January 2011
January 3, 2011 Meeting
Bartlesville Public Library Meeting Room
6:45 p.m. Setup and casual conversation
7:00 p.m. Club Business
7:15 p.m. Intro to ...
7:30 p.m.
The Cheapskate Astronomer’s Introduction to Astrophotography
Presenter - Rick Bryant
Come listen to the Cheapskate Astronomer, as he tells his story of excitement and heartbreak in becoming an astrophotographer. See examples of his successes and failures. Learn what led to each. Follow his evolution of equipment, software and knowledge. And in the process, maybe, just maybe, you will realize that “I can do this”…“it’s not that hard to get started”…and “it won’t cost me a fortune”.
The Cheapskate Astronomer, Dr. Richard Bryant, has been an off and on amateur astronomer since 1974, when he was given a set of 7x35 binoculars and a backyard astronomy book for completing the Astronomy Merit Badge. Rick’s first “astrophotography” was comet Hale-Bopp in 1997 using a camera on a tripod…a total failure. He bought his first “telescope” in December, 1999; a well used 500mm lens made for 16mm movie cameras. It cost $100. Tying the lens to a tripod with leather belts, and using a Pentax K1000 camera, Rick attempted to take pictures of the January, 2000 lunar eclipse… his first success.
Since then, he tried several cameras and modified web cams before settling on a self-modified DSLR. It is the perfect match for his interests in comet, wide field, and deep space astrophotography. Visiting pawn shops and websites, he has spent less than $1600 on his equipment which includes: 3 ½ optical tubes, 3 pairs of binoculars, 2 equatorial mounts, home made computer control, a modified DSLR, several camera lenses and a DOS computer. In today’s world of low-cost, high-tech equipment, the Cheapskate Astronomer could be a full fledged astrophotographer for much, much less.
Using a Naked-Eye Star Map
by Alan M. MacRobert
(http://www.skyandtelescope.com/howto/visualobserving/3304621.html)
2011 Programs
January 3, 4 - Quadrantids Meteor Shower. The Quadrantids are an above average shower, with up to 40 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower usually peaks on January 3 & 4, but some meteors can be visible from January 1 - 5. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Look for meteors radiating from the constellation Bootes.
January 4 - New Moon
January 4 - Partial Solar Eclipse. The partial eclipse will be visible in most parts of northern Africa, Europe, and Asia. (NASA Map and Eclipse Information | NASA Eclipse Animation)
January 19 - Full Moon
February 3 - New Moon
Bartlesville Astronomical Society - Membership
B.A.S. is an organization of people interested in Astronomy and related fields of science.
The current officers are:
Additional club positions:
Membership is open to everyone interested in any aspects of astronomy.
Adult. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20.00
Students (through 12th grade) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00
Magazine Subscription (reduced rate for members)
Sky & Telescope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $32.95
B.A.S. is a registered, non-profit organization.
Next Meeting
February 7, Monday. Bartlesville Public Library Meeting Room (tentative)
Newsletter Contributions Needed
Our club newsletter is reaching more people each month, and member contributions in the form of short articles, interesting news items, alerts of upcoming astronomical events or activities, descriptions of personal observations or useful equipment, and observing tips, are encouraged. Recurring columns or multipart articles are also welcome. Please submit your contributions to Mike Woods or to bvilleastro@gmail.com .
For Sale
Celestron NexStar 130 SLT GoTo Reflector Telescope. Includes Soft Case, manual, etc… Can be powered by 8 internal AA batteries or included 12V power cord. Asking $250. Contact Duane Perkins, phone: 336-5096 or email: dperkins@sbcglobal.net.
I've purchased a condo at forest creek and selling my home. im selling my 12" orion intelliscope dob because the deck is not large enough for that size scope. there is a photo of it in the photo section. it cost $1095 plus shipping. the azimuth movement was upgraded with a scope stuff kit. the cart and a orion 8" ota all gos with this package. im asking only $450 for it. just thought i would give the members first shot at it before i post it on astromart (pick up only)thanks, don
BAS Public Website: http://sites.google.com/site/bartlesvilleastronomyclub/
BAS Yahoo Group: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/BvilleAstro/
If you want to have your email address removed from the Bartlesville Astronomical Society mailing list, please send an email requesting removal to bvilleastro@gmail.com