Macastro Newsletter - December 2019

Welcome to our final general newsletter for the current year.

President's Column:

Well this year has certainly been a bit of a mixed bag! Some poor observing nights, including two out of four public nights at the Domes cancelled due to cloud and winds, with the other two offering very poor viewing due to heavy cloud. Then, we see the end of year with smoke from the bushfires that seem to be going on and on, and may yet preclude viewing possibly right through summer.

In July, we hosted a successful event, "Apollo 11 to STEM, and The Next Giant Leap". It required much organisational effort over the prior three months, with many additional viewing nights and sponsorships to cover our costs required.

December Forum: After we eventually made it into the lecture theatre at the uni last night, we were only a few minutes late getting the meeting going and after various notifications, I was able to present my surprised and very happy eleven year old grandson Lachlan with his MAS membership badge!

Bob Bee told us about his latest book of short stories, adding to an already impressive list.

Four girls, Helen Chau, Shikira Ngo, Rachel Quach and Rachel Huang from Prairewood High School who were assisted by their teacher Giorio di Scala, gave a presentation on "Saturn's Rings" with very colourful and interesting graphics.

Julian Murray From Broughton High School who was mentored by Tony Law, then gave his presentation on "The Formation of Nebulae".

Finally, Abbey and Jacob Goodridge from Broughton High School, who were mentored by Phil Kidd, gave a presentation titled "Double Stars". Hayley Simpson is the subject teacher for the students at Broughton High School.

The students went to much effort to learn their topics and should be congratulated on their outcomes. A very hearty clap on the cap to all their MAS mentors.

To end the evening, Jackie Slaviero from One Giant Leap gave a talk on her business and the wonders of Space Camp. They are expecting 100 children to be attending in 2020.

While we are on mentoring, we are losing Mike Nicholas as a mentor and Mark Brackenbury as a member due to personal reasons. We wish them all the best. Next year we will need more mentors, so please contact Phil Kidd asap, by email, if you are interested and feel that you may be able to assist.

Well, that's it for another twelve months, so lets hope after the bushfires have stopped, we have more successful observing through 2020.

The MAS committee wishes all members and their families a safe, merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

Clear skies!

Allan Hobbs

President, Macarthur Astronomical Society

USA May 2021: California Trip

Tony already has some 16 names interested in the itinerary. The trip includes astronomy, Air Force, space and maritime venues. See Tony's full report below.

For those that shop at Jaycar Campbelltown just a reminder that we, as MAS members, receive a discount if you show your current MAS membership card and quote our Trade Card No 42133631. This has been available for quite a few years now, and some members make good use of it purchasing bits for their scopes.

Fred Watson will be our speaker for Feb 2020. He will have his new book available for sale called, "Cosmic Chronicles: A user's guide to the Universe." Fred will be happy to autograph all books purchased on the night.
Check out the speakers John has organised for 2020 - all top notch astronomers.

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Speakers: coming up in 2020

20th Jan: Ric Forster (MAS member)
17th Feb: Prof Fred Watson
16th Mar: Prof Tim Bedding (USYD)
20th Apr: Les Dalrymple
18th May: Dr Luke Barnes (WSU)
15th Jun: Dr Lucyna Chudczer (AA0)
20th Jul: Dr Kim-Vy Tran (UNSW)
17th Aug: Dr Emil Lenc (ASKAP)
21st Sept: Prof Michael Wheatland (USYD)
19th Oct: Prof Geraint Lewis (USYD)
16th Nov: Prof Charley Lineweaver (ANU)
14th Dec: Students will present astronomy projects Sixth Annual Students Night

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Public Outreach: Request for Services and Support forms.

In order to regulate MAS public outreach activities, a "Request for Services and Support" form has been developed. There is a Commercial and Non-Commercial version, depending on the requesters status. An outside individual or organisation requiring MAS member(s) to attend shall submit the appropriate form. The forms are editable PDFs which will auto-email to the MAS Secretary. The forms contain MAS terms and conditions for undertaking an external activity and alternate means to submit the form. The form must be filled out and submitted by the outside individual or organisation - not by an MAS member receiving the request. A blank form can be emailed to the individual or organisation.

Short notice requests requiring a small number of members to attend can be directed by phone to the President for approval, but a form will still have to be submitted.The forms will be available on our up-coming new website. In the meantime, anyone receiving a request should contact a member of the committee to have the appropriate form emailed to the requester.

http://www.macastro.org.au/mas/index.php/about-us/information/outreach-services

Greg Bradford

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Members Observing Schedule: 

Orion Nebula - Bryan Pablo                                                Tarantula Nebula - Phil Kidd

LOAN A TELESCOPE - CAMDEN COUNCIL

20 YEARS