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It's almost time to begin the fun!
We are now looking for SkyGuide volunteers for the April 2004 StarWalk,
which will be on Saturday, April 17 at Copper Breaks State Park.
Before we do that, however, we have to extend a heartfelt "Thank You!" to Richard Brown, who has spearheaded the involvement of amateur
astronomers in the CBSP StarWalk program and has served as the park's
astronomy advisor and StarWalk coordinator for the entire time of that involvement. Richard has asked Jeff Barton and me (Tom Wideman) to assume his responsibilities so that he can enjoy some personal observing time, which he has had to forego to provide the time involved to coordinate the program. It's long-deserved, Richard -- enjoy the
night sky! Richard's will be hard shoes to fill, as all of those who have worked with him know. I will be primarily involved in volunteer coordination, and Jeff will primarily be involved in managing the instruments and equipment.
The theme for the month is "The Planets" -- Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will all be visible. Jeri Turner will kick off the season as the speaker this month. Fred Koch has again generously offered the use of various instruments for Sky Guides to share the night sky with the
public -- thanks again, Fred! Obsession Dobs, the Star Chair and the Big Binoculars will be joined by a multiple-telescope imaging setup that will allow visitors a choice of views -- through the eyepiece or through live video. The instruments will be available for the use of
the Sky Guides after the public viewing as we have done in the past. Of course, help with logistics the loading, unloading, setup, and breakdown will be important. Volunteers will also be needed for setting up chairs, pathway lights, and security; we will coordinate this at the Saturday afternoon meeting as we have done in the past.
The schedule for Saturday's events are as follows:
11:00am--Meet at Crowell Chamber of
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Commerce to load equipment
3:00pm--SkyGuide meeting at Park Headquarters
4:00pm--Sun Fun in the windmill area near Big Pond
5:00pm--Set up equipment at Big Pond
5:30pm--Sun Fun ends (approximate)
6:00pm--Potluck dinner for SkyGuides at Park Headquarters
7:30pm--StarWalk Program
8:00pm--Viewing begins (approximate)
??? -- End viewing and break down equipment
As we have done in the past, we will have a potluck dinner at Park Headquarters. The Quahadi Society is providing hamburgers; we need to bring side dishes, buns, condiments, salads, desserts, etc. Look for an email later regarding the potluck. (Can I get a volunteer to help with coordinating the potluck? Let me know.)
We will be meeting at Dutch's restaurant around 9:30am Sunday morning
for breakfast as we have been doing; however, it will now be at each
individual's expense.
The park is again offering two RV spaces in Comanche and tent space in
Big Pond for the Sky Guides. Unfortunately, due to logistical issues, we will not be able to offer tents to volunteers this year, so please make plans to bring your own camping gear.
***
So -- Can you be there in April?
Please reply if you plan to attend as a volunteer in April. We need to know the following information:
1.) When you plan to arrive and depart
2.) If you plan on camping in the park, and what nights.
3.) Your equipment request, or if you will bring your own scope for public use
4.) Any other information you think will be useful in planning for the event
Deadline -- In order to prepare for the event and to notify the park of our volunteer staffing in a timely manner, I am
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asking that you let us know by *Friday, April 9*. We will email a confirmation to you when assignments are complete, and will place your name on the list of
SkyGuides for April; this list will be given to the park so that they know who to expect for the night of free camping. I will get this list to the park by Monday, April 12; please make your camping reservation *after* that date, during the week before the StarWalk (I will provide
park contact information with your confirmation email). If you are not on the Sky Guide list for that month, you will be welcome to attend as always, but please expect to pay for your campsite. Again, coordination in this regard is the key.
We ask that all volunteers coordinate their availability through Jeff and me -- starwalk@wideman.org is the email address to use as the point of contact (a reply to this message will go to the correct place). As always, volunteers will be matched to the equipment by their desires and familiarity with the equipment, and assistants will be assigned to allow training and ensure competency in the use of the equipment, so that everyone who wants to learn new equipment can do so.
The StarWalks have been a great success due to the wonderful commitment
of the volunteers that have helped. We're looking forward to another great season, and hope you can make it!
Best Regards,
Tom Wideman
tom@wideman.org
Cel (817) 368-0461
Jeff Barton
chipdatajeffb@yahoo.com
Cel (214) 732-6831
SkyGuide Coordination email:
starwalk@wideman.org
<PF>
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