AANC Conference will showcase local clubs

   A fast note to AANC treasurer Don Stone  (ddcstone earthlink.net) can still save you $5 or more on the Astronomical Association of Northern California conference, set for Saturday, April 7. Advance registration is $20 for adults, $10 ages 10 - 18. At the door, all tickets are $25. It is even possible to reserve lunch for an extra $10.00 if you act by April 1. Alternatively, go to the website http://www.aanc-astronomy.org/ and you will find a printable registration form.

   Chabot Space and Science Center will host this year's festivities. Hospitality (meaning munchies) is brought to you courtesy of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, Morrison Planetarium and the Sidewalk Astronomers. Complimentary coffees and teas will be available all day long, and in the morning you can enjoy fresh pastries. Afternoon cookies will also be available. Other generous assistance has been provided by San Francisco Amateur Astronomers, Mount Tamalpais Interpretive Association/Morrison Planetarium announcement mailings San Jose Astronomical Association, TriValley Stargazers and the Eastbay Astronomical Society.

  The conference schedule highlights the activities and expertise of amateur astronomical associations across Northern California. More than two dozen clubs, associations, and societies will participate. As of press time, the schedule was as follows.

All day -- various clubs and organizations will offer 15 - 30 minute talks, ongoing from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Newsletters and membership information from each club

will be available in the astronomy classroom, our main gathering place. So you don't have to feel guilty about missing the talks because you want to see some of Chabot Space and Science Center. You can take the handouts with you.

8:00 - 10:00 a.m. -- registration at the front door followed by hospitality in the Teacher Resource Center.

9:00 - 9:30 a.m -- welcoming remarks from Chabot ED/CEO Mike Reynolds in the Ask Jeeves Planetarium, some short remarks from Jane Houston Jones, and an introduction to the Ask Jeeves Planetarium given by José Olivarez, director of astronomy.

9:30 - 10:30 a.m. -- indoor daytime Full Moon Messier Marathon in the Ask Jeeves Planetarium. Bring your binoculars! Author Robert Garfinkle, F.R.A.S., will be our host for the marathon.

10:30 - 11:00 a.m. -- meet and greet fellow astronomers in the Teacher Resource Center and the astronomy classroom. This is also your last opportunity to reserve a box lunch.

10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. -- box lunches served at your convenience. Stroll outside, eat in the Teacher Resource Center, or choose any other area where food is allowed.

11:00 -11:30 a.m. -- Davis Star Show organizers will have handouts and will be available to talk with you. You can even volunteer to help with the Davis Star Show. DSS will also have a table in the Teacher Resource Center.
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