I have been informed that the price on the ETX-125 has been dropped
to $900 for everything.
Thanks,
Rocky

FOR SALE
Meade ETX-125 Matsutov-Cassegrain with D=127 mm and F=1900mm. It has
a Deluxe field tripod.

Deborah called the observatory with a telescope for sale. I don't
have any particulars about accessories. She is asking $1500 for the
whole shebang. Please email her for more details.

dnarrigan@...

Hi Rocky & group,

I'm a member of the Cumberland Astronomical Society in Gallatin and
wanted to let you know that I have a friend (Phil) in Brentwood who
must sell his 8" LX200.  It was purchased last December and is mint!
Has great optics which have seen very little light. Phil has all of
the standard accessories and original boxes.  If you are aware that
someone in the Middle TN area may be interested, you can contact
him at <phil_pringle@...> His price is $2k.  This is someone's
chance to have a great scope at a good price without tax, s&h.  He is
considering placing on astromart or ebay if no local interest.

Thanks,
Scott
http://personal.bna.bellsouth.net/bna/s/p/spsmith/default.htm

Greetings All,

We would like to invite you to a colloquium
Thursday, December 13, 4:00 p.m. Stevenson Center room 4327.

Before the colloquium (3:30 p.m.) tea/coffee and cookies are served in
Stevenson Center room 6333


Speaker: Greg Henry (The Center of Excellence at T.S.U., host:
Douglas S. Hall)

Robotic Telescopes, Giant Starspots, Record-Breaking Flares, and
Planetary Eclipses

Abstract
Astronomical Research by the Automated Photometry Group at the
Tennessee State University Center of Excellence is described.
Astronomers at the T.S.U. C.O.E. control operation of most of the 12
robotic telescopes at the Fairborn Observatory site in southern
Arizona. Operation involves pre-programming each nightly observing
menu, electronically receiving and logging data after each
night's run, calibrating and trouble-shooting each photometric system
remotely, and reducing the data in preparation for scientific
analysis. One of the 12 robotic telescopes is the 16-inch, owned by
Vanderbilt, which has been observing about 100 variable stars every
clear night for 14 continuous years. Dozens of spotted stars (some
with 50 percent of a hemisphere covered by spots) have been monitored
for more than a decade to study spot lifetimes and search for
analogues of the Sun's 11-year sunspot cycle. The most energetic
flare ever witnessed on a star was discovered by the Vanderbilt
robotic telescope. Other robotic telescopes operated by the T.S.U.
C.O.E. are concentrating on solar duplicates, cousins of our Sun, to
give a preview of what luminosity changes might befall our Sun in the
near future. Most recently, one of the robotic telescopes was the
first to detect an eclipse by a newly discovered extra-solar planet,
as it passed in front of its parent star.

Please call me or Betty Thurston at Dyer 615-373-4897 if you have
further questions.

Thank You,
Rocky Alvey

For those of you near the Murfreesboro area, this club desires your
participation. The new club has excellent people involved and is
proving to be quite active. They have a wide range of members, from
astronomical newbies to professionals. Everyone is welcome. Go join
the fun and learn something.
Rocky

Message from Scotty -

This Friday December 14th 2001 will be the next meeting of the Middle
Tennessee Astronomical Society at 7PM at Barfield-Crescent Parks
Wilderness Station. We will discuss future Public Star Parties and
other club activities as well as any astronomy topic that may arise.
There will probably be a lot of swap stories of Leonid Meteor Storm
tales!

Beginning in January I will start a series of talks on good tips on
how to
use that new telescope you got for Christmas!

Hope to see everyone there!
Scotty

--
Scott Degenhardt
Degenhardt Amateur User Facility
http://members.home.net/dega/daufhome.htm

International Occultation Timing Association
http://www.lunar-occultations.com/iota/iotandx.htm

Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society
http://www.bsasnashville.com/

----- Original Message -----

From: Ron McLendon

To: tnastronomy@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, December 08, 2001 6:44 PM

Subject: Re: [tnastronomy] Re: BSAS Christmas Potluck and Meeting

Thanks for the info.  Is there a cost involved for the planetarium portion?  Also, I hope to gather some knowledge from those more learned than I am.  Like I said, I'm just a beginner with a 90mm reflector.  My girlfriend has a 114mm refractor.  Our ep collection isn't the largest around, but we do with what we can afford. 

 

Looking forward to seeing you then!

 

Ron McLendon

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Kathy Watkins

To: tnastronomy@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, December 08, 2001 6:07 PM

Subject: Re: [tnastronomy] Re: BSAS Christmas Potluck and Meeting

Ron, no problem I'll see you at the Christmas Potluck. Thanks for
inquiring. Lloyd

mysticgentleman wrote:
>
> I'm a newbie to astronomy and this newsgroup.  I don't belong to any
> clubs or anything.  Is this covered dish open to prospective
> members?  I would love to be a part of it and see what I can benefit
> from it.
>
> Ron McLendon
> LaVergne, TN
>
> --- In tnastronomy@y..., rockalvey@y... wrote:
> > Announcing astronomical gastronomics. Everyone is welcome at our
> > monthly BSAS meeting and potluck Thursday, December 20. The dinner
> > starts at 6:30 at the Cumberland Science Museum in Nashville. Bring
> a
> > covered dish, dessert or other food item if you plan on joining the
> > meal. Kris McCall, the Sudekum Planetarium Director is putting on a
> > planetarium show for the meeting portion of our program. Come
> > fellowship with others who are interested in astronomy and learn
> > something along the way. All ages and levels are welcome. See you
> > there.
> > Rocky Alvey
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> tnastronomy-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/


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tnastronomy-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com



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Ron, no charge just bring a covered dish. See you there. Lloyd

----- Original Message -----

From: Kathy Watkins

To: tnastronomy@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, December 08, 2001 6:07 PM

Subject: Re: [tnastronomy] Re: BSAS Christmas Potluck and Meeting

Ron, no problem I'll see you at the Christmas Potluck. Thanks for
inquiring. Lloyd

mysticgentleman wrote:
>
> I'm a newbie to astronomy and this newsgroup.  I don't belong to any
> clubs or anything.  Is this covered dish open to prospective
> members?  I would love to be a part of it and see what I can benefit
> from it.
>
> Ron McLendon
> LaVergne, TN
>
> --- In tnastronomy@y..., rockalvey@y... wrote:
> > Announcing astronomical gastronomics. Everyone is welcome at our
> > monthly BSAS meeting and potluck Thursday, December 20. The dinner
> > starts at 6:30 at the Cumberland Science Museum in Nashville. Bring
> a
> > covered dish, dessert or other food item if you plan on joining the
> > meal. Kris McCall, the Sudekum Planetarium Director is putting on a
> > planetarium show for the meeting portion of our program. Come
> > fellowship with others who are interested in astronomy and learn
> > something along the way. All ages and levels are welcome. See you
> > there.
> > Rocky Alvey
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> tnastronomy-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/


To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
tnastronomy-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

Ron, no problem I'll see you at the Christmas Potluck. Thanks for
inquiring. Lloyd

mysticgentleman wrote:
>
> I'm a newbie to astronomy and this newsgroup.  I don't belong to any
> clubs or anything.  Is this covered dish open to prospective
> members?  I would love to be a part of it and see what I can benefit
> from it.
>
> Ron McLendon
> LaVergne, TN
>
> --- In tnastronomy@y..., rockalvey@y... wrote:
> > Announcing astronomical gastronomics. Everyone is welcome at our
> > monthly BSAS meeting and potluck Thursday, December 20. The dinner
> > starts at 6:30 at the Cumberland Science Museum in Nashville. Bring
> a
> > covered dish, dessert or other food item if you plan on joining the
> > meal. Kris McCall, the Sudekum Planetarium Director is putting on a
> > planetarium show for the meeting portion of our program. Come
> > fellowship with others who are interested in astronomy and learn
> > something along the way. All ages and levels are welcome. See you
> > there.
> > Rocky Alvey
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> tnastronomy-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

I'm a newbie to astronomy and this newsgroup.  I don't belong to any
clubs or anything.  Is this covered dish open to prospective
members?  I would love to be a part of it and see what I can benefit
from it.

Ron McLendon
LaVergne, TN


--- In tnastronomy@y..., rockalvey@y... wrote:
> Announcing astronomical gastronomics. Everyone is welcome at our
> monthly BSAS meeting and potluck Thursday, December 20. The dinner
> starts at 6:30 at the Cumberland Science Museum in Nashville. Bring
a
> covered dish, dessert or other food item if you plan on joining the
> meal. Kris McCall, the Sudekum Planetarium Director is putting on a
> planetarium show for the meeting portion of our program. Come
> fellowship with others who are interested in astronomy and learn
> something along the way. All ages and levels are welcome. See you
> there.
> Rocky Alvey

BSAS Happenings and Events

December 2001


12/3 Conj., Moon & Jupiter; Saturn at opposition
12/4 Mercury in superior conjunction
12/6 BSAS Board of Directors meeting at C.S.M. 7:00 p.m.; Conj., Sun
& Pluto
12/7 LAST QUARTER MOON
12/8 BSAS Private Star party at Natchez Trace Site
12/12-13 Geminid Meteor Shower
12/14 NEW MOON; Warner Park partial solar eclipse observation 3:00 to
4:45 p.m. and Warner Park star party later that evening 7:30 to 9:30
p.m.
12/15 BSAS Private Star party at Natchez Trace Site
12/17 Conj., Saturn & Aldebaran
12/18 Conj., Moon & Neptune
12/19 Conj., Moon & Uranus
12/20 Conj., Moon & Mars; BSAS Meeting, 6:30p.m. Xmas potluck dinner
at Cumberland Science Museum, the program will be a planetarium show
by Director Kris McCall
12/21 Winter Solstice at 1:21 p.m.
12/22 FIRST QUARTER MOON
12/25 Christmas Day
12/28 Conj., Moon & Saturn, Occultation
12/30 FULL MOON, penumbral eclipse; Conj., Moon & Jupiter, occultation

Find out more about the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society or find
directions to the events here - http://www.bsasnashville.com/

I'll be there. Lloyd

rockalvey@... wrote:
>
> Announcing astronomical gastronomics. Everyone is welcome at our
> monthly BSAS meeting and potluck Thursday, December 20. The dinner
> starts at 6:30 at the Cumberland Science Museum in Nashville. Bring a
> covered dish, dessert or other food item if you plan on joining the
> meal. Kris McCall, the Sudekum Planetarium Director is putting on a
> planetarium show for the meeting portion of our program. Come
> fellowship with others who are interested in astronomy and learn
> something along the way. All ages and levels are welcome. See you
> there.
> Rocky Alvey
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> tnastronomy-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

The campus observatory, which is home to the historic 6" Barnard
Refractor, will be open to the public Tuesday December 4 and Tuesday
December 11, from 8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
We normally close in December but at Dr. Hall's request it will be
open for two extra nights. Find information about this famous old
(Vanderbilt purchased it in 1876) telescope here -
http://www.dyer.vanderbilt.edu/dyer%20then.htm

For directions to the observatory
http://www.dyer.vanderbilt.edu/Campusdirections.htm

For more information call 615-373-4897 and ask for Rocky.

Announcing astronomical gastronomics. Everyone is welcome at our
monthly BSAS meeting and potluck Thursday, December 20. The dinner
starts at 6:30 at the Cumberland Science Museum in Nashville. Bring a
covered dish, dessert or other food item if you plan on joining the
meal. Kris McCall, the Sudekum Planetarium Director is putting on a
planetarium show for the meeting portion of our program. Come
fellowship with others who are interested in astronomy and learn
something along the way. All ages and levels are welcome. See you
there.
Rocky Alvey

Hello All,
Concerning the Pickett event. Earlier this year we were hoping to
have a December weekend in Pickett for anyone interested. The group
camp we hoped to use became unavailable and it didn't appear that we
had enough interest. We were intending to go the weekend of the 15th
which is New Moon. At this point, it seems as though most people will
go to the Natchez Trace Water Valley Exit for the evening, assuming
it is clear. I would hope that sometime in the next 6 months or so we
can rally the support to have an astronomy weekend at Pickett. It is
a great dark-sky site. The original intention of meeting at different
State Parks around the Middle TN area is still valid. Every 3 months
we were going to attempt a new one. The suggestion was to use
Nashville as a hub and work our way around the State. There are
several unique sites such as Edgar Evins, David Crockett, Henry
Horton, Pinson Mounds and Chickasaw, Reelfoot Lake, etc.
http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/
Please see post #1 in August.
The budget situation has figured in this equation somewhat. We
thought we could get a discount on the Pickett weekend, but were
unable to arrange it due to cutbacks.

If anyone has suggestions on the idea of groups from all over TN
meeting on a regular basis, please post your ideas.
Thanks,
Rocky

tnastronomy@yahoogroups.com wrote:

>
> We would like to remind you of this upcoming event.
>
> Pickett State Park
>
> Date: Friday, December 7, 2001
> Time: All Day
>
> Tentative Dates - December 7-8
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> tnastronomy-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

What event??? What is going on at Pickett State Park? Where is there
information on this event???

I just joined this group.

What is the event?  I assume it's a star party, but what are the
details.

TomK in Knoxville

--- In tnastronomy@y..., tnastronomy@y... wrote:
>
> We would like to remind you of this upcoming event.
>
> Pickett State Park
>
> Date: Friday, December 7, 2001
> Time: All Day
>
> Tentative Dates - December 7-8

Hello Folks,
Many of us are heading to the Water Valley Natchez Trace site
Saturday night/Sunday morning. It might be a storm,(1000 or more per
hour) perhaps the chance of a lifetime. Join us if you can.
Go here for directions - http://www.bsasnashville.com/

Thanks,
Rocky

The BSAS will meet at Dyer Observatory, Thursday at 7:30 pm. Our
topic will be "The International Space Station" presented by Mr.
Chuck Schlemm. Everyone is welcome. For astronomy club details,
please visit -
http://www.bsasnashville.com/ or call Rocky at 615-373-4897.
Thanks,
Rocky Alvey

Thanks Rocky!  By the way, my apologies for missing Thursday's public
night at Dyer, and my assigned parking duties--I was in Venezuela on a
business trip, so hopefully that's a good enough excuse that I won't
be subject to flogging or other public discipline at the next BSAS
meeting.

Clear skies,

John Harrington


tnastronomy@yahoogroups.com wrote:
> The BSAS will hold a club StarParty at Natchez Trace tonight
Saturday, November 9. Here are the directions to the site
http://www.bsasnashville.com/ Please use running lights only around
the loop, if you arrive after dark.
Thanks,
Rocky


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The BSAS will hold a club StarParty at Natchez Trace tonight
Saturday, November 9. Here are the directions to the site
http://www.bsasnashville.com/ Please use running lights only around
the loop, if you arrive after dark.
Thanks,
Rocky

Hello Everyone,

The A.J. Dyer Observatory will hold the last public night of the year
this Thursday at 7:00 p.m.

If clear, we will view open star clusters such as the Double Cluster
in Perseus and the Owl Cluster in Cassiopeia. We will also observe
many other astronomical wonders plus enjoy our first glimpses of
Saturn.
For more information about Dyer and the public nights, visit -
http://www.dyer.vanderbilt.edu/ or call 615-373-4897.

There is no charge for admission and all ages are welcome.

Thank You,
Rocky Alvey

Hello Joshua,
We are excited to hear about your interest in astronomy. There are
several very strong amateur astronomical clubs in our middle
Tennessee area. We have a newer club in Murfreesboro (The Barfield
Crescent Club), The Cumberland Astronomical Society in Gallatin, and
The BSAS in Nashville. All of these clubs have some really great
people involved who are interested in helping beginners learn. I can
tell you a little about the Nashville club, because I am a member. We
meet at Dyer Observatory every third Thursday of the month (except in
December, January and February, then we meet at the Cumberland
Science Museum). There are several nights in the month when many of
us get together at various places around Nashville to set up scopes
and fellowship. You are welcome at any of these events. Membership is
not required to participate.
Dyer Observatory also hosts several events. This week we have Youth
Night at Dyer Thursday the 25th and we are hosting a media event
Saturday the 27th at 2:00 pm to announce Dyer's involvement in the
ISS-AT project http://www.issat.org/. The schedule for Dyer is posted
on the BSAS site and here http://www.dyer.vanderbilt.edu/
You can find information on the other area clubs here -
http://mistal2.tripod.com/CAS/
and more about the Murfreesboro club by emailing Scott Deganhardt
dega@...

If you need any other information, just ask. Stay in touch.
Rocky Alvey

I guess it would help if I gave you the link.

Sorry,       http://www.fourmilab.ch/homeplanet/homeplanet.html

Hello all,

Seeing that I'm new to astronomy, bear with me for a sec.  I have
been browsong around and found this cool free program.  Many or all
of you may know about it.  It is called Home Planet.  Anyway, it
works good for me, so if you want or need a program but are strapped
on cash (like many college students) this is a good start.  It is a
safe site and program.  At least patronize me a little bit and let me
know that I am helping. ;)

                                    Joshua

I am planning on visiting Big South Fork on the weekend of November
17 & 18 if there is clear weather.  I will probably arrive Saturday am
and hike in the "short route" to Angel Falls Overlook from Leatherwood
Ford which is about 4 miles in.  The trail is easy until the steep
climb during the last 3/4 of a mile.  Big South Fork is located north
of Crossville, TN at the KY/TN border.  It's about a 2 1/2 hour trip
from Nashville.

This kind of outing involves primitive camping where you carry
everything you need on your back including food, clothing, and
shelter.  There is no running water and no bathrooms.  This time of
year, you would be wise to carry enough water for the weekend also.
Water weighs 8 pounds per gallon, but it's a long trip to the river
from the overlook.  My wife will be attending with me, so women are
definitely welcome.  There may be many people (25 or more) on the
ridge at Angel Falls unless temps are cold.  Temps could be in the
20's by then on the plateau at night so have a good sleeping bag and
dress appropriately.

I usually pack in an 80mm/f5 on a video tripod to grab some wide-field
views.  Binocs work well also.

One last warning...this site has very hazardous cliffs with several
hundred foot drops all around the many overlooks.  It is a beautiful
site; however, it is not an appropriate place for children or pets
that are not well-disciplined.  It is especially hazardous when
navigating after dark.  I personally would not recommend this trip for
youth under 12.  Be safe!

If anyone is interested in viewing the Leonids from this EXTREMELY
dark site, let me know.

Lonnie Puterbaugh

Hi everyone,
      I have added a new bookmark to this site. It will take you to a
discovery channel site that includes monthly guides to the niight
sky. I hope that you will be able to use this guide to help you
schedule events. Hope this can help!!!


Clear skies!
Casey

Hello Everyone,
I have been very excited about all I am hearing  concerning small TN
astronomy groups popping up. I think the tide is rising through the
efforts of a great many dedicated individuals. There is also  a
growing interest in astronomy programming in the TN State Parks
system as well. With curiosity building and so many resources I would
like to make a suggestion-

An open gathering, all inclusive of the many different clubs and in
fact anyone interested in astronomy around the middle TN area.
Perhaps 2-3 times per year we could meet at a state park for a
weekend. These get togethers would be informal. I am not advocating
the formation of another organization, just a coordinated event. We
could move it from park to park so that everyone would have a chance
to attend one close to them. There are some great people managing the
parks and everyone I have spoken to has been enthusiastic. I am sure
many of you are familiar with the TNSP 2001 in Fall Creek Falls that
the BSAS sponsors. Unlike the TNSP, these get togethers would not be
hosted by a specific club. Nor would their be money to be made by any
club, although any amateur who has equipment or items to sell could
certainly show it around. Local vendors could be invited to show up
with wares. Reservations at the park would be up to the individual
attendees, a concensus of people who show up would all simply agree
and announce place and date for the next one.

These  events would be great for exchange of information, equipment
reviews, mentoring newbies, viewing and just overall general
fellowship. There is such of a diversity of astronomical interests we
would all learn a great deal from one another. Those who make
telescopes could talk about projects, people who are doing research
could explain what they are studying. Clubs could setup a display in
their campsite telling of their club activities. Impromtu workshops
could be held on any subject from ccd imaging to occultations or
starting astronomy. At least one time during the event we could have
a potluck and general discussion about things affecting this region,
such as light waste, community outreach, etc.

I suggest that we use Nashville as the hub and try to rotate
clockwise for park sites. If the first one is toward the south, the
next westardly direction and so forth.

I have no idea what type of turnout these would have, but whether we
fill the park or have a handful it would be a great opportunity to
meet new people and have a weekend in the great outdoors.

Let me know what you think and please start posting your groups
events.
Rocky