Hamilton Amateur Astronomers June 1996 Volume 3 Issue 8 Why Astronomers Don't See UFOs he actual answer is that Dry cleaning bags are particularly light, astronomers do, but they are large, and as a bonus they are also clear. experienced observers and The idea was to rig a suspended candle easily recognise the object and it is to burn in the centre of the open bottom therefore no longer unidentified. of the bag as the bag was held erect. Perhaps that is in a way the whole The bag was allowed to fill with hot air, answer, but there is more to it. UFOs becoming a hot air balloon. The sight and alien abduction have become of a light slowly drifting across the ingrained in the mind of the public. It night sky was bound to trigger UFO started with a TV series called sightings in those dark city night skies "Twilight Zone". An early episode (there was little light pollution back then). That was the theory, and we knew others were successful, but we "My personal experiences got Now lets get to the juicy stuff. never got ours more than six inches (15 Bob Botts was kind enough to lend me off to a particularly bad start cm) off the ground. So whenever we his UFO CD-ROM for several months. because of seeing Plan 9 From heard of a UFO sighting, we never said Thanks Bob for your infinite patience. "Oh WOW flying saucers and extra- Outer Space." Modern technology is wonderful. I terrestrials," but rather "Oh WOW how now have access to movies, pictures, showed an alien which became the did they do it?" and sound of UFO sightings. Most model on which Barney and Betty Hill based their description of alien (Continued on page 4) abductors. Growing up in this period I received a full dose of UFO hysteria. Algonquin Star Quest This was the early "space age" and rocket, space travel, other planets, and a heavy fare of sci-fi was everywhere. July 12-14, '96 This was especially true when you had a space and sci-fi crazed older brother. es! It's finally been nailed middle of the week that follows. I have, My personal experiences got off to a down. We are scheduled to therefore, arranged that the weekend of particularly bad start because of seeing have use of the Algonquin July 19-20 be an alternate date if we get Plan 9 From Outer Space. Two weeks Radio Observatory - ARO (a.k.a. the 'bumped' by some big research project of terrifying nightmares is something a Algonquin Space Complex) during the needing the facilities more than we do. seven year old does not forget easily. In above dates for the purpose of amateur (read big corporate mining or oil this space age environment kids not astronomy and other compatible customer with even bigger bucks wants only looked for UFOs but spent a lot of activities. Some members of my short- to use 46 metre radiotelescope to find time trying to make them too. One wave listening club may attend for that more ore/oil to make even bigger... ) particular favourite (don't try this kids, purpose since this site is als o extremely It's pretty unlikely that this would it is dangerous!) of my brother and his 'radio quiet' - the SWL's equivalent of happen, but, we're better off having a friends was the flying dry cleaning bag. an excellent darksite. contingency plan ready in case "ol' There is a new moon in the (Continued on page 3) Editorial page 2 HAJA page 6 inside... Chair's Report page 2 What's Your I.O. page 6 Summers Astrohighlights page 3 HAA Star Party page 7 What's in a Name page 4 July/August Night Skies page 9 Page 2 Editorial f the rain ever stops we will need to resort to copying articles. So have lots of local viewing we have another issue filled with opportunities this summer. original material. I'm not complaining This month has our own Hamilton and I hope that this situation continues Amateur Astronomers Star Party. On indefinitely. page nine Ann Tekatch gives the details vent Horizon is a publication on this event which is only one week There will be a summer issue and I of the Hamilton Amateur away! The next event, arranged by have set the deadline of July 15 for Astronomers (HAA). Tony Wallace, is a trip to Algonquin article submissions. The deadline is Park in July. I apologise for the number normally set for one week before The HAA is an amateur of pages this article, which starts on printing but this may get delayed due to astronomy club dedicated to the page one, had to be spread over but this nice weather. I rarely hear from anyone promotion and enjoyment of astronomy issue was a difficult one to organize. In about the newsletter content so I for people of all ages and experience August we have Canada's number one assume that everyone is happy with the levels star party - Starfest. The summer current format. Silence indicates comes to a close with the Huronia Star agreement so unless I hear from you ... The cost of the subscription is Party in September which is hosted by included in the $15 individual or $20 t h e S o u t h S i m c o e A ma t e u r Stewart Attlesey family membership fee for the year. Astronomers. Also, we shouldn't forget stewart@io.org Event Horizon is published 10 times a the Binbrook observing sessions year. arranged by Charles Baetsen. Remember - you do NOT have to own a HAA Council telescope to attend these events. You Chair Ann Tekatch will find that everyone who owns a Second Chair Doug Welch telescope will be happy to share the Honorary Chair Jim Winger view. Secretary Juliana Light Treasurer Barbara Wight I went to the trouble of getting Education Dir. Grant Dixon permission to reprint some material Obs. Dir Charles Baetsen from the Sky and Telescope WEB Editor Stewart Attlesey pages but thanks to everyone who has Recorder Nina Snaith written articles this month there was no Membership Dir Rosa Assalone HAJA Coord Raechel Carson Councillors Patricia Baetesen Chair's Report Denise Kaisler Patricia Marsh t last, summer is here and with called if an observing session is planned Les Nagy it, star party season! There are that evening (usually Friday or Rob Roy several local star parties and Saturday nights nearest new moon). Bill Tekatch you'll find information on them inside this month's Event Horizon. Finally, I'd like to thank Barb Wight and Brian Wice for representing There are no general meetings in us in the June 1st. Climbathon to help July or August, but our junior group, raise money for the Saltfleet High HAJA, will continue to meet through School observatory and Participation the summer thanks to Rosa and Nina. House. They both climbed 600 stairs Of course, observing at Binbrook and lived to brag about it. We're Conservation Area or the Flying Tigers' impressed! field near York will continue as well. If you're interested in observing with your Have a great summer, keep in fellow HAA-ers, make sure you get touch and keep looking up! your name and phone number on the observer list. Those on the list will be Ann Tekatch 575-5433 Event Horizon - Hamilton Amateur Astronomers Page 3 (according to the Summer's Astrohighlights Farmers' Almanac) ave you ever looked at the Date Time Event daily entries for each month in a Farmers' Almanac? The June 5 12:39 am Rasalhague crosses meridian astronomical events are still listed in the same manner as they were when these 11 9:28 pm Zubenelgenubi crosses meridian alamanacs were first published two centuries ago. 12 3:10 am Job's Coffin crosses meridian Some of the quaint star and 20 9:23 pm Summer Solstice constellation names are enormously 30 11:58 pm "Blue" Moon amusing, especially in a day and age when most stellar objects are described July 3 Dog Days begin by their letters, numbers or co- ordinates. Once you look at star names 9 11:53 pm "Teapot" crosses meridian carefully and learn to pronounce them, they just roll off the tongue. It's nice to 10 1:00 am Berenices Hair sets have this modern astronomical connection to such beautiful-sounding 12 2:37 am Moon nearly hides Venus - spectacular! names from the ancient past. 19 10:00 pm Dragon's Head crosses meridian Listed here is a selection of 21 12:45 am Dschubba sets 'important' summer astroevents which you should be aware of, according to Aug 10 2:06 am Milk Maid's Dipper sets the Farmers' Almanac. 11 Dog Days end - Meteorites... if clear tonight! Rob Roy a5817394@mcmail.cis. mcmaster.ca 16 11:19 pm Shaula sets 29 9:43 pm Seven Sisters rise Algonquin ... (Continued from page 1) ranges, a microwave, 'industrial' fridges Come spend an evening out of Murphy" decides to make an & freezers, pots, pans, assorted this world! The Hamilton appearance. utensils, and tableware. Anything and Amateur Junior Astronomers everything one would need or desire to (HAJA is a part of the Hamilton The site for our ASQ is on the produce any gastronomic delight from a Amateur Astronomers) will be holding shores of Lake Traverse deep in the hot-dog to a full course Sunday dinner an activity night entitled: north-eastern part of Algonquin Park. for 42 ravenous loggers! There is, "Light: An Astronomical Tool" (45 deg 57' 31.3" N / 78 deg 57' 27.8" however, no food provided beyond a W t o b e p r e c i s e ! ) T h e few staples that are largely of a The activity night for children accommodations are centred in a communal nature!! aged 12 and under will be held in Room comfortable, modern lodge originally B148, Burke Science Building, built and equipped to house about 42 Sooooo... everyone should McMaster University (the room beside visiting scientists and support bring enough supplies in a quantity and the W. J. McCallion Planetarium), personnel. It is situated in a picturesque type to suit your taste and appetite and between 7:00 and 8:30 p.m. on bay with wall to wall living & dining we can all fend for ourselves. I am Tuesday, June 18th, 1996. room windows overlooking the lake. suggesting that we deviate from this on There are two large multi-unit showers Saturday evening when we all gather Members and non-members and toilet rooms and two private 4 piece for a communal pot luck dinner. If you welcome.For more information, phone bathrooms available. Food preparation wish to participate in this, each adult Rosa Assalone (540-8793). revolves around a very well equipped should bring along a dish that would 'commercial' kitchen that includes two (Continued on page 5) Event Horizon - Hamilton Amateur Astronomers Page 4 What's in a Name? ur Club's name is informative, For 100 points, which club Galaxies or even political heavies in the correct, serviceable. And yet ... names seem more imaginative? club. Some things are just mysteries for now. I was innocently perusing Sky I assume Zubenelakrab is a Magazine's list of 78 Astronomy Clubs star I don't know about (there are sure But returning to our DEEPEST across Canada when suddenly ... I an awful lot of those). Oh wait, looks PROBLEM, what can we do? We discovered our DEEPEST REAL like Zuben Akrabi (Claw of the already got all those sweatshirts made PROBLEM! Canada, except for Scorpion), Gamma Scorpii. And up -and they look GREAT - so there's Quebec, is being held captive by an according to an unnamed source, Al no turning back now. Maybe we could utter and total lack of imagination. Mucantar means "the one who has have amazing names for just our special Deux Solitudes Batman! Just regardez weight". This could refer to most groups, the Telescope Makers, the tabular data: known particles, but maybe it's Cosmologists, CCD Enthusiasts and so on? Vancouver Centre /RASC Zubenelakrab ( Plessisville ) Any suggestions out there? Newbie ( actually Doug Black ) Regina Centre /RASC Les Almucantars ( Rouyn-Noranda ) Toronto Centre /RASC Les Vagabonds du ciel de Lanaudiere Hamilton Centre /RASC Club d'astronomie Pegase Hamilton Amateur Astronomers Club d'astronomie Jupiter, etc ... UFOs ... (Continued from page 1) object did not look so obviously like a For those of you that still find pictures are just lights, but some such as hat, a thread spool appears to have been UFOs absolutely fascinating, you could the one shown here that I call hat & attached to the top of it. UFO indeed! subscribe to the Canadian UFO balloons, show some detail. This is Newsletter, 4534 Queen St., Unit 3, from a 1954 home movie by Mr. John There were two UFO sightings Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada L2E Sheets while on a camping trip at Lost in the Hamilton area on March 18, 2L5. Creek, California. The computer can be 1975. Patric McCarthy photographed used to process the pictures in detail the UFO from an abandoned quarry in The truth is out there. and bring out features that would Waterdown at 1:30 p.m. that day. He normally not be seen. In this case as I described it as a massive circular Bill Tekatch (905) 575-5433 object. a7503934@mcmail.cis.mcmaster.ca Another anonymous photographer took a picture of the object from near Hamilton. Processing of the image reveals two "legs" poking from the bottom centre of the object. My conclusion taking into account that both photographers pictures show the same skewed top, is that it is a kite or kite-balloon combination, and that both witnesses were working together. What followed the object I noticed that some do you think? lines came from the edges and the two dark objects at the bottom of the object. My friend Al pictured here Then I realised that the dark objects catching forty winks leaning against a were balloons held under a woman's wall, concurs with me completely. He large floppy brim hat. So that the has been following the UFO thing for years and thinks that it's hooey. Al Event Horizon - Hamilton Amateur Astronomers Page 5 Algonquin ... (Continued from page 3) with finder. Just for fun!! (I'm sure watch out for moose, deer, elk, bear, have portions enough for about 4-6 we'll figure out some use for it while and the dreaded logging trucks people. Don't ask (ASQ?) me "What we're there) especially on curves and hills. Take course?" ... this caution seriously, there are a LOT Let's make it a REAL pot luck dinner! of these creatures about in this section "The accommodations are centred in a of the park! Leave yourself 1 1/2 hours There is NO electricity at the comfortable, modern lodge originally to cover this stretch of the journey! viewing site, which will be a few built and equipped to house about 42 About 25 km in, you'll pass by the park hundred metres from the lodge to avoid visiting scientists and support entrance. As a courtesy, one of your any lighting from activ ities at that personnel." group should stop here and let the building. If we are the only ones there officials know that you are a guest at (and we may be) we could institute a the Observatory for the weekend. After 'no lights' policy and view 'from our Perhaps the most valuable of another 50 km or so, you'll come upon a own backyard'. Nice thought, but, we facilities is the library. This is the flashing amber light at ISTS's won't know if it's possible 'till we largest collection of scientific material Algonquin Space Complex sign. Turn arrive. Please leave your pets (and on astronomy I've come across - full of right to go to the lodge or left to go to stereos!) at home. There are a number books, papers, journals, references, and the radiotelescope. of red foxes yes, there are many years of Sky 'n' Tel that have become accustomed to lodge and Astronomy magazines too! It's Kilometre markers along the living and will be seen on the lawns day readily apparent that this was, at one Achray Rd. will let you know your or night. While still a little cautious, time, Canada's primo astronomical field progress. Be sure to fill up at they are tame enough to eat from your research facility. I swear, when you're Pembroke! The next gas is 150 km hand if you are patient. My dog, alone and all is quiet in the library, you away (a.k.a. the place you just filled up Mieko, would definitely not stand for can still hear the debates, challenges, at!!) any of this nonsense! She'll be and audible truth seeking that formed enjoying her weekend at home. the cornerstones of our knowledge of What else to bring: the cosmos today. They had to One should bring a sleeping imagine, and then prove that same In addition to the above food bag or blankets and a pillowcase. knowledge that we acquire by merely supplies, beverages, bedding, and, of Rooms are typically furnished with two reading or viewing. All that has come course your astro-stuff, you'll need a twin beds with pillows and (I think...) a to an end now here, as did research towel, shampoo, soap, and personal top sheet, a couple of dressers and funding just prior to the silence. items. If you plan to be awake at all chairs, and a closet in a manner akin to However, the beautifully dark skies and during daytime, bring a bathing suit, a motel room. There is a satellite picturesque setting remain ours to and SUNSCREEN. I use #45, unless I receiver and TV/VCR setup in the experience and enjoy... for the can find higher! July tends to be pretty communal living room as well as a moment!! tame for bugs except for mosquitoes in console stereo, and get this!... a the bush and for about Celestron C8 on a Super Polaris mount Directions: an hour after dusk. However, how go the rains, so go the bugs!! If Mother ARO is located on Lake Nature sees fit she can conjure up a Traverse in the NE corner of Algonquin whole mess of blackflies ( they're not Park Make your way to Pembroke on nocturnal... phew!) and other aerial Did You Hwy #17. Gas up opposite the Best carnivores as late as October. Soooo... Western, then proceed north on #17 bring along a good repellent - Know That... about 8 more km until you see a sign something with "DEET" in it, and some for Petawawa. Turn left onto this road, "afterbite" lotion, just in case.. I hear ue to their proper motions, which is County Rd. #26 ( not right into that Mr. Murphy and Ma Nature are an s t a r s c a n c h a n g e Petawawa). Go only about 100 metres item! constellations? The last or so to the Achray Rd. (a.k.a. County ( NB: Skin So Soft is useless as a occurred in 1992 when Rho Aquilae Rd. #28) and turn right. Follow this repellent!) became a Delphinus star. The next road for 75 kilometres to ARO. After 7 constellation switch of a prominent star or 8 km it becomes a gravel road but is What else to do: won't occur until the year 2400, when wide and usually well graded. Speeds If you have a canoe, or similar Gamma Caeli enters Columba. of 70 km per hr. are attainable but (Continued on page 8) Rob Roy Event Horizon - Hamilton Amateur Astronomers Page 6 mall, but select, was the group The latest decision regarding discovered on March 7, 1973 by Dr. gathered for the May meeting the junior astronomers is that we will Lubos Kohoutek from Hamburg of the Hamilton Amateur break with tradition and continue to run Observatory, was expected to become Junior Astronomers. Perhaps it was the HAJA throughout the summer. We brilliant, but failed to do so; it was not astonishingly fine weather which kept have had solemn assurances from easy to see with the naked eye. It may families outdoors (although since it was several parents that their children will do better at its next return, which is due too light to observe until after the attend these meetings (and the around the year ad 75,000! meeting, I've no idea WHAT they could punishment will be severe if they back 3) True. The particles from the Sun have been doing!), but whatever the out) but we don't want to be cascade down into the Earth's upper air reason, only the most dedicated turned disappointed by minimal attendance, so and cause the lovely glows. Because up to learn about Jupiter, Saturn and mark the third Tuesday of each month they are electrified, the particles are Uranus. Amongst the bunch, however, on the calendar and gather together attracted to the magnetic poles, which we had Miranda Botts, the namesake of some children to come and have some is why aurorae are best seen from high the littlest of Uranus' five best-known FUN!! latitudes - though it must be added that moons - a very appropriate participant. the whole process is rather more The dates and topics for the complicated than used to be thought. summer of '96 are as follows: 4) It carried an X-ray telescope, "The latest decision regarding UHURU was the first really successful June 18th X-ray satellite, and detected 160 the junior astronomers is that 'Light: an Astronomical Tool' discrete sources - many of them in our we will break with tradition and Galaxy, but also some in external continue to run HAJA July 16th systems. throughout the summer." 'Supernovae: Explosions in Space' 5) Escape velocity is the initial velocity which would have to be given The most noteworthy point August 20th to a body escaping from the about Tuesday's meeting was that it 'Black Holes: The Monster at the Centre gravitational pull of a larger body. For marked Rosa's debut as the official of the Galaxy' the Earth it is 7 miles per second. Thus HAJA coordinator. After losing if a rocket (or any other object) is sent Raechel to London, Ontario (where she Nina Snaith upward from the Earth at a speed of 7 is no doubt hard at work initiating u9207912@muss.cis.mcmaster.ca Miles per second, it will never return; if L A A - t h e L o n d o n A m a t e u r it is given a lower initial velocity it will Astronomers), Rosa generously offered not be able to break free from the to take her place. She had a lot to live Earth's gravitational pull. up to, but she did an excellent job. The 6) False. Forbidden lines are meeting was great! Congrats, Rosa! spectral lines which do not show up The evening went off without a hitch under normal terrestrial conditions, but and the children (and parents) present can be seen in the spectra of some had a chance to learn about the cloud celestial objects, where conditions are layers on Jupiter, helium precipitation very different. in Saturn and the strange seasons on ell, another year is at a close Uranus, as well as the edifying fact that for the summer. I've made my Enjoy your summer holidays and molasses dissolves better in hot water travel arrangements and will get in as much observing as you can. than in cold. be returning home to visit the family. The nights are short, don't waste them. You know how it is. My IcePac which I'll see you in the fall with more The next meeting of HAJA I received for Christmas should travel tantalizing questions. Until then, take will, I am sure, be another great well for the trip. I hope it will work on care of yourselves and keep asking success. The topic is 'Light: an IO. questions. Astronomical Tool' and the meeting is on June 18th at 7:00pm in McMaster's 1) True. The interval between Io, Keeper of the Flame Burke Science Building, Room B148. successive new moons is 29 1/2 days, Jupiter Co-ordinator R o u n d u p c h i l d r e n i n y o u r and there are only 28 days in neighbourhood and bring them along! February - 29 in leap years - so that there may be no full moon or no new moon during the month. 2) False. Kohoutek's Comet, Event Horizon - Hamilton Amateur Astronomers Page 7 Third Annual HAA Summer Star Party - June 21-23 nce again, we'll be hosting a flush toilets. There are no cooking Turn right (east) onto highway #9 just weekend of observing at the facilities at the field other than a fire before Arthur. Turn right (south) onto York Soaring Association's pit. If you plan on using a fire to cook, Concession 5-6 Road. The York glider field near Arthur, Ontario. make sure you bring firewood and a Soaring Association is on Concession Weather permitting, we'll be observing cooking grill. 5-6 Road. Their laneway (which is from the glider runway on Friday and quite long) makes a right turn at an old Saturday nights. farm house & barn. Before you get to these buildings and the turn, there is an During the day, there are no formal old garage on your left. The driveway plans. If it's clear and sunny, I expect into the camping area is along the east there will be solar observing. We'll also side of this garage. be watching the planes, going for glider rides ($35 each) or just hanging out and Our star party is weather- telling lies about the NGC objects we've dependent. If the weekend forecast for seen! June 21-23 is lousy, (i.e. rain is predicted for the whole weekend), the star party will, of course, be cancelled. If you don't like camping, but want The decision to cancel will be made at "We'll also be watching the planes, to join us for evening observing, there's 3:00 p.m. Friday afternoon. Call me if going for glider rides ($35 each) or just no charge to enter the glider field. It's you want to be sure. hanging out and telling lies about the only 1.5 hours to the York Soaring NGC objects we've seen!" Association from Hamilton. Hope to see everyone there! The cost for camping is $2. per Ann Tekatch 575-5433 night per site. There is no hydro To reach the York Soaring available for camping or for powering Association from Hamilton: head north telescopes. There are hot showers and on highway #6 past Guelph and Fergus. Event Horizon - Hamilton Amateur Astronomers Page 8 Algonquin ... ASQ 96 (Continued from page 5) c/o 196 Homewood Ave., craft, you'll kick yourself for not Since this is the first time for Hamilton, ON, Canada, bringing it when you see the next bit! this event, I'm looking forward to L8P-2M5 ALL of the Great Lakes ( then Lake 'casing the joint' with fellow amateur Algonquin, and far bigger!) used to astronomers in tow. I've looked the site For more details please contact flow through the "Fossmill Outlet" and over by myself and have a few ideas as Tony Wallace @: cut the 300 foot deep canyon through to what viewing arrangements would which flows the present day Baron work best, but then, I'm a relative residence newcomer to this madness. I would (905) 526-6154 evenings & wkends "There's the 150 ft. diameter welcome your suggestions and business radiotelescope dish as well as opinions. If we're able to get things (905) 521-2100, x4416 weekdays work out well, I could see this other smaller, but, still large becoming an annual pilgrimage. dish antennas." FAX (905) 521-4964 How to register: River. It is now calm, deep and one of e-mail the most unique, beautiful, and Costs for use of the facility are wallacet@fhs.mcmaster.ca inspiring places in the Park. It's an easy $24 per person per night to cover wallacet@ihis.cmh.on.ca access and a half day's meander through accommodations and, while everyone is wallacet@fhs.csu.mcmaster.ca the canyon to the next access point. expected to keep things reasonably tidy, ( add an hour for a picnic!) Both it will also go to cover the expenses my accesses are on the Achray Rd. For the wife and I encounter in clean-ups confirmed landlubber, there's an easy before and after our event. trail to hike along the highest and most spectacular section. Heck! It's so Please register by June 21,'96 impressive, that when the canoeists so that ISTS can be notified of have done their trip... they hike it too! attendance. Registration is limited to 40 people maximum. Comp lete the Right around the complex, form below and mail it to: there are neat places to explore too. There's the 150 ft. diameter :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-::-:-:-:-:- Detach and mail -:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:- radiotelescope dish as well as other smaller, but, still large dish antennas . Name:_____________________________________________________________ The 32 dish solar array is a particularly interesting piece of "astrotech" to Street:___________________________________ wander through. Apt/unit: ____________________ If that's not your cup o' tea, then just relax with a glass of wine and City: __________________________________Prov/State: ____________________ read your favourite sci-fi or play munchies with the fo xes. You'll love it! Country: __________________________Postal/Zip Code:____________________ Tel: (______) ________ - ___________FAX:(______) ________ - ___________ For Sale e-mail address: _______________________@ ____________________________ lympus Zuiko lens, 85mm, f/2 #in party _____ X # of nights _____ X $24 Cdn/$20 US per night = $________ in excellent condition $265 CDN shipped to you (these usually sell for $275 US!) Please remit total amount or 50% deposit in cheque or Money order (do not send cash) by June 21, '96 to: For details call Rob Roy at (905)692-3245, or e-mail ASQ 96, c/o 196 Homewood Ave., Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8P-2M5 a5817394@mcmail.cis.mcmaster.ca Event Horizon - Hamilton Amateur Astronomers Page 9 July/August Night Sky Event Horizon - Hamilton Amateur Astronomers Page 10 Congratulations to Nina Snaith! received a forwarded message announcing that the HAA's very own Nina Snaith has won the Governor General's Medal as the top graduating student at McMaster. I'm sure you'll all join me in congratulating Nina and wishing her continued success in her studies! Way to go, Nina. You make us proud to know you! Ann Tekatch CALENDAR OF Sat. June 15 7:00pm COLLIMATION WORKSHOP at Binbrook Conservation Area. Contact Les Nagy lnagy@netaccess.on.ca or Charles Baetsen, 524-0148 or charlesb@abelcomputers.com for more details. Tue. June 18, 1996 7:00 PM HAMILTON AMATEUR JUNIOR ASTRONOMERS - Mac Burke Science Building, Rm B148 (beside the planetarium) The topic will be "Light: An Astronomical Tool." June 21, 22 and 23 HAMILTON AMATEUR ASTRONOMERS.STAR PARTY - York Soaring Association airfield near Arthur, Ontario. Contact Ann Tekatch for more details July 12, 13, 19 or 20 9:00 PM BINBROOK OBSERVING SESSION - On the first clear date. Contact Charles Baetsen (524-0148 or charlesb@abelcomputers.com) for more details. For more information contact Rosa Assalone at 540-8793 Mon. July 15, 1996 11:59 PM EVENT HORIZON DEADLINE - Please submit your articles and pictures to Stewart Attlesey, stewart@io.org or modem (905)827-9105 or snail mail to 1317 Mapleridge Cres., Oakville, L6M 2G8 Tue. July 16, 1996 7:00 PM HAMILTON AMATEUR JUNIOR ASTRONOMERS - Mac Burke Science Building, Rm B148 (beside the planetarium) The topic will be "Supernovae: Explosions in Space." For more information contact Rosa Assalone at 540-8793 August 9-11 STARFEST - Held at River Place near Mount Forest, Ontario WEBSITE: http://www.unicom.org/~nyaa/starfest/starfest.htm CONTACT: Andreas Gada, MAIN SPEAKERS: Claude Nicollier (an astronaut with the ESA), Terence Dickinson, Jack Newton and Don Parker August 9-11 STELLAFANE - North America's oldest starparty. Held in Springville, VT. WEBSITE: http://stellafane.com/~stell/stelfane.htm CONTACT: Tom Spirock (tjs2481@megahertz.njit.edu) MAIN SPEAKER: John Dobson (creator of the famous Dobsonian mount) will be giving a talk this year! August 16 or 17 9:00 PM BINBROOK OBSERVING SESSION - On the first clear date. Contact Charles Baetsen (524-0148 or charlesb@abelcomputers.com) for more details. Tue. August 20, 1996 7:00 PM HAMILTON AMATEUR JUNIOR ASTRONOMERS - Mac Burke Science Building, Rm B148 (beside the planetarium) The topic will be "Black Holes: The Monster in the Centre of the Galaxy." For more information contact Rosa Assalone at 540-8793 Event Horizon - Hamilton Amateur Astronomers