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A little bit of history
The Riverside Telescope Makers Conference (RTMC) began in 1969 as the Telescope Makers Conference. Founded by Clifford W. Holmes, the conference provides an international opportunity for amateur telescope makers to share their craft. Since 1975, RTMC has convened at Camp Oakes, a YMCA facility just east of Big Bear City, California. Located 50 miles northeast of Riverside, in the clear air of the San Bernardino Mountains, the site offers camping, dormitories, a meeting and dining hall, and Charles W. Walker Observatory. Camp Oakes sits at an elevation of 7,600 feet.
The longitude and latitude coordinates of the designated Telescope Field are
Longitude 116º 45' 15" W
Latitude 34º 13' 50" N
Plans for 2000 RTMC
The theme of the 32nd annual RTMC is "Solar Observing." The keynote speaker will be announced on the conference web site http://www.rtmc-inc.org.
The Beginner's Corner will again be featured at this year's conference. In 1995, the Beginner's Corner was inaugurated to stimulate interest in astronomy and telescope building among novice amateur astronomers. It is an excellent introduction to the art and science of astronomy, through a series of talks, demonstrations, and workshops.
Expert amateurs will also find plenty to enjoy at 2000 RTMC. In-depth panel discussions have been revived due to the demand from advanced amateurs.
The conference grounds will open at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 26. Advance entry will not be permitted on Thursday, as a YMCA camp will be concluding. Meal plan and lodging packages are available. No bedding is provided, so bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Refer to the web site listed above for the meal plan and camping packages. The 800 available camping plans and 400 meal plans will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. RV electrical hookups are available only in the Indian Guide Village portion of the camp.
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Courtesy prevails
Many astronomers attend RTMC specifically so that they may watch the sky from dusk to dawn. For that reason, plan to park all vehicles so that their doors open away from the marked observing areas. Before nightfall on Friday, cover all interior lights with red cellophane and plan to block all window light after dark. On the Telescope Field, music should be kept at a low level so as not to disturb others who are observing nearby. Generators are permitted to run only between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Point flashlights only toward the ground.
All the extras
Many commercial exhibitors plan to sell astronomical products during the entire weekend. Vendor sales officially open at 12 noon on Friday. Telescopes entered for merit awards will be located on the Telescope Field or along Telescope Alley. Be sure to notify the telescope registration desk at the observatory before setting up your entry. An identification number will be assigned to it, and awards will be presented on Sunday evening.
IAPPP symposium kicks off RTMC
For the past 18 years, the Western Wing of the International Amateur-Professional Photoelectric Photometry (IAPPP) has sponsored a symposium immediately prior to RTMC. This year is no exception, and the 19th annual IAPPP Western Wing Photometry and CCD Imaging Symposium will be held Wednesday and Thursday, May 24 and 25, 2000 at Northwoods Resort at Big Bear Lake.
Topics include the use of CCD cameras and software, the latest techniques and hardware for photometry and CCD imaging, and performing real science with your own equipment. On Wednesday afternoon, a special workshop on photometric techniques will be presented by Scott Teare, of the University of Illinois and Mount Wilson Observatory.
For symposium registration information, point your browser to http://www.rtmc-inc.org/IAPPPWest/iapppwest.html. Those who lack access to the web may speak with Gene Lucas at 480/837-3718.
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