AstroAssembly 2011
AstroAssembly has once again lived up to its reputation as a wonderful gathering of stargazers with great facilities and dynamic speakers. It's always an honor to meet someone like Sergei Khrushchev, who not only is an expert in space exploration, but also had a front-row seat for many pivotal events in 20th century history. I also appreciate the time that Peter Schultz takes out of his busy schedule to update AstroAssembly participants on current space missions in which he is involved. His passion is infectious! Every presentation was exceptional, but equally rewarding is the opportunity that AstroAssembly provides to visit with old friends and chat about the subject we all love. I'm already looking forward to AstroAssembly 2012.
by Rich Sanderson
Curator of Physical Science
Springfield Science Museum
Springfield, MA
AstroAssembly 2011 continued its tradition of an outstanding event with many fine speakers, some merchandise for sale, raffle tickets, catching up with friends, getting to see the fine Alvan Clark refractor, and one of my favorites, the Skyscrapers Grill!
Scott Tracy handled introductions in his usual outstanding way throughout the weekend. On Friday evening, I particularly enjoyed Gerry Dyck’s three-part presentation, which included an A to Z introduction to astronomy, Frank Seagrave and his variable star observations, and how Gerry has kept his interest in observing for more than three decades.
My favorite talks on Saturday included Ed Turco’s amateur astronomy equipment of 1961, John Briggs’ imaging with the HUT telescope in Colorado (such a great storyteller!), and Dr. John Mustard, who spoke about the exploration of Mars. I hope to see Dr. Mustard return to a future AstroAssembly - he’s good!
After the dinner break, we reconvened at the North Scituate Community Center for the main speaker. Dr. Peter Schultz spoke about visits to comets by spacecraft, and some of the resulting data. Very well done, as usual! One disappointment for me was not winning any door prizes or raffle prizes. Oh well, maybe next year!
The highlights for me of AstroAssembly 2011 included chatting with friends, seeing two of my favorite speakers (John Briggs and Dr. Peter Schultz), seeing the other speakers with their variety of topics, and, of course, the Skyscrapers Grille!
All in all, another great AstroAssembly - one of the astronomical events I make a point to attend every year!
by Kerry Hurd
2011 has been an exceptionally busy year for most of us. So it was great to put on the brakes and attend the Skyscrapers' annual gathering at AstroAssembly 2011. After collecting several members in the wee hours Saturday morning, we met for our annual breakfast at Christy's Diner before receiving a cheerful greeting upon arrival at Peeptoad Road. The door prizes, raffle ticket choices, free NASA goodies to give to the children at home, as well as the vendors who showed their wares all day to let us find that special gadget we needed, made us feel at home again. Then Scott Tracy's voice called us to the formal start of AstroAssembly. The lead-off morning talk was given by Ed Turco, reviewing his 50 years of our Astronomy hobby with instruments and accessories that led him along his path of attending all 50 AstroAssemblies. One can enjoy our hobby with whatever size telescope you have at the time! Many of us nodded yes, as we reminisced of our own trek as Ed Spoke.
The venue changed to the white tent for John Briggs' presentation comparing work at an observatory in the 1980's to 2010's emphasizing the instrumentation and techniques and how amazing today's research results can enter the world wide data base. All this activity peaked our attention to the aromas wafting from the Skyscraper grill! Our hunger was quickly satiated with the tasty dogs and burgers. Interestingly a Dennis Milon archive picture of the 1980 AA grill had a few faces still bending over this year's grill for our enjoyment! Thanks to all!
The afternoon program started with the first door prize and a big welcome from Dave Huestis. This was followed with Dr. Sergei Khrushchev, accompanied by his wife, reviewing the history of USSR space program development, detailing relationships and decisions that propelled successes and stymied other endeavors. As one remembered the USA fitful starts into space, this was a most interesting presentation. Next, Dr. John Mustard of Brown University presented the results from previous Martian sensors onboard orbiters and rovers that are guiding the next Martian mission plan for surface exploration. The afternoon's third talk was Prof. David Latham, of HCO, reviewing the details of stellar occultations by edge on planets with its possibilities and limitations. He then guided us through the possible future path of new information that will give new insight of our place in the universe.
Retiring to the North Scituate Community Center, hor d'oeuvers and dinner followed; for those of us fond of eating the statement was WOW-delicious and plentiful! Great chefs are to be applauded! Then the winners of the raffle prizes sought by many were discovered by Kathy Siok's team. Always a moment of anticipation; always followed by the awaited Keynote speaker: this year Dr. Peter Schultz of Brown University's Planetary Data Center. We were guided through the intricate data available from both the re-commissioned Deep Impact and Stardust space vehicles as they surveyed comet Hartley's hyperactive nucleus and comet Temple's changed impact crater from the Deep Impact collision. As the research continues on this data set, tantalizing models of comet structure and their contributions to our planet are being uncovered. We will stay tuned!
Pumped up by a stimulating day exploring many aspects of our hobby, the drive home seemed much shorter. It was great seeing friends of many years again. Those plans we've been thinking about take on new vitality. It's much clearer why we got hooked on Astronomy; our Astronomical batteries have been recharged today. Thanks to the Skyscraper's crew who worked hard this year and in past years, to make this tradition what it has become...the highlight of another year with our fascinating hobby.
Clear skies to all!
by John Reed
