INTRODUCING DOUG CHRISTIANSON (Continued)

Cen-Tex Astronomy Weekend, March 12 & 13, 2004


The Austin Astronomical Society (AAS) operates the Eagle Eye Observatory in Canyon of the Eagles (COE) Lodge and Nature Park, on Lake Buchanan. We are planning Cen-Tex Astronomy Weekend on March 12 and 13, 2004. Cen-Tex astronomy weekend would not be the same without participation from the Fort Worth Astronomical Society (FWAS).  We hope you will attend.                       

Cen-Tex Astronomy Weekend is free, except for lodging.  The park's day-use fee has been waived for your members to attend and there are no additional fees to participate in this event. As noted above, this is a public event.  The public has been encouraged to attend to learn more about astronomy, our observatory, stargazing and star parties. During the day, participating astronomy clubs are invited to set up a display or conduct a hands-on activity for beginning astronomers, such as solar viewing or how to operate a telescope.  An activity should last between 20 and 30 minutes and repeat so people have time visit all the activities and displays.  In the evening attendees will be ferried by hayride from the COE Lodge to the observatory area.   

On Saturday evening, from 8:00 - 10:00, astronomy clubs are invited to join AAS members in guiding the public on a tour around the universe.  Each participating club will be assigned a type of deep-sky object (i.e. planets, stars, galaxies), set up objects of that type in their telescopes or binoculars, and assist the public in viewing the objects.  The universal travelers will have a "Passport to the Universe" that the "Guide" will stamp to verify they viewed that type of object.  Persons with a completed passport will receive a certificate.  After 10:00, with the public gone, and the equipment already set up, the field will be for the serious (or not so serious) observing.

Kelley Knight

512-447-1163
kelleyknight@yahoo.com
www.austinastro.org

(Continued from page 5)

Do you think there is life, as we know it, out there somewhere?  Do you think we have ever been visited from beyond?  [I am seeing that same facial expression as when asking about hearing Northern Lights sing!!!]
Doug:   If you mean bacteria or something like that, there probably is life out there somewhere.  As to the other question - NO.

What is your favorite constellation or star?
Doug:  My favorite constellation is Orion.  I love its big, bright naked eye features and with binoculars it takes on a completely different role.   

Of what practical use is Astronomy?
Doug:  We have learned a lot of basic science from Astronomy.  Astronomy provides an incredible learning experience for kids.  What you can learn is unlimited in scope and you never run out of new things to learn.

What does looking up into the night sky (through a telescope) do for you?
Doug:  I appreciate the incredible creation that is the Universe.

Who is your "star hero"?
Doug:  McNeil!  I am so impressed because he knew so much about the stars that he noticed something new.  Others had imaged that same area of the sky and had not recognized that something had changed.  Better still, he knew whom to call to report his findings.

What is your favorite star toy?
Doug: I don't have it yet but I think it will be a green laser pointer.

If you only had one night left on Earth to observe the night sky, what object would you want to see again or for the first time?
Doug:  I would want to see the Pillars of Creation in the Eagle Nebula with the 100" telescope at Mount Wilson Observatory

Complete this sentence "Every amateur astronomer should…?"
Doug:  "…participate in public star parties."