Miami Valley Astronomical Society

Here is a shot from my backyard around 10:30pm with a little better seeing on Sunday night 08-17-08, each night just seems to gets better! Seeing came and went a few seconds at a time, basically above average for us in the midwest.

I can't believe the detail considering how low in the South it is.

This is a panoramic photograph of the Maury Childs Memorial Observatory. This was taken shortly after its dedication in 2005. The observatory is functional at this point but the finish work had not been completed.

This image is copyright © 2005 Jeffrey W Soper all rights reserved.

http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2008/08/06_helium.shtml

REMINDER: This Saturday, August 9, is the annual Perseids Meteor Shower Camp-Out at the Caesar Creek Beach. Now, this is the one event you should plan to make each summer! When the weather is decent, we’ve seen over 200-300 campers and upwards of 20 or more telescopes. The park has programs planned for the camping kids and adults from 7:00-11:00, including an astronomy presentation again this year at 9:00 by myself and Mike Smith. The park also allows camping on the beach grounds this one night of the year. COME ON OUT!

I arrived at the observatory (08/04/08) about 19:30. I was alone and the observatory was very quiet and peaceful. By twilight the weather was typical of August, hot hazy and still, with no stars visible near the horizon. A storm was building to the North-East. The twilight was illuminating the top of the distant thunderhead and cloud to cloud lightning danced around and through the high cloud. One moment it looked like another cancelled stargaze and the next minute it was looking better.

August 9th, 2008 is the annual Meteor Shower Campout at Caesar Creek State Park Beech. The MVAS has been attending this over-night event for many years. The state promotes it on their web site, http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/explore/calendar/08augevents/tabid/1858... 7 - 11 PM at the main beach. Bring your lawn chair and blanket and watch shooting stars brighten our summer skies. Enjoy games and crafts until dark, and then stargaze. Some telescopes provided. Free camping on the north grass lawn. For information call 513-897-2437.

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