Iowa Great Lakes Astronomical Society

Official

Iowa Lakes

Astronomical Society Handbook

2010

Mission Statement

It is our mission to foster interest in astronomy and science as a hobby, provide opportunities for members of the community to participate in astronomy through education and public outreach, and to simply share the night sky with others.

Contact Information

Adam Dietrick

adamdietrick@live.com

Steve Timmons

scorpio1155@yahoo.com

Official Iowa Great Lakes Astronomical Society Website

http://iowalakesastronomy.com

A History of the

Iowa Lakes Astronomical Society

The Iowa Great Lakes Astronomers were founded in September 2009 by Adam Dietrick. After receiving several letters from interested parties in Michigan, it was decided that the Iowa Great Lakes Astronomical Society would be a better moniker. The Society is named after the region of Iowa where it is located (the Iowa Great Lakes region) and bears no affiliation with Iowa Great Lakes Community College, which is also named after the region.

The group has grown slowly, with new members coming from as far as Lakota, and over the 2009-10 winter a lot of changes in philosophy have been made in the interest of attracting new members. In February 2010 a new website was launched, featuring a new logo (see explanation on the next page).

About this time Steve Timmons officially joined the society, and brought a lot of experience with him. Steve also brought a lot of connections with him that should prove fruitful in the future of the Society.

An Explanation of Our Logo

The image on the cover of this handbook is the official logo of the Iowa Lakes Astronomical Society. The image is taken from J. L. Comstock's 1850 text, A System of Natural Philosophy: Principles of Mechanics.

IGLAS Logo

I do not have access to the original text, but here is an attempt to explain the image. Since Venus orbits between the Earth and the Sun, it appears to go through phases when observed from the Earth, much like the moon does. In the Image, the Sun is in the center.

A = Venus in Superior Conjunction

B = Waning Gibbous Venus

C = Last Quarter Venus

D = Waning Crescent Venus

E = Venus in Inferior Conjunction (transit across the Sun)

K = The Earth

I have no idea what L, M, and N stand for, nor do I know where F, G, H, I, and J have gone.

Observing Sites

Christopherson Slough

This area is really great. It is in a slight depression so that cuts out wind and lights nicely.

Four Mile Lake

It's a bit of a hike through tall grass, but pretty dark with a nice hill to observe from.

Grass Lake

This is the parking area at the south end of Grass Lake.

Little Swan Lake

Parking area next to a road that gets very little traffic.

West Swan Lake

This is the parking area at the south end of West Swan Lake. Area is surrounded by trees so that helps to cut down lights from farms and also acts as a terrific wind break.

Rules for Observing Events

No White Light

Red lights only please, white light dilates the iris and affects our night vision. This means you should avoid using any devices which produce white light like cell phones and Ipods without a red filter. Also, when arriving late to an observing site please turn off your head lights and park well away from the group.

No One Under 13 Without an Adult

This is a liability issue, we simply cannot be responsible for someone else's children.

Respect the Observing Site

Simply put, tread lightly on the ground and leave no evidence that you were ever there. Take out everything you take in.

Remove Anything that May Fall Off

When transporting equipment it is very easy to lose parts, especially at night. Remove any parts that are not likely to stay put, such as lenses, adapters, and stalks (the pieces that hang off of the RA and Dec. controls on a equatorial telescope).

Be Prepared

Check the weather and dress appropriately. Bring a sweatshirt, coat, gloves and hat if staying out late-- it gets colder than you think in the summer. Bring food and water if you will be out for more than a couple hours. Don't forget your star map or your red flashlight.

Bring a Friend

This isn't really a rule, but it would pay a great service to the Society to bring in a new member. Bring as many friends as you want as long as they are up for some stargazing.

Meteor Showers in 2010

January 3.....................Quadrantids

April 22...................................Lyrids

May 6...........................Eta Aquarids

July 28..................S. Delta Aquarids

August 12...........................Perseids

October 21..........................Orionids

November 5.....................N. Taurids

November 17.......................Lenoids

December 14.....................Geminids

December 22..........................Ursids

Eclipses in 2010

January 14-15 Annular Eclipse

Not visible from North America.

June 26 Partial Eclipse of the Moon

Moon enters umbra at 5:17 AM, mid-eclipse at 6:39 AM, and leaves umbra at 8:00 AM. Northern half of the moon will appear darkened.

July 11 Total Eclipse of the Sun

Not visible from North America.

December 21 Total Eclipse of the Moon

Moon enters umbra at 1:32 AM, totality begins at 2:40 AM, mid-eclipse at 3:17 AM, totality ends at 3:54 AM, and leaves umbra at 5:02 AM. Complete totality is visible from North America.