What's Up with our Interest Groups
Date: Wednesday, 7 November, 2012
Time: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Venue: Kerr Grant Theatre
Many people in ASSA are active in various areas of astronomy. The November General Meeting will showcase some of these activities.
The Radio Astronomy group has spent the last 12 months securing a wide range of equipment and installing these in various locations across the State. The equipment has collected from various sources and modified for radio astronomy and related activities, expanding the range of activities that are now part of the radio astronomy group. Just collecting some of this gear has been an adventure. The RA Group has observed Jupiter for several observing seasons (just beginning now) and will show the results of last season's observations. They will be bringing in their recently completed e-Callisto receiver (a solar VHF spectrograph) to demonstrate the amount of broadband radio noise that can be found in and around the city. If you think stray light scatter is a problem for optics around town, indiscriminate and powerful radio transmitters are aimed at us from everywhere.
The Deep Sky Imaging group has expanded its membership, started a beginners course, moved to a new home and held several successful events. This very active ASSA group continues to attract new members and be involved in many other ASSA activities.
David Benn is getting a reputation in the variable star field. New software and discoveries are happening all of the time. David will be sharing his experience and passion of encouraging others to look at the night sky anew via variable stars.
Ever thought of building that backyard observatory? Colin Hill, who runs the successful beginners sessions before each General Meeting, did and succeeded, after many trials and tribulations. Could be a chance to learn from his experiences.
Each of the four speakers/groups will share the experiences of their last 12 months.