Loaner scope mystery solved

   The club's loaner scopes are always in high demand during good observing weather, particularly when we have an open house or star party on the schedule. At the May H
2 O open house, Jim Alves and Mike Anderson noticed an interesting image artifact in the Jack Marling 10-inch  - a wiggly V-shaped tail appearing to trail off Mars. Observatory director Chuck Grant has determined that this is not coma, but rather an effect generated by cooling of the mounting bolts for a small metal handle.

   Chuck is replacing the steel bolts with nylon ones, to reduce heat conduction. He will also insulate the handle, if this proves necessary.

Gert Gottschalk, one of the club's dedicated amateur astronomers, is pictured above with a favorite observing instrument. He offers these images of the Herring Galaxy (NGC 4631) and Mars for all members to enjoy. In the website edition you can see the beautiful colors Gert preserved in both these objects.

White Mountains trip set

(Continued from Page 1)
beds, flush toilets, showers, tools, the highest library and pool table in the lower 48 states. Very good, warm food is cooked for you, and the view is unforgettable . 

   It is a good guess that this is the "highest" and most unusual  star party in the U.S. You'll never forget your view of the Milky Way from Barcroft.  If you haven't yet  enjoyed a White Mountains trip,  talk to one of the members who has. You can even get oxygen in the dining room! The Bristle Cone Pines provide just one excuse to explore the many amazing sights of the beautiful eastern Sierras such as the famous ghost-town, Bodie, the hot springs, Mono Lake, the volcanoes,  Mammoth Lakes and Devil's Post Pile.

    The price this year for room and board will be $40 per person per night for the three nights at Barcroft. You don't have to stay there all three nights, but preference is given to those who will.  Grandview Campground is free. I won't be at the June general meeting, so send your check in the mail - spaces go fast, so don't delay.  Due to tightened Barcroft requirements, refunds will be available only until Friday, June 18. After that, refunds will be given only if we can find a substitute.  For more information, call me at 510/483-9191.

   Send checks payable with the dates you wish and names, phone numbers, and emergency contacts of persons in your party to: David Rodrigues, 1633 Graff Ct.San Leandro, CA 94577-3938.

Page 5         Prime Focus   June 1999  Next Page   Previous Page