAS has put into the hands of deserving, inquisitive students. The 10 kids ranged in age from 6 year olds Heather Ginop and Hannah Wycoff to 13 year old Mark Bellinger. 7 year-old Rio Bell was there with her parents and her grandfather, Don Bell, who came all the way from Iowa for the ceremony

--Jane Houston Jones

Stockton Astronomical Society

(Dennis LeClert) SAS was going to have booth at county fair, but were assigned outside booth. NotWill try again next year. Cost $600. Silver Lake children's camp--will also have adult session this time. Next mtg: 2nd Thur in June. SAS is still active in doing star parties for schools. Dennis is going to VanAllen School next.

San Mateo Astronomical Society (Ilona Magyary) Not too many star parties recently. Last star party was fogged out. Couple of scout groups want to complete astronomy badges. Weather has not cooperated. Planning trip to Lick Obs. but cost is prohibitive $150/person -- 120" not included, only 36" and 40". Hi Spinrad (UC Berkeley) is undonfirmed next speaker -- on galaxy formation. Astronomy Day was success even though weather was not good--125 to 150 people; 5 planetarium shows and exhibits, made planisphere;videotapes of various NASA missions; spectroscopy exhibit/demo; posters from NASA, Lockheed Martin; but weather prohibited observing. Representative from Scope City cam and showed telescopes and equipment. 2 new members signed up. Electing new officers in June. July speaker on LandSAT.

TriValley Stargazers (Dave Anderson)

Summer starparties are on TVS website. Dave A. gave talk on stellar evolution at last meeting. A few star parties--no planets currently. [Ilona: SMAS has had morning star parties, successfully!] Club now has insurance through R. Nuncio for about $400/yr for about 200 members. includes both church meeting ploace and dark sky observing site. Thinking of getting H-alpha filter now. Will extend loaner program beyond scopes and binoculars to eyepieces, collimators, etc. We're losing our printing capabilities because volunteer who does it is moving.

VMOA Report

Website: http://www.rfo.org/

Public Viewing nights:

Solar Observing: (Noon to 4:00*) Saturday, May 13 Jun 10 and Jun 23 Stellar (Evening) viewing: (8:30PM 'til 12:00+) Saturday, May 13 , Jun 10 and Jun 23

Phone (707) 833-6969

StarCamp: September 23-24, 2000 Al Heppe (707) 996-1246 starcamp@rfo.org

Junior Starcamp: (An astronomy day camp for kids 10-14 years old) 1st Session: June 26-30 2nd Session: August 21-25 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm only $250/child Phone Al Heppe 996-1246 email: aheppe@fro.org

Ferguson Observatory schedule of events is available at http://www.rfo.org. Terry Dye is the docent coordinator. --Jane Houston Jones

West Marin Astronomy club

The West Marin Astronomy club (WMAC) Information:

Contact: Steve Overholt (415) 453-2701 or Jane Houston Jones (415) 453-2885 (email: Jane@whiteoaks.com) Dark Sky Star Parties in LAGUNITAS near the new moon on Friday nights and some Saturday nights. Public astronomy at Cala Bell Market in FAIRFAX (Fridays) and Book Passage Bookstore in CORTE MADERA (Sundays) near first quarter moon. No indoor meeting, observational club only.

Members are to be found at the SFAA observing sessions on other nights - Mount Tamalpais on new moon Saturday nights, and at Point Lobos in SF on the Saturday first quarter moon night. Refer to the SFAA report for dates, or to the AANC club listing for website, and other SFAA information.

New Program: Member Steven Overholt, winner of the AANC Amateur Astronomer of the year award in 1998 is setting up a telescope loaning program funded through an inheritance from the J. R. Hogue Trust. This fund, the Star Night Fund will provide loans to schools and public servants to make or purchase simple to use portable telescopes for use in the Great Basin National Park areas in Nevada, Utah and Arizona. Rural communities without access to telescopes, and that are active in preserving dark skies. Several AANC members are being considered as trustees at this time.

Events are listed on the SFAA calendar: http://zennla.com/sfaa/calenda r/ --Jane Houston Jones

Minutes from AANC Board Meeting: 7/23/2000 -- [next meeting September 17, 2000]

contacts@aanc-astronomy.org (larger list, includes AANC club editors) editors@aanc-astronomy.org (AANC member club editors only)

Agenda 1. Call to Order: 10:20 pm by Jane Houston-Jones

2. Roll Call and introductions of new members

Present: Jane Houston (President; rep for SFAA, ...), Morris Jones (SJAA), Alan Gould (taking minutes--Secretary; LHS), Liede-Marie Haitsma (MDAS), David Harris (HS) ,

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

In Hercules Club Report spelling of "Columbia" was incorrect. Otherise minutes OK

4. AANC Treasurer's Report

Treasurer not present.

The following are paid (as of last meeting):
TMW, EAS, LHS, MDAS, MTIA, SFAA, SFSWA, SJAA, WMAS, HS, SCAS, TVS
The following are due: ASP, COSC, EITU, CTMW, FPOA, LUMICON, MTO, NCHLADA, PAS, SAS, SJAA, SMAS, SVAS, VOM
Also(?) Gr70, Morrison Planetarium , Santa Cruz, ExplorIt, Chico

Jane: we should send out renewal form to clubs.

5. Club Reports

[at end of these minutes]

6. Current Business FPOA Star-B-Q July 29- volunteers to judge the Astro-Gastro contest needed. Mike Koop and Jane will do talk on Leonids.

Davis Star Party on August 4/5 - are any of your club members going to help out? A number of Sidewalk Astronomers are going.

Perseids (Aug 12) - Any club observing plans we can publicize on the AANC Website. Contact Jane.

Report on Chabot Planetarium seat honoring John Hewitt. Don gave Jane $500 to "buy" a seat in the planetarium honoring John Hewitt.

7. New Business

Fall Astronomy Day 2000 plans, promotion etc. October 7 will be Fall Astronomy Day. 75% Moon. Saturn rises 9pm. Jupiter 1/2 hour later. Sunset 6:45pm. In September Jane will start publicizing through web, to newspapers, ASP, etc.

Adjourned 11:30 am

Club reports

Eastbay Astronomical Society/COSC---Carter.

New Chabot is opening this summer, po ssibly 7/31 or 8/3. Chabot will need a lot of volunteers to run telescopes and such. They are doing volunteer training sessions. New Chabot website www.chabotspace.org. EAS website is currently http://silicon.com/~eas

Hercules Stargazers (David Harris)

Last Stargaze was on 6/24, led by Walt Meadows, Paul Morgan, George Lowe, Andrew Bell with 10 visitors, 4 scopes ranging from 5-14" dia. until 11pm when fog came in. 6/25 while visiting Israel, David and his wife Esther conducted first ever public solar viewing at the Western Wall Plaza, Jerusalem, 1.5 hours, using a solar filtered Comet Watcher on a tripod--couple dozen passersby viewed the Sun/sunspots. One tried to image the Sun with videocamera through the eyepiece. Did not hold stargaze because there was no moon or bright planets. Dave showed photos taken by Esther. 6/27 in Arad about 11pm-12:30am in desert David and his wife & some friends in Arad.He was shocked at the amount of light glow from surrounding areas. Used Comet Watcher and binoculars. 6/28 there was more solar viewing for same family/friends late afternoon in Arad. Last night (7/22) there was a good Stargaze at Foxboro with 6 scopes 8"-18", binoculars, clear skies and fair seeing, & about 15 visitors. Got a neighbor to turn out a porch light for the event which was great. Ended about 1am. Next stargazes 7/29, 8/19, 26, 9/23.

Lawrence Hall of Science (Alan Gould)

We have started up Saturday night Stargazing again as of July, but for now it's every 1st and 3rd Saturday. We are still seeking volunteer helpers, possibly including UC students. We are in the midst of summer camps for kids. LHS planetarium programs are every day through August (see LHS website--http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu, specifically, http://www.lhs.ber keley.edu/Planetarium.html)

Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society

From: "Liede-Marie Haitsma"

July 8 good stargazing at public night. Paul Swanson, president of Lumicon. Showed great filters . Lumicon is moving to larger store in Livermore. CCD Photometering in a Milk Bowl Sky is subject of July 25 by Lou Cook. Auction fundraiser will be October 21 or 22. Next public night is Aug 12.

Mount Tamalpais Interpretive Association

The Mount Tamalpais Interpretive Association (MTIA) information:

Website: http://www.mtia.net/

Same day Hotlines: (415) 566-2357, (415) 455-5370 (messages after 4:00 pm)

Information Contact: (415) 388-2070

Mailing Address: MTIA/Astronomy Programs, P.O. Box 3318, San Rafael, CA 94912

Remaining 2000 Schedule of Events:

Free, Public Astronomy Programs are held monthly on Saturday evenings nearest the New Moon. Come to Mt. Tamalpais State Park and enjoy a series of free lectures on astronomy and space-related sciences, followed by observing through telescopes. Lectures are held in the park's Mountain (Cushing Memorial) Theater. Telescopes will be set up in the nearby Rock Springs Parking Area. Program sponsored by Mt. Tamalpais State Park, with generous support from the Mt. Tamalpais Interpretive Association. Telescopes are courtesy of San Francisco Amateur Astronomers.

Presenters, Programs & Dates for 2000

SEPTEMBER 30that 7:30 P.M. DR. LYNN ROTHSCHILD Research Scientist,Ecosystem Branch, NASA-AMES RESEARCH CENTER "The Sun, the Moon and the Algae" Evolution is influenced by the physical environment, including extraterrestrial factors. What was the roll of the Sun and the Moon on the development of life?

--Jane Houston Jones

Project Astro

--Jane Houston Jones

FPOA Report

Star-B-Cue 2000 will be held July 29th.

Fremont Peak Observatory Association information:

website:www.fpoa.net Hotline number: (831) 623-2465 Fremont Peak State Park office number: (831) 623-4255

. --Jane Houston Jones

SFAA Report

The SFAA has had some very interesting speakers recently. June: Jane Houston Jones and Morris Jones provided a NASA Video, Leonid tapes and a slide presentation "Leonids 101", a thrilling Audio/visual treat.

Speaking of NASA, Carl Trost spoke on the North American Sundial Association at the July meeting. He presented a slide show of sundials in the bay area.

In August, Lynette Cook will talk about how she creates Astro-Art. Lynette's depictions of new planets around stars can be seen any time Geoff Marcy gives a talk. She made the planets at the Morrison Planetarium (the ones overhead, at least the gas giants), and has an exhibit in the area outside the Morrison Planetarium. She is also the CAS artist.

The SFAA is having a writing contest, sponsored by Orion Telescope. All members are urged to submit an article, 750 words or less to the newsletter editor, Lorrie Bohn. Lorrie can accept articles in most ways, but emailed word docs work pretty well. All entries must be in Lorrie's hands by August 31. They will be sent to the membership in September or October, voted on and the winner will be announced at the January Awards dinner.

Vital Statistics: Website: http://zennla.com/sfaa/ Hotline: (415) 566-2357 Monthly meetings are held at the Cal Academy of Sciences Morrison Planetarium (In Golden Gate Park) on the third Wednesday of every month. Meetings get underway at 7:30 with the business meeting, speakers go on at 8:00. After the meeting there is a friendly group that meets for coffee and conversation at the Lucky Penny all-night diner at Geary and Masonic in San Francisco. Those sessions are sometimes as good as the meeting itself!

City Star parties: Aug 5, Sept 2, last City Star party for the year Oct 7. The SFAA hosts monthly Star Parties along with the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, here in the City. During the months between April and October, there are Astronomy Lectures one half-hour before sunset. The City Star Party is a great way to meet people and to learn what amateur astronomy is all about. All are welcome. At each City Star party, we have a guest speaker who will give a short talk on a myriad of astronomical topics.Lands End is the area above the large parking lot by the Cliff House off Geary Blvd. You turn at Seal Rock Inn and go to the end of the road. Telescopes are provided by club members don't forget to bring warm clothing and a flash light.

Mount Tam Star Parties: July 29, August 26, Sept 30, last Tam Star party of the year Oct 28. The SFAA hosts monthly Star Parties at Rock Springs on Mt. Tamalpais the Saturday nearest the new moon. During the months between April and October there are also Astronomy Lectures before the Star Party at the Mountain Theatre above Rock Springs. A Star Party is a great way to try out different telescopes if you are trying to make a decision about what to get. All of our members are more than happy to let you see the skies through their scopes. All are welcome.

Jane Houston Jones, reporting

San Jose (SJAA) (Morris Jones)

Evergreen College approached SJAA for assistance in constructing an observatory. They had a star party last Wed. They saw comet Linear after about 1/2 hour searching. Finally found it while tracking an airplane that happened to go right by the comet. SJAA members are in Yosemite this weekend. Speaker Dr. Kaufman from IBM spoke on the Moon illusion. About 40 attendees were fascinated by the talk. Focus was on psychology. Next week Jay Freeman will talk about Hawaiian stargazing. A German fellowed showed a display of Milky Way from low latitude which is great for seeing a galaxy edgewise high in the sky. Jane and Morris did stargazing at bookstore where kids were going for Harry Potter event. For details of upcoming events, see SJAA web page: http://www.sjaa.net

SJAA Ephemeris (monthly newsletter) online: http://ephemeris.sjaa.net

Santa Cruz Astronomy Club (SCAC)

information:

Santa Cruz Astronomy Club; Gary Staas gstaas@pdfdream.com

http://astro.santa-cruz.ca.us/

L-2 San Carlos Lane, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95065; Hotline number: (831)335-2423

Club meetings are second Thursdays at Villa San Carlos Apartments recreation room, 2500 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz. Business meeting starts at 7:00, and the general meeting gets underway at 7:30. Speakers begin by 8:00. Newsletter is "The Observer" and it's on their website (above) Editor is President Gary Staas. --Jane Houston Jones

Sidewalk Astronomers

Sidewalk Astronomers (in LA) have a new website address: it's http://www.sidewalkastronomers.com/

There's a new contact phone number for finding out John Dobson's schedule: Bob Alborzian at (818) 841-0548. For email: webmaster@sidewalkastronomers.com

Fall classes taught by John Dobson will again be offered at the Randall Museum and the California Academy of Sciences in SF. Telescope Making will be Monday at the CAS and Thursday at the Randall. cosmology offered at the Randall on Wednesdays - all classes begin the first week of October and run for 9 weeks. John is looking for another venue to teach his Cosmology for Children under 80 class in the Bay area in October thru December 2000.

In the bay Area: the Sidewalk Astronomers attended the Harry Potter book debut event at Book Passage Bookstore in Corte Madera. 150 kids (and parents) looked at the first quarter moon while milling around waiting to buy their books at 12:01 am Saturday, July 8.

The largest number of telescopes being brought to the City of Davis Star party on August 5th are from the Sidewalk Astronomers. 11 or more are signed up as of 7/22.

Due to the fog in SF, there aren't many nights during the summer months that work out for public astronomy.

Jonathan Wilkendorf, our newsletter editor lost his email list when his computer crashed, so the newsletter (the informal Northern California version) is on hiatus.

Vital Statistics: Local address: 1801 Golden Gate Ave., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. (John Dobson's address) Event "hotline" is (415) 289-2007 for the current events. Email these members for more current information: Overall - Jonathan Wilkendorf at Jonathan@wilkendorf.net. In the city of SF, contact Barry Hirrell at starbox@earthlink.net, North Bay and South Bay area, contact Jane Houston Jones or Morris Jones mojane@whiteoaks.com. Business address: The Sidewalk Astronomers, 1946 Vedanta Place, Hollywood, CA 90068. (818) 841-0548. For information on John Dobson's schedule call (818) 841-0548.

Jane Houston Jones, reporting Sonoma County Astronomical Society (SCAS)

SCAC is going to Yosemite on August 4 -6, 2000.

The last couple speakers were Dr. Pascal Lee in June (speaking on Terrestrial Polar Research), Jane Houston and Mike Koop (speaking on the 1999 NASA MAC mission) in July.

Next public viewing is at Bonny Doon Airport on July 29 and Yosemite on August 4-6.

Vital Statistics: Santa Cruz Astronomy Club; Gary Staas gstaas@pdfdream.com http://astro.santa-cruz.ca.us/ L-2 San Carlos Lane, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95065; Hotline number: (831)335-2423 Club meetings are second Thursdays at Villa San Carlos Apartments recreation room, 2500 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz. Business meeting starts at 7:00, and the general meeting gets underway at 7:30. Speakers begin by 8:00. Newsletter is "The Observer" and it's on their website (above) Editor is President Gary Staas.

Jane Houston Jones, reporting

Stockton Astronomical Society

(Dennis LeClert)

San Mateo Astronomical Society (Ilona Magyary)

TriValley Stargazers (Dave Anderson)

VMOA Report

Website: http://www.rfo.org/

StarCamp: September 23-24, 2000 Al Heppe (707) 996-1246 starcamp@rfo.org

Junior Starcamp: (An astronomy day camp for kids 10-14 years old) 1st Session: June 26-30 2nd Session: August 21-25 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm only $250/child Phone Al Heppe 996-1246 email: aheppe@fro.org

Ferguson Observatory schedule of events is available at http://www.rfo.org. Terry Dye is the docent coordinator. --Jane Houston Jones

West Marin Astronomy club

The West Marin Astronomy club (WMAC) Information:

Events are listed on the SFAA calendar: http://zennla.com/sfaa/calenda r/ --Jane Houston Jones

Minutes from AANC Board Meeting: Sept. 17, 2000

[next meeting Nov 12, 2000]

contacts@aanc-astronomy.org (larger list, includes AANC club editors)

editors@aanc-astronomy.org (AANC member club editors only)

Agenda 1. Call to Order: 10:20 pm by Jane Houston-Jones

2. Roll Call and introductions of new members

Present: Jane Houston (President; rep for SFAA, ...),

David Anderson (V.P),

Alan Gould (taking minutes--Secretary; LHS),

Dave Anderson (TVSG),

Liede-Marie Haitsma (MDAS),

David Harris (Hercules Stargazers) , Dennis LeClert (SAS),

Morris Jones (SJAA),

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

Correction to the correction in the previous minutes--"otherwise" was misspelled.

"In Hercules Club Report spelling of "Columbia" was incorrect. Otherise minutes OK"

Morris moved, David seconded, that the minutes be accepted as corrected. Motion passed. On page two of minutes it's Comet Catcher rather than Comet Watcher.

4. AANC Treasurer's Report

Treasurer not present.

The following were paid (as of May 2000):
TMW, EAS, LHS, MDAS, MTIA, SFAA, SFSWA, SJAA, WMAS, HS, SCAS, TVS
The following were due (as of: ASP,COSC, EITU, CTMW, FPOA, LUMICON, MTO, NCHLADA, PAS, SAS, SJAA, SMAS, SVAS, VOM
Also(?) Gr70, Morrison Planetarium , Santa Cruz, ExplorIt, Chico

Jane: we should send out renewal form to clubs.

5. Club Reports

[regularl reports at end of these minutes]

David: There is a Math/Science Nucleus club in Fremont meeting on Saturday closest for 1st quarter Moon. Set up telescopes and invite speakers to meetings. Very family oriented. Last meeting was at Ohlone College. Bruce Prickett < brucepr@home.com>. Could become new AANC member club.

Davis Star Party--Jane, David, Morris, and some Hercules members attended. Jane handed around booklet of info.

6. Current Business Fall Astronomy Day 2000 plans, promotion etc. October 7 will be Fall Astronomy Day. 75% Moon. Saturn rises 9pm. Jupiter 1/2 hour later. Sunset 6:45pm. In September Jane will start publicizing through web, to newspapers, ASP, etc. Clubs that are having events include San Mateo Group; some clubs having normal events, e.g. LHS Saturday Night Stargazing, Math/Science Nucleus in Fremont, .... If you have events you want to publicize, let Jane know info. There is also form on AANC Astronomy Day page to submit info also.

Jane bought a Chabot Planetarium seat honoring John Hewitt.

7. New Business

2001 Symposium -- Need to set date and place. April 7 seems to be best date. Jane will check to see if we could have it at the new Chabot.

Morris: anticipate potential problems--e.g. availability of planetarium or theater. Alan: Revenue could be an issue--AANC could pay percentage of the registration fee so it could be "guaranteed income" for them that day.

Ilona has leads on speakers already. She is aiming towards a theme of "Instrumentation"

Nominations for Yr 2001 officers: Dennis suggested current officers continue.

Adjourned (Morris moved; Alan seconded) 11:50 am

Club reports

Eastbay Astronomical Society/COSC.

EAS website is currently http://silicon.com/~eas

Hercules Stargazers (David Harris)

15 members with telescopes who come at various times.

Advertised in the Herculean--quarterly city calendar. Had stargaze Jul 29 with 2 telescopes (10" Dob and 5" newtonian), good seeing--only a few visitors, stayed until 12:15. Even though only 2 telescopes there were 3 extra stargazers without telescopes.

On Aug 19 there were 2 telescopes David's 10" and Jack Pinkham's "Caveman" 6" f12 reflector--about 10 visitors and 2 extra "scopeless" stargazers. Watched moonrise with binoculars and scopes.

On Aug 26 there were 4 scopes ranging from 5"-18". 15 visitors stayed until midnight--good viewing, no Moon. Working on problems with a few porchlights. Their good about turning lights off ususally. One is a motion sensor.

Next stargazes 9/23, 10/21, 11/28, 12/16. Usually try for 3rd quarter Moon. Or 1st quarter Moon--especially when kids are coming. Avoiding new Moon so members can go to other events or dark sites. Our Calendar Planning Meeting for next year is not yet scheduled.

Lawrence Hall of Science (Alan Gould)

Saturday night Stargazing again as of July, but for now it's every 1st and 3rd Saturday. Yesterday's was excellent with about 50 visitors, Jim Badura volunteer (now working for Scope City) , 12" Dob, 10" Dob, 5 low power refractors (3"). We are still seeking volunteer helpers, amateurs or possibly UC students.

Curriculum devleopment projects include a new GEMS TEacher Guide on The Real Reasons for Seasons and a new Hands-On Universe (HOU) middle school curriculum. HOU is also planning for high school teacher workshops next summer. HOU website is HTTP://HOU.LBL.GOV. For current programs see LHS website--http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu, specifically, the planetarium page at http://www.lhs.ber keley.edu/Planetarium.html)

Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society

From: "Liede-Marie Haitsma"

Public Star Night: 9/2 was a good event. 9/30 Lynn Leach will be there.

Club Star Night: Sept 23

Fundraising for the Observatory is progressing--need about $100,000 more $. Next club meeting is 9/26 with Carter Roberts speaking on Solar Eclipses. Annual swap meet 10/24/00 and will include many items from the estatet of Owen Durden, owner of the Odd Assortment who died unexpectedly at his telescope atop Mt. Diablo just over a year ago. Doors open 7:00pm, Sale begins 7:30 pm. Location: Concord Police Training Facility on Avilia Rd off Willow Pass Rd at the Route 4-Willow Pass junction. You can also take Willow Pass Rd. from Rte 680. For more info contact Jim Scala at 925-283-2753.

Lumicon has new store in Livermore and it's excellent!

Mount Tamalpais Interpretive Association

The Mount Tamalpais Interpretive Association (MTIA) information:

Website: http://www.mtia.net/

Same day Hotlines: (415) 566-2357, (415) 455-5370 (messages after 4:00 pm)

Information Contact: (415) 388-2070

Mailing Address: MTIA/Astronomy Programs, P.O. Box 3318, San Rafael, CA 94912

Remaining 2000 Schedule of Events:

Presenters, Programs & Dates for 2000

Project Astro

Wed, 13 Sep 2000 15:32:11 -0800

From: Erica Howson

In August Project ASTRO trained 28 new teachers and 28 astronomers to work together in Bay Area classrooms during the 2000-2001 school year. Half of the astronomer participants are local amateurs, and Ilona Magyary is one new participant of note. On her suggestion, we included a printout of the AANC contact list in our post-workshop mailing for everyone to use as a resource list.

Other noteworthy news fromthe ASP is that the National Science Foundation has provided funding for Project ASTRO to expand in many directions. We received one grant to translate the Universe at Your Fingertips into Spanish, and will be reaching out to bilingual science classrooms in the years to come. We will also be working with families, through our Family ASTRO project. The family project will allow us to develop a series of astronomy activity kits that families can use to explore the wonders of the universe together. Through this program we will also create materials to help schools present family astronomy events in evenings or on weekends.

I look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming astronomy lectures and star parties! Best wishes, Erica Howson, Bay Area Project Coordinator, Project ASTRO; 390 Ashton Ave.; San Francisco, CA 94112; (415) 337-1100 ext. 101; astro@aspsky.org

FPOA Report

Fremont Peak Observatory A ssociation information:

website:www.fpoa.net Hotline number: (831) 623-2465 Fremont Peak State Park office number: (831) 623-4255

Board meetings Sept 23, Oct 28, and Nov 18 (offsite). Public nights are 23, 30, Oct 7, 21, 28. Work Party Oct 21 and FPOA member appreciation night. [Noone showed for last two years.] Jane will be doing the program for the telescope probably on Leonids--it's the peak of the Orionid meteor shower. Sept 9 Jane did program on sketching the Moon on paper with small particle board/binder clip clipboards.

--Jane Houston Jones

SFAA Report

Lynnette Cook was very interesting speaker at last meeting (Aug)--presentation on how she creates her astronomical art work. Lynette's depictions of new planets around stars can be seen any time Geoff Marcy gives a talk. She made the planets at the Morrison Planetarium (the ones overhead, at least the gas giants), and has an exhibit in the area outside the Morrison Planetarium. She is also the CAS artist.

City Star parties: Oct 7. The SFAA hosts monthly Star Parties along with the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, here in the City. During the months between April and October, there are Astronomy Lectures one half-hour before sunset. The City Star Party is a great way to meet people and to learn what amateur astronomy is all about. All are welcome. At each City Star party, we have a guest speaker who will give a short talk on a myriad of astronomical topics.Lands End is the area above the large parking lot by the Cliff House off Geary Blvd. You turn at Seal Rock Inn and go to the end of the road. Telescopes are provided by club members don't forget to bring warm clothing and a flash light.

Mount Tam Star Parties: Sept 30, last Tam Star party of the year Oct 28. The SFAA hosts monthly Star Parties at Rock Springs on Mt. Tamalpais the Saturday nearest the new moon. During the months between April and October there are also Astronomy Lectures before the Star Party at the Mountain Theatre above Rock Springs. A Star Party is a great way to try out different telescopes if you are trying to make a decision about what to get. All of our members are more than happy to let you see the skies through their scopes. All are welcome.

Jane Houston Jones, reporting

San Jose (SJAA) (Morris Jones)

Over 300 members. Active starparties at dark sky locations (Fremont Peak) In town star parties on 1st quarter and 3rd quarter moon with 75 people often. We get members with telescopes for 1st quarter events, but NOT many for 3rd quarter events. Thinking of dropping the 3rd quarter events. Last night's meeting was slide and equipment night--show and tell things. Variety was fabulaous. Red LED lit light box on camera tripod with slides of the object he was showing so he would not have to repeat to everyone what was being shown. Also some innovative Dobsonian designs--e.g. 2-tube truss design. Several new members came as well as a visitor from Norway (meteor watcher) who found out about the meeting on the Web. He showed photo of Leonid fireball from Norway.

Evergreen College got approval for funding of Observatory.

For details of upcoming events, see SJAA web page: http://www.sjaa.net

SJAA Ephemeris (monthly newsletter) online: http://ephemeris.sjaa.net

Santa Cruz Astronomy Club (SCAC)

information:

Santa Cruz Astronomy Club; Gary Staas gstaas@pdfdream.com

http://astro.santa-cruz.ca.us/

L-2 San Carlos Lane, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95065; Hotline number: (831)335-2423

Club meetings are second Thursdays at Villa San Carlos Apartments recreation room, 2500 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz. Business meeting starts at 7:00, and the general meeting gets underway at 7:30. Speakers begin by 8:00. Newsletter is "The Observer" and it's on their website (above) Editor is President Gary Staas. --Jane Houston Jones

Sidewalk Astronomers

Sidewalk Astronomers (in LA) -- http://www.sidewalkastronomers.com/

There's a new contact phone number for finding out John Dobson's schedule: Bob Alborzian at (818) 841-0548. For email: webmaster@sidewalkastronomers.com

Fall classes taught by John Dobson will again be offered at the Randall Museum, 1 Museum Way (off Masonic) 415-554-9602

the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park 415-750-7097

Yoga Center, 1200 Arguello Blvd. 415-681-2731

St. John's Church, Lagunitas road in Ross 415-454-6195 prfsca@circlelimitcom.

Telescope Making will be

9 Mondays at the CAS starting Oct 2 and

9 Thursdays at the Randall Museum starting Oct 5.

Cosmology for Children under 80 classes are offered 9 Tuesdays at the St.. John's Church starting October 3 9 Wednesdays at Randall Museum starting October 4 9 thursdays at Yoga Center on Arguella starting Oct 5

Website for the local group is at http:// members.aol.com/raycash/sidewalk.htm Dobson just had 85th birthday on Sep 14.

SF Sidewalk Astronomers Vital Statistics:

Local address: 1801 Golden Gate Ave., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. (John Dobson's address) Event "hotline" is (415) 289-2007 for the current events. Email these members for more current information: Overall - Jonathan Wilkendorf at Jonathan@wilkendorf.net. In the city of SF, contact Barry Hirrell at starbox@earthlink.net, North Bay and South Bay area, contact Jane Houston Jones or Morris Jones mojane@whiteoaks.com. Business address: The Sidewalk Astronomers, 1946 Vedanta Place, Hollywood, CA 90068. (818) 841-0548. For information on John Dobson's schedule call (818) 841-0548.

Jane Houston Jones, reporting

Sonoma County Astronomical Society (SCAS)

Jane Houston Jones, reporting

Stockton Astronomical Society

(Dennis LeClert) Seasonal Skies meeting was last meeting (in the planetarium). Jane was speaker at the August meeting (presentation about Leonids). Club intends to set up a webcom at their Sierra observing site to be able to tell what weather is like there. Once per month there are "Sky Tours" with a few dozen people attending (in parking lot at the planetarium)

San Mateo Astronomical Society (Ilona Magyary)

TriValley Stargazers (Dave Anderson)

200 members. Four special star parties this past summer:

White Mountain--EXCELLENT this year--4th of July weekend. Saw reentry of that Russian rocket motor.

Labor Day weekend at Yosemite (rained on 1st night; cloudy 2nd night, but good clear observing 3rd night.

Good observing sessions at Camp Shelley near Lake Tahoe, run by Livermore (one clear night; one cloudy night)

There were also four star parties in town at Sycamore Grove.

In addition to regular Friday meetings there is a planning meeting. Next month will be plenary meeting to take care of some business that has been languishing for not enough time at regular meetings

We're looking for 3 officers next year!

VMOA Report

Website: http://www.rfo.org/

StarCamp: September 23-24, 2000 Al Heppe (707) 996-1246 starcamp@rfo.org

West Marin Astronomy club

The West Marin Astronomy club (WMAC) Information:

Steve Overholt is on annual tour of Utah, Arizona, southwest US. He started a foundation to make and give away telescopes to towns that have good light pollution policies and that honor the night skies.

Events are listed on the SFAA calendar: http://zennla.com/sfaa/calenda r/ --Jane Houston Jones

Minutes from AANC Board Meeting: Nov. 12, 2000

[next meeting Jan 7, 2000]

contacts@aanc-astronomy.org (larger list, includes AANC club editors)

editors@aanc-astronomy.org (AANC member club editors only)

Agenda 1. Call to Order: 10:20 pm by Jane Houston-Jones

2. Roll Call and introductions of new members

Present: Jane Houston (President; rep for SFAA, ...),

David Anderson (V.P., TVSG),

Don Stone (Treasurer, EAS),

Alan Gould (taking minutes--Secretary; LHS),

Liede-Marie Haitsma (MDAS),

David Harris (Hercules Stargazers) , Dennis LeClert (SAS),

Morris Jones (SJAA),

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

Correction to the correction in the previous minutes--

David: instead of 11/28 it's 11/18 for stargazing session

Dennis: Stockton is trying to set up a "web cam" not a "web com"

Morris moved, David A. seconded, that the minutes be accepted as corrected. Motion passed.

4. AANC Treasurer's Report

Washington Mutual Account Bank account balance: $ 6052.52

Franklin Money Fund Account balance: $ 1806.333

The following are paid AANC members:
TMW, EAS, LHS, HS, MDAS, MTIA, Santa Cruz, SFAA, SFSWA, SJAA, WMAS, TVSG
The following were due (as of: ASP, COSC, EITU, CTMW, FPOA, LUMICON, NCHLADA, PAS, SAS, SMAS, SCAS, SVAS, VOM
Also(?) Gr70, Morrison Planetarium , ExplorIt, Chico

$120 was owed to John Hewitt but he never cashed the check. Don moved that we void check to John H. and donate $200 to the John Hewitt Memorial Fund for LHS Saturday Night Stargazing. David A. seconded. Motion passed.

Don's new contact info:

707-938-1667 or 938-0922

19047 Robinson Rd.

Sonoma, CA 95476-5517

e-mail is same.

5. Club Reports

[regularl reports at end of these minutes]

6. Current Business AANC 2001 Symposium

Jane is working on having the April 7, AANC 2001 Symposium at the new Chabot facility. On theme of "Instrumentation" Ilona had list of many possible speakers. Don: At Chabot, would attendees be charged $4 parking? Jane sent last year's flier to Mike Reynolds. Not confirmed yet. We shoiuld have planetarium Messier Marathon.

Membership Renewal Letter

Letter from Jane to each club. She showed draft of the letter. Alan: good list of benefits--should add the AANC Resource Guide (on AANC homepage).

Elections of Yr 2001 AANC officers: Morris moved that we re-elected the past officers (2000) by acclamation. Dennis seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Jane Jones--President,

David Anderson--VP,

Don Stone--Treasurer,

Alan Gould--Secretary

7. New Business

Sacramento Valley Club contacted Jane to see if AANC was interested in participating in (co-sponsoring) Davis Star Party in 2001.

Dennis moved that we adopt the following dates of board meetings in 2001: January 7, March 11, May 6, July 8, August 26, November 4

Morris seconded. Motion passed.

Adjourned (Morris moved; David A. seconded) 11:55 am

Club reports

Eastbay Astronomical Society/COSC.

EAS website is currently http://silcon.com/~eas

F POA Report

Fremont Peak Observatory Association (FPOA) No public programs until March. Oct 21 stargazing was real windy. Conditions for going there are a bit more restrictive now than they used to be. Fremont Peak Observatory Association information:

website: http://www.fpoa.net Hotline number: (831) 623-2465 Fremont Peak State Park office number: (831) 623-4255

Board meetings Sept 23, Oct 28, and Nov 18 (offsite). Hercules Stargazers (David Harris)

Hercules has not been getting calls from schools this year. Sep 23 was latest stargaze with telescopes 5" to 18" and binoculars, about 10 visitors, good weather; observed Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Pleiades, 8 Messier objects, Double Custer,... Oct 7 planning meeting for 2001 was sparsely attended but came up with Stargazing schedule for 2001. Oct 21 was scheduled for Stagaze, but City of Hercules scheduled a barbeque that conflicted so Stargaze was canceled. This was only the 2nd time something like this happened in 10 years. Recreation Director apologized for not notifying HS. Next Stargazes: Nov 18, Dec 16, Jan 20, Feb 17.

Lawrence Hall of Science (Alan Gould)

Saturday night Stargazing is every 1st and 3rd Saturday. Oct 21 was windy and not a lot of people, so we packed up on schedule at 10pm. Jim Badura volunteers. LHS 12" Dob, 10" Dob, 5 low power refractors (3"). We are still seeking volunteer helpers, amateurs or possibly UC students.

Holiday planetarium show will be switching to Stonehenge soon. We are seeking to get the old Chabot planetarium over to LHS to create a new, audience controlled planetarium that can be an exhibit space when planetarium shows are not being given. New Hands-On Universe (HOU) middle school curriculum is now being field tested nation-wide. HOU high school teacher workshops will happen next summer. HOU website is HTTP://HOU.LBL.GOV. For current programs see LHS website--http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu, specifically, the planetarium page at http://www.lhs.ber keley.edu/Planetarium.html)

Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society

From: "Liede-Marie Haitsma"

Oct 24 Owen Durden's auction--not sure how much money was made. Society night Oct 28 well attended. Had representative from Lynn Leech. Elections--Jim Scala is President, Jim Montgomery, VP. Ellis Myers is MDAS editor; his e-mail is eas@silcon.com. Next club meeting is Nov 21--Mark Gingrich will give talk on sundials. Nex meeting after that: Dec 19. Next Society nights at Mt. Diablo is Nov 25 (sunset 4:45 pm), Dec 23 (sunset at 5pm), Jan 20 (sunset at 5:15)--attendees need to get there before gates close at sunset. Jane and Morris will be speaker at Feb meeting.

Mount TamalpaisInterpretive Association

The Mount Tamalpais Interpretive Association (MTIA) information:

Website: http://www.mtia.net/

Same day Hotlines: (415) 566-2357, (415) 455-5370 (messages after 4:00 pm)

Information Contact: (415) 388-2070

Mailing Address: MTIA/Astronomy Programs, P.O. Box 3318, San Rafael, CA 94912

Project Astro

Erica Howson, Bay Area Project Coordinator, Project ASTRO; 390 Ashton Ave.; San Francisco, CA 94112; (415) 337-1100 ext. 101; astro@aspsky.org

SFAA Report

Paul Mortfield from Stanford Solar Center gave talk, The Good the Bad and the Fuzzy, on astro photography. SFFA has finished literary contest, sponsored by Orion Telescopes. Bob Naeye, new editor of Mercury Magazine (used to be Sr. editor for Astronomy) is available for talks contact him at editor@aspsky.org. Did talk on Chandra radio telescope. Will do Nov talk for SFAA . Jan SFAA has amateur banquet. Star parties ended in Oct and start up again in March or April. Elections next Month.

San Jose (SJAA) (Morris Jones)

Elections next month. Meetings every month. Alan Adler, telescope builder and designer shoed interesting experiments in newtonian telwcop design. Next months meeting is Christmas party.

For details of upcoming events, see SJAA web page: http://www.sjaa.net

SJAA Ephemeris (monthly newsletter) online: http://ephemeris.sjaa.net

Santa Cruz Astronomy Club (SCAC)

information:

Santa Cruz Astronomy Club; Gary Staas gstaas@pdfdream.com

http://astro.santa-cruz.ca.us/

L-2 San Carlos Lane, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95065; Hotline number: (831)335-2423

Club meetings are second Thursdays at Villa San Carlos Apartments recreation room, 2500 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz. Business meeting starts at 7:00, and the general meeting gets underway at 7:30. Speakers begin by 8:00. Newsletter is "The Observer" and it's on their website (above) Editor is President Gary Staas.

Sidewalk Astronomers

Two telescope making classes are underway with 30 students 18-10"; 5-8"; one 24". Great Halloween event. Sidewalk Astronomers (in LA) -- http://www.sidewalkastronom ers.com/. Contact phone number for finding out John Dobson's schedule: Bob Alborzian at (818) 841-0548. For email: webmaster@sidewalkastr onomers.com

SF Sidewalk Astronomers Vital Statistics:

Local address: 1801 Golden Gate Ave., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. (John Dobson's address) Event "hotline" is (415) 289-2007 for the current events. Email these members for more current information: Overall - Jonathan Wilkendorf at Jonathan@wilkendorf.net. In the city of SF, contact Barry Hirrell at starbox@earthlink.net, North Bay and South Bay area, contact Jane Houston Jones or Morris Jones mojane@whiteoaks.com. Business address: The Sidewalk Astronomers, 1946 Vedanta Place, Hollywood, CA 90068. (818) 841-0548. For information on John Dobson's schedule call (818) 841-0548.

Jane Houston Jones, reporting

Sonoma County Astronomical Society (SCAS)

Vital Statistics: Santa Cruz Astronomy Club; Gary Staas gstaas@pdfdream.com Web page at http://astro.santa-cruz.ca.us/ , L-2 San Carlos Lane, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95065; Hotline number: (831)335-2423 Club meetings are second Thursdays at Villa San Carlos Apartments recreation room, 2500 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz. Business meeting starts at 7:00, and the general meeting gets underway at 7:30. Speakers begin by 8:00. Newsletter is "The Observer" and it's on their website (above) Editor is President Gary Staas.

Upcoming speakers: Phil Sherrer for Stanford Solar Center, Jane and Morris Jones. Striking Sparks is going strong.

Stockton Astronomical Society

(Dennis LeClert) Elected new officers. All same except VP/prog director. New web address -- http://astro.sci.uop.edu/~sas . There have been 3 school star parties in the last couple of weeks in Collegeville, Pacific University, Pulliam School. Lighting conditions can be a problem, but events are quite successful. Two more are coming up in future. Dec 14 Winter Skies workshop at planetarium. Jan 18--Installation recognition dinner--club's 50th anniversary.

San Mateo Astronomical Society (Ilona Magyary)

TriValley Stargazers (Dave Anderson)

David A. is engaged to be married now, probably May 12. TVSG elections are coming up. Not doing school star parties this fall because there have not been that many calls from schools so far this year.

VMOA Report

Website: http://www.rfo.org/

West Marin Astronomy club

The West Marin Astronomy club (WMAC) Information: Contact: Steve Overholt (415) 453-2701 or Jane Houston Jones (415) 453-2885 (email: Jane@whiteoaks.com) Dark Sky Star Parties in LAGUNITAS near the new moon on Friday nights and some Saturday nights. These are held behind the Swing Cafe in Lagunitas in the parking lot. A small spot, but great for keeping out of the wind, and we like it so there!

Public astronomy at Cala Bell Market in FAIRFAX (Fridays) and Book Passage Bookstore in CORTE MADERA (Sundays) near first quarter moon.

No indoor meeting, observational club only.

Minutes from AANC Board Meeting: Nov. 12, 2000

[next meeting Mar 11, 2001]

contacts@aanc-astronomy.org (larger list, includes AANC club editors)

editors@aanc-astronomy.org (AANC member club editors only)

Agenda 1. Call to Order: 10:10 pm by Jane Houston-Jones

2. Roll Call and introductions of new members

Present:

Jane Houston (President; rep for SFAA, ...),

David Anderson (V.P., TVSG),

Don Stone (Treasurer, EAS),

Alan Gould (taking minutes--Secretary; LHS),

Liede-Marie Haitsma (MDAS),

David Harris (Hercules Stargazers) ,

Dennis LeClert (SAS),

Morris Jones (SJAA),

Carter Roberts (EAS),

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

Correction to the correction in the previous minutes--

none

Morris moved, David A. seconded, that the minutes be accepted as corrected. Motion passed.

4. AANC Treasurer's Report

Washington Mutual Account Bank account balance: $6052.50 (Nov, 2000)

Franklin Money Fund Account balance: $1.834

for a grand total of $7,886. AANC membership status (Pd = paid):

LHS received check for $200 from AANC for the John Hewitt Memorial Fund for LHS Saturday Night Stargazing (per motion of previous meeting.

Don's contact info: 707-938-1667or 938-0922; 19047 Robinson Rd.; Sonoma, CA 95476-5517 e-mail is same.

5. Club Reports

[at end of these minutes]

Carter:

Announcement:

Fri Jan 19, 9pm Channel 9 Digital West program will have Dave Rodriguez on Astronomy Stuff.

6. Current Business AANC 2001 Symposium

We have OK from Chabot to have April 7, AANC 2001 Symposium there at the new Chabot facility. Ilona nor Jane haven't had much time to work on speakers.

Jane suggests we make it an AANC club showcase with a presentation from each AANC member club. Group session for newsletter editors.

Alan: maybe have ONE famous keynote speaker.

Carter: potential to use planetarium or Omnimax theater until 10am.

Alan: from previous minutes "We should have planetarium Messier Marathon."

Jane: have newsletter competition.

Morris: workshop on hosting web pages.

Carter: Evening of April 7 is EAS lecture meeting.

Alan: easy keynote speaker would be Mike Reynolds or Jose Olivarez. Another idea is Don Machholtz.

Consensus was that Jane's idea of making them be AANC club showcase is excellent.

David: Is there a cafeteria? Do the rooms have capability for video projection?

Carter: Probable. Internet connection? Not sure...

Name of event? Morris: how about "Conference of Northern California Astronomy Clubs"

[from previous minutes: On theme of "Instrumentation" Ilona had list of many possible speakers. Don: At Chabot, would attendees be charged $4 parking?]

Membership Renewal Letter

Very successful response from clubs

AANC Award Nominations

Amateur Award nominees:

Alane Alchorn (TVS, nom by David Anderson) -- served TVS as President, Librarian, Secretary, newsletter editor, board, ...
Jeff Baldwin (SAS, nom by Dennis LeClert) -- building telescopes, telescope classes,...

Professional Award nominees

Mike Reynolds (nom by jane)

Commercial Award nominees:

Al Nagler (nom by Carter and Don)

Special Award nominees:

Hercules Stargazers (nom by Jane)
Davis star party working organizers (nom by Morris)

7. New Business

Jane volunteered to help publicize the Davis Star Party Aug 25, 2001 (1st quarter Sat night) sponsored by Sacramento Valley Club. Anyone who wants to help out can get connect info from Jane. We could have AANC booth. Their are not going to have Astronomy Magazine sponsorship this year--will be more home grown.

Carter: WAA meeting is Feb 10. We could make nomination for G. Bruce Blair award.

Carter moved (Don seconded) that AANC sponsor a Striking Sparks Telescope for $175 this year. Motion passed.

David Anderson moved (Dennis LeClert seconded) that AANC donate $250 to Davis Star Party organizers to help run the event for year 2001. Motion passed. Morris Jones moved (Carter Roberts seconded) that AANC allocate up to $100 for Hercules Stargazers to purchase slides. Motion passed.

Astronomy Day is April 28, 2001.

Adjourned (Morris moved; David A. seconded) 12:45 pm.

Club Reports

Eastbay Astronomical Society/CSSC.

EAS finished transition to new Chabot. Actual meeting location may change from time to time. Meetings 1st Sat of the month, usually in Astronomy classroom. Mar 3 meeting should be in the Astronomy Hall (larger). New editor replacing Ellis (moving to MDAS): Don Saito. Don, Ken, Carter are still working on Rachel project. Show photo of transit telescope just redone. Had end of millennium celebration--covered in Tribune. Special lecture series will begin and will be 3rd Thu of each month. TMW is moved--meets in Chemistry classroom. Fri and Sta night viewing has really been picking up. One night had 390 people look through Rachel. Observing from 7-10 pm.

FPOA Report

Fremont Peak Observatory Association (FPOA) No public programs until March.

Fremont Peak Observatory Association information:

website: http://www.fpoa.net Hotline number: (831) 623-2465 Fremont Peak State Park office number: (831) 623-4255

Board meetings Sept 23, Oct 28, and Nov 18 (offsite). Hercules Stargazers (David Harris)

Nov 18 event had special slide presentation by Ernie Katler of his visit to the Keck Observatory complex. He has an acquaintance who was able to get him into observatory and he talked his way into a couple of other observatories. He gave this same presentation to EAS. 5 of regular stargazers showed up, but clouded over just after the slide show so we cancelled the observing part. More stargazers showed up so Ernie presented his program a second time. Dec 16 had 3 stargazers provided viewing for about 8 visitors including a family with 2 kids who stayed until 9:30 when it clouded over. excellent clear sky viewing of Jupiter, Saturn, Pleiades. Jan 1 attempt was made by David and Esther to see Jack Horkheimer through window of his office--hoping to meet him. he was not there. Next Stargazes: Jan 20, Feb 17, Mar 17( 11th anniversary of club founding), Apr 14 and 21.

Lawrence Hall of Science (Alan Gould)

Saturday night Stargazing is every 1st and 3rd Saturday. Last night there was a girl scout overnight event, so there were lots of stargazers getting good views of Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, which were the only things visible through the haze--seeing conditions otherwise good. Jim Badura volunteers. [Jane suggested we buy star spectroscope from Jim for LHS stargazing. LHS 12" Dob, 10" Dob, 4 low power refractors (3"). We are still seeking volunteer helpers, amateurs or possibly UC students.

Public shows now every Sat Sun 1pm Flying to the Moon (ages 4+), 2:15 pm Target Earth (ages 6 and up), 3:30 pm Constellations Tonight (ages 6 & up). New Hands-On Universe (HOU) middle school curriculum is now being field tested nation-wide. HOU high school teacher workshops will happen next summer. HOU website is HTTP://HOU.LBL.GOV. For current programs see LHS website--http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu, specifically, the planetarium page at http://www.lhs.ber keley.edu/Planetarium.html)

Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society

From: "Liede-Marie Haitsma" STFRNCIS@IX.NETCOM.COM

Board meeting tomorrow. Jan 23 Meeting speaker David Dunn on Sat Rings. Next month on Feb 27, Jane and Morris Jones. March 27 Alan King on Globular clusters. Public nights Mar 31. Society nights (stargazing on Mt Diablo) on Jan 27, Feb 17, 24, Mar 17, 24.

Mount Tamalpais Interpretive Association

The Mount Tamalpais Interpretive Association (MTIA) information:

Website: http://www.mtia.net/

Same day Hotlines: (415) 566-2357, (415) 455-5370 (messages after 4:00 pm)

Information Contact: (415) 388-2070

Mailing Address: MTIA/Astronomy Programs, P.O. Box 3318, San Rafael, CA 94912

Project Astro

Erica Howson, Bay Area Project Coordinator,Project ASTRO; 390 Ashton Ave.; San Francisco, CA 94112; (415) 337-1100 ext. 101; astro@aspsky.org

SFAA Report

San Jose (SJAA) (Morris Jones)

Healthy growth: 100 more members than 2 years ago. Obserational astonomy classes have begun at Houge Park. Exciting speakers coming up.

For details of upcoming events, see SJAA web page: http://www.sjaa.net

SJAA Ephemeris (monthly newsletter) online: http://ephemeris.sjaa.net

Santa Cruz Astronomy Club (SCAC)

Information:

Santa Cruz Astronomy Club; Gary Staas gstaas@pdfdream.com

http://astro.santa-cruz.ca.us/

L-2 San Carlos Lane, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95065; Hotline number: (831)335-2423

Club meetings are second Thursdays at Villa San Carlos Apartments recreation room, 2500 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz. Business meeting starts at 7:00, and the general meeting gets underway at 7:30. Speakers begin by 8:00. Newsletter is "The Observer" and it's on their website (above) Editor is President Gary Staas.

Sidewalk Astronomers

SF Sidewalk Astronomers Vital Statistics:

Local address: 1801 Golden Gate Ave., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. (John Dobson's address) Event "hotline" is (415) 289-2007 for the current events. Email these members for more current information: Overall - Jonathan Wilkendorf at Jonathan@wilkendorf.net. In the city of SF, contact Barry Hirrell at starbox@earthlink.net, North Bay and South Bay area, contact Jane Houston Jones or Morris Jones mojane@whiteoaks.com. Business address: The Sidewalk Astronomers, 1946 Vedanta Place, Hollywood, CA 90068. (818) 841-0548. For information on John Dobson's schedule call (818) 841-0548.

Jane Houston Jones, reporting

Sonoma County Astronomical Society (SCAS)

Upcoming speakers: Phil Sherrer for Stanford Solar Center, Jane and Morris Jones. Striking Sparks is going strong.

Stockton Astronomical Society

(Dennis LeClert) Next meeting Jan 18--Installation recognition dinner--club's 50th anniversary at China Palace restaurant--awards banquet. See AANC calendar for star parties. Jan meeting is 3rd Thur ( normally it's on 2nd Thur) President Neal Lark will probably speak at that meeting on developments in planetary nebula astronomy.

Web address -- http://astro.sci.uop.edu/~sas

San Mateo Astronomical Society (Ilona Magyary)

TriValley Stargazers (Dave Anderson)

Filled vacant officer position. Dave is filling "past president" vacancy. Chuck Grant is now President. VP Gary Steinhour. Treas (Mike Anderson), Sec (Maggie Halberg) same as last year. Chuck is also observatory director, website director. Meetings are now 2nd Fri of the month. URL http://sunmill.uml.edu/tvs/board.html]

VMOA Report

Website: http://www.rfo.org/

West Marin Astronomy club

Public astronomy at Cala Bell Market in FAIRFAX (Fridays) and Book Passage Bookstore in CORTE MADERA (Sundays) near first quarter moon.

No indoor meeting,observational club only.