It's Star Party Time in Indianapolis! BYOT!
Richard Fienberg AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force
We're trying something new at the 222nd AAS meeting in Indianapolis: We're inviting amateur astronomers and other interested members of the public to drop in on Monday, 3 June, or Tuesday, 4 June. They can take advantage of a special one-day public registration rate that includes access to all scientific sessions and the exhibit hall.
Four AAS officers or councilors — Fritz Benedict, Debbie Elmegreen, Ed Guinan, and Angela Speck — have graciously volunteered to give short presentations designed especially to appeal to armchair and backyard astronomers. These talks are scheduled during breaks so that they don't conflict with the regular science program.
Another special event is free to all members of the public: a star party where visitors can view Saturn and other telescopic treats. Co-hosts are the AAS and Indianapolis's premier astronomy club: the Indiana Astronomical Society. The AAS thanks member Jason Kendall ([email protected]), who is active in public outreach in the New York metro area and beyond, for taking the lead in organizing this exciting evening under the stars.
- Date, time: Monday, 3 June 2013 (cloud/rain date: Tuesday, 4 June 2013), 9:00 p.m. EDT
- Location: Convention Center Plaza – Corner of South Capitol Ave. and West Maryland St.
If you're coming to Indy and own a portable telescope, we encourage you to bring it with you. (That BYOT in the title means "bring your own telescope.") Jason will bring at least one, and members of the IAS will bring some more, but you can never have too many. The AAS/IAS star party in Indy provides a great opportunity to engage in a bit of guerrilla urban stargazing, meet Indiana's leading amateur astronomers, share your knowledge and enthusiasm with members of the public, and practice for September's National Star Party Weekend (http://usansp.org/, https://www.facebook.com/NationalStarPartyWeekend), which Jason is also involved in organizing.
AAS/IAS star party updates, including weather and logistics, will be posted on the AAS Facebook: