2018 President’s Annual Address
Another year has passed, our 81st, and it’s been mostly a cloudy and rainy one. We’ve canceled most public and private events again this year, due to the weather. Though the few we’ve actually held were successful. Due to the construction at Silver Sands, we had to move to our newest public outreach venue Stratford Point. The clouds once again prevailed, though we will be back! We’ve re-established connections with some old friends, Massaro Farms, the Girl Scouts and Hammonasset State Park. Once again, we’ve had events with the New Haven Land Trust at Long Wharf, the Madison Moonlight Walk and judging at the New Haven Science Fair just to name a few. Al Washburn was able to present, with his usual flair, our extensive meteorite collection, where kids and parents had the opportunity to hold real space rocks. This year we’ve been asked by more groups than ever have to participate in their outreach events, which has helped us gain new members and retain others. Our membership remains around 85.
The 28th Connecticut Star Party (CSP28) was successful as usual, in spite of the clouds. Over 60 people stayed through Saturday to enjoy the comradery and listen to our speakers. My personal thanks to the CSP committee for working as hard as usual to keep everything running smoothly.
Even though we do have weather cancellations, we want to see more members at the events we do have. You don’t have to have a scope or know the sky to lend a hand. Just attend and have fun.
Thank you all for another outstanding year. Best wishes for a wonderful Holiday season and New Year.
Greg Barker
President ASNH
Recent ASNH Activities
By Donna Pursley
Stratford Point Observing, Friday July 27
This was the first time at this new location for us. We were able to set up on blacktop which is much better than grass for the bugs. The views are very good in all directions. There was an outdoor concert going on nearby with lots of lights. It was nice to have music while star gazing, but we could have done without the lights. The area was brighter than I thought it would be so far from everything. There were some very interesting cloud formations with the sunset while we were starting to set up. The moon appeared very big tonight. There weren’t very many people, but it was a good chance to finally check out the new site.
Colchester Land Trust Observing Night at Cold Spring Farm, Saturday September 15
This is our second year at this location. This is a wide open field with terrific views of the East, West and North. The grass was a bit high, so we all took precautions. We were able to view Venus before the crowd came. When the crowd did start, the clouds also covered the sky. We viewed in the holes until the clouds passed. We did see Jupiter, Saturn and Mars.
The number of people was much higher than last year. There was a continuous line at all scopes for a while. I would guess about 100 people attended.
This was a long drive out here, but it was worth it. Dark skies (could see the Milky Way), inquisitive crowd and good company.
Quilts at Stellafane
Sara Schechner of West Newton MA displayed these quilts at this year’s Stellafane convention in Springfield VT. She won a special award for the quilt of the pink clubhouse. (Photos by Donna Pursley.)
Astronomy Links
Recommended by Ray Kaville
Bob Berman: Strange Universe
http://wamc.org/topic/strange-universe-bob-berman
Jim Metzner and Bob Berman: Astounding Universe
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/astounding-universe/id1314654837?mt=2