Folks,

As it turns out there is a problem with the control unit and I'll
have to send it in for repair...won't be able to show it off this
month :-(
I'll bring some pix and info on the mount to the meeting Thurs.

Frank

--- In gastoncountyskywatchers@y..., spencbw <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> Franks,
>    You need to bring your new toy so we can all check it out.
> Barre

I've added a folder to the Photos section entitled 'FrankB'.  In it
you'll find a few CCD images I've taken so far with my SBIG ST-5C
camera.  These were taken with my old (broken, unpolar aligned) mount
back in April.

In the Jupiter image you should be able to make out the Great Red
spot in the upper left!  I am amazed at the amount of detail you can
see here...much more than I get in the eyepiece!

I hope to be adding more when I get my control unit back from
repair :)

Enjoy!

Frank

Frank, I've been through your posts and they're great, thanks.
Did you get out last night? I was out from 10:30 until 1:45 and
found 18 deep sky objects.
Barre and Harold went to Dowden last night and I guess they had
a good evening. Barre, how about a post of what you saw?

I've added a post to the files section that contains a XL file
of our observing list.
This file contains a column that identifies which observing
list the item can be found on.

I did get out, but without the scope.  With my control board in the
shop I didn't bother to set up the scope.  Instead, my wife and I
laid out on the driveway just as the stars were coming out.  It was
really neat to watch the stars and try to predict which of the bright
stars would be the next to see.  We did some 'near sky' observing
with binocs and saw about a half dozen satellites drift by.  It was a
different sort of observing and reminded me of the old days when I
didn't have a scope.  It reminded me of a younger time and how I fell
in love with the night sky.  Sometimes we take so much for granted...

Frank

--- In gastoncountyskywatchers@y..., oldandsad <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> Frank, I've been through your posts and they're great, thanks.
> Did you get out last night? I was out from 10:30 until 1:45 and
> found 18 deep sky objects.
> Barre and Harold went to Dowden last night and I guess they had
> a good evening. Barre, how about a post of what you saw?

This is one place that any person with a scope from this area needs
to go during a new moon.  Harold and myself were there Sat. June 8.
There were around 10 or 12 other people from other clubs. Saw tons of
the Messier objects.  Quite a few galaxies and 1 skunk.  Finally
found M51 and one object that everyone needs to see and it is NGC4565.
You can tells me what this is when you see it.

Barre

Barre,

Awesome!  I've seen both M51 and NGC4565, though neither from a dark
site.  From my driveway with the C8, M51 looks like two dim snake
eyes...none of the whirlpool is discernable.  I've also 'found'
NGC4565, though it was very faint and barely detected...but I know
what it is ;)

I'm really anxious to get out to a dark site and see some of this
stuff!

BTW, I've checked all my star charts and I can't find a 'skunk'
anywhere!  Is that some new celestial object I'm not aware of? Is it
catalogued?  Hope y'all got away without getting sprayed!

Frank

--- In gastoncountyskywatchers@y..., spencbw <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> This is one place that any person with a scope from this area needs
> to go during a new moon.  Harold and myself were there Sat. June
8.
> There were around 10 or 12 other people from other clubs. Saw tons
of
> the Messier objects.  Quite a few galaxies and 1 skunk.  Finally
> found M51 and one object that everyone needs to see and it is
NGC4565.
> You can tells me what this is when you see it.
>
> Barre

Frank,
    To observe a Skunk you have to be very quick and up wind.  It's
one of those objects that you do not want to sneak up on you.

Barre





--- In gastoncountyskywatchers@y..., "frank_a_barrett"
<frankb02@b...> wrote:
> Barre,
>
> Awesome!  I've seen both M51 and NGC4565, though neither from a
dark
> site.  From my driveway with the C8, M51 looks like two dim snake
> eyes...none of the whirlpool is discernable.  I've also 'found'
> NGC4565, though it was very faint and barely detected...but I know
> what it is ;)
>
> I'm really anxious to get out to a dark site and see some of this
> stuff!
>
> BTW, I've checked all my star charts and I can't find a 'skunk'
> anywhere!  Is that some new celestial object I'm not aware of? Is
it
> catalogued?  Hope y'all got away without getting sprayed!
>
> Frank
>
> --- In gastoncountyskywatchers@y..., spencbw <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> > This is one place that any person with a scope from this area
needs
> > to go during a new moon.  Harold and myself were there Sat. June
> 8.
> > There were around 10 or 12 other people from other clubs. Saw
tons
> of
> > the Messier objects.  Quite a few galaxies and 1 skunk.  Finally
> > found M51 and one object that everyone needs to see and it is
> NGC4565.
> > You can tells me what this is when you see it.
> >
> > Barre

As of today, the Catawba Valley Astronomy Club has ceased operation.

At the CVAC meeting on Thursday, June 13 club founder Greg Kirby
presented the club leadership with his intention to immediately
dissolve The Catawba Valley Astronomy Club.  Since it is entirely
possible that Greg will pursue legal action, all official operations
of, associations as, and existence of The Catawba Valley Astronomy
Club have been suspended for now. We are seeking legal counsel.

The remaing former club members voted informally to proceed as
follows:

Until we can obtain a general consensus and permission from Lucile
Miller's family, we voted to call our group THE LUCILE MILLER
OBSERVATORY VOLUNTEERS.

We still have the same officers until further notice.

We still plan to meet on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30
p.m. at Catawba Valley Community College and Lucile Miller
Observatory, using the same rotation schedule.  Please join us!

We will cease using any references to the former club and have
removed all references from the LMO website and the former club
website.

We will establish a formal relationship with the Catawba County
School Board Chairman concerning the observatory.

THERE WILL BE ABSOLUTELY NO CHANGES IN OBSERVING ACTIVITIES, PLANS,
OR GROUPS SCHEDULED AT LUCILE MILLER OBSERVATORY.  Please consult the
website calendars and join us.

Several meetings ago, the former club voted to overhaul the Parkway
Stargazes.  We are pleased to announce the following events as
replacements:
On Saturday, September 7, we will gather at the "slab" of the
Cleveland County Astronomical Society for a dark sky stargaze aimed
at observers.  This will be a dark sky event with red lights and
limited vehicle access after dark.  We want to thank Steve Davis and
the folks at CCAS for their willingness to assist with this new
venture.  Please tell other observing clubs of this event and join
us.
On Saturday, October 12, we will gather at Doughton Park for a gaze
at first quarter moon for the general public.  Our location will not
be the usual picnic loop at the end of the road but we will be in the
parking areas and fields between the Bluffs Lodge and the first
picnic area.  This will allow for more visitor traffic and support
from the restrooms.  Again, this will be aimed at the general public
so expect some car traffic.  Final details on these events will be
out soon.  The October event will planned in such a way in the future
as not to conflict with Mid Atlantic Star Party.  These events are
not and will no longer be refered to at BRPRS or Blue Ridge Parkway
Regional Stargazes.

Our goal is to once again establish quality star parties for
astronomers in suitable dark sky locations in the fall of the year.
Please support the above September and October gazes and let us know
how we can improve them.  We are looking for mountain locations that
can handle lots of serious dark sky observers.

What does this mean for your club?  Since The Catawba Valley
Astronomy Club technically no longer exists, I must ask that you no
longer refer to our organization as The Catawba Valley Astronomy Club
or CVAC in any subsequent announcements, publications, news releases,
articles, website, and so forth.  You may refer to us as THE LUCILE
MILLER OBSERVATORY VOLUNTEERS until further notice.

Please remove all references and links to CVAC and The Catawba Valley
Astronomy Club from your websites.  We request that you add a link to
The Lucile Miller Observatory at
http://users.twave.net/jafowiz/lmo.htm and our email
visitlmo@...

I ask for your club to please support the Lucile Miller Observatory
Volunteers.  We still need you to support our observing events.

Greg Kirby is not associated with THE LUCILE MILLER OBSERVATORY
VOLUNTEERS.  Be advised that should he contact your organization
representing The Catawba Valley Astronomy Club, that there is now no
connection whatsoever between CVAC and the LMO Volunteers.  Should
Greg establish CVAC again, your organization is of course free to
enter a relationship with that club if you wish.

We still need to hear of your club's plans and activities.  Please
send all club correspondence to LMO Volunteers Acting Secretary
Barbara Barrier at zork@...

By all means contact me personally if you wish to discuss anything
concerning this matter.  My e-mail is jafowiz@... and my home
phone number is 828-241-3280.  I would love to hear your comments and
suggestions.

I think I speak for many by saying that, in a way, a burden has been
lifted.  We are now looking at lots of uncertainty, with many
possible choices ahead.  The opportunity for our informal
organization to grow into a progressive and dynamic astronomy club,
free of the constraints and bickering of the past, is ours for the
taking.  I offer my sincere thanks to each of you and your members
for your support over these last few months as the storm has built.
Please do not abandon the ship now!

Now, let's do some astronomy!

Thanks, and clear skies to all!

Sincerely,
Jeff Whisenant, Acting President
Lucile Miller Observatory Volunteers

Please visit the Lucile Miller Observatory website at
http://users.twave.net/jafowiz/lmo.htm

Hey all,

I've entered a couple of my pix in an astrophoto contest for the sct-
users Yahoo group.  They're just ol' boring black and white pix of
the moon, but what the hay!  Check 'em out in the FrankB folder of
the Photos section. They're the last two entitled 'FirstQuarterMoon'
and 'LunarLanscapeMosaic'.  Lemme know whatcha think!

Thankx,  Frank

--- In gastoncountyskywatchers@y..., "frank_a_barrett"
<frankb02@b...> wrote:
> Hey all,
>
> I've entered a couple of my pix in an astrophoto contest.

Hey Frank,
The pics are great, look like winners to me, good luck and
let us know.

Otto

Frank,
    Pics are great.
Barre



-- In gastoncountyskywatchers@y..., "frank_a_barrett" <frankb02@b...>
wrote:
> Hey all,
>
> I've entered a couple of my pix in an astrophoto contest for the
sct-
> users Yahoo group.  They're just ol' boring black and white pix of
> the moon, but what the hay!  Check 'em out in the FrankB folder of
> the Photos section. They're the last two
entitled 'FirstQuarterMoon'
> and 'LunarLanscapeMosaic'.  Lemme know whatcha think!
>
> Thankx,  Frank

The July Gaston County Skywatchers meeting scheduled for the 4th has
been moved to the 11th to avoid conflict with the holiday. Hope to
see you all there.

Otto

MARS MEETS JUPITER

At 9:18 a.m. EDT on the 3rd, Mars passes less than a degree
from Jupiter. Try spotting these two planets very low in the
west-northwest about 30 minutes after sundown this evening.

Went to Doughton Park Sat. 6 JULY for a good night of scopin.  The
club of 4 was also there. Otto, Sue, Harold and myself.  Otto's
daughter and future son-in-law  also attended.  The weather was
great.  Cool enough for a lite jacket.  Wish more members went.  Need
to check your e-mail for future scopin nights.  I am planning to
attend the Mid-Atlantic Sky Party in Oct. It runs from Oct. 28 thru
Mon. Nov. 4. I will be there from Fri. Oct. 30 until Sun. or Mon.
Hope other can attend at least one or two days.  You camp out at a
boy scout camp. Let me know if anyone else would like to attend.

Barre

--- In gastoncountyskywatchers@y..., "frank_a_barrett"
<frankb02@b...> wrote:
> Hey all,
>
> I've entered a couple of my pix in an astrophoto contest for the
sct-
> users Yahoo group.  They're just ol' boring black and white pix of
> the moon, but what the hay!  Check 'em out in the FrankB folder of
> the Photos section. They're the last two
entitled 'FirstQuarterMoon'
> and 'LunarLanscapeMosaic'.  Lemme know whatcha think!
>
> Thankx,  Frank

They just posted the results of the jugding and my photo
FirstQuarterMoon won 1st place in the Astrophotography - Beginner
catagory!  I'm tickled silly!  The prize is a plaque (or trophy) and
a copy of Rod Mollise's "Used SCT Buyer's Guide."

Frank

Congratulations Frank!!!!!
First place is great and the photo is truly a winner, nice going.

Otto
>
> They just posted the results of the jugding and my photo
> FirstQuarterMoon won 1st place in the Astrophotography - Beginner
> catagory!  I'm tickled silly!  The prize is a plaque (or trophy)
and
> a copy of Rod Mollise's "Used SCT Buyer's Guide."
>
> Frank

We get a treat this weekend, the ISS will be visible both
Friday and Saturday night.
Join us at the new club field on Abel Road and enjoy the show.

Otto

GCS club of three visits the new site for an evening
of observing. See picks in Photos seciton, New Site album.

Wow!! The place to be Saturday night was under the stars. Sue and I
met Frank Barrett at the club field at sundown and we enjoyed an
evening of near perfect star gazing. We could see the Milky Way from
Cassiopeia to Sagittarius so you know the conditions were excellent.
Frank had his new G-11 mount and it worked flawlessly. If you enjoy
fine craftsman ship, you will appreciate this hardware, its a beauty.
Among the evening highlights, Frank completed his Messier List, all
are now checked off in his log, congratulations. Sue took the 3"
Tasco out for the first time and had a very successful evening. She
spent a lot of time in Sagittarius and found many of its deep sky
wonders, I think she's hooked and I'm sure this is going to cost us
some $$$, aperture fever you know. Late in the evening, Jeff Layfield
and Stephanie joined us for a look at the field and a quick tour of
the skies, I'm sure they will be back. All in all, Sue and I logged
21 objects and just had a great time. Hope some of you got to enjoy
one of the best evenings of the summer.
Otto

The Perseids are coming. The peak should be August 11/12 but
who can stay up all night Sunday night? Plan to come out to
the club field on Saturday night and enjoy an evening of
meteors and deep sky observing.

Could the members that are planning on attending to the Star Party at
the Cleveland County Astronomy Club's dark site please e-mail me to
let me know who will be at the museum Sat. at 400pm.  We can stop on
the way and have dinner if the group wants to. Otto and Sue will not
be going because they are both sick. My address is
scoping10@....

Fellow Skywatchers,

I've finally put together a rudimentary website showcasing some of my
(hopefully) better astrophotos.  I'm sharing our ISP's meager 10mb
web space with my teenage daughter so I have to limit what I put up
:0(

The URL is:

http://bellsouthpwp.net/f/r/frankb02/astropix.html

Enjoy!   Frank

Frank,
Your web site is awesome!!
I look forward to checking in often, keep up the great work.

Otto

The first ever Slabfest turned out to be pretty good.  The Cleveland
Counrty's dark site is excellent.  This is the time of year when the
Catawba Country Astronomy Club would have their star party at Julian
Price Park at Blowing Rock, NC.  This location is a thing of the past.
I just wished more of our club members would come to more these other
club events.  You get to meet alot of great people.  Harold Human and
myself were present.  The weather was great.  I logged around 35 to
36 objects.  I logged alot of the Messier objects thatI needed to
complete the list.  I will finish one of these days. Just like Frank.
Barre

HELLO,
   ANYBODY AT HOME!!!  It might take 2 or 3 weeks or maybe never
before I get a reply. From all the post of this site I don't beleive
we have to worry about over usage. Where is everybody?

Barre

We are here are you?

Here's another URL for clear sky forcasts:

http://66.100.248.10/Local/USNationalStd.asp?
loc=usa&seg=Star&prodgrp=Forecasts&product=SkyWatch&prodnav=d1_00&pid=
none

I'll post it in the links section as well.

Frank

Fellow SkyWatchers,

Here's my first color pic of M27 for your enjoyment:

http://bellsouthpwp.net/f/r/frankb02/M27c.html

Being my first color pic I'm absolutely thrilled!
Hope this lifts your spirits while we wait on the weather to improve.

Best regards,  Frank

Frank,
   Was this taken with a 35 mm SLR or a CCD?
Barre





--- In gastoncountyskywatchers@y..., "Frank Barrett" <frankb02@b...>
wrote:
> Fellow SkyWatchers,
>
> Here's my first color pic of M27 for your enjoyment:
>
> http://bellsouthpwp.net/f/r/frankb02/M27c.html
>
> Being my first color pic I'm absolutely thrilled!
> Hope this lifts your spirits while we wait on the weather to
improve.
>
> Best regards,  Frank