HYBRID – General Meeting – August 2024

Presentation 1:  Observing The Fall Sky

Mary Turner presents her popular seasonal talk about what to see in the summer night sky, as well as fascinating myths and facts about each object. Learn about bright planets, meteor showers, and all else accessible, to the naked eye, binoculars, and/or telescopes.

Bio: Dr. Mary Turner received her Ph.D in Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona (UA). She is currently the Technical Fellow in Optical Design for Edmund Optics, where she designs custom optical systems for a wide variety of applications, including camera systems, machine vision applications, free-space communications and other laser systems. Additionally. Dr. Turner is a lecturer for the University of California-Irvine, teaching courses in optical design. She also lectures at UA in various aspects of optical design, and has authored chapters in several technical references relating to the field of optical design.

Presentation 2: A History of the Grand Canyon Star Party

TAAA member Jim Knoll will review the history of the Grand Canyon Star Party, from its humble beginning by a dedicated member of the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA) to the premiere outreach event it is today. Grand Canyon National Park is a perfect location as a Dark Sky Park at 7,000 feet with incredible views of the Milky Way and the rest of our Universe. The Star Party is co-hosted by TAAA and the National Park Service. It is held annually in June, near the New Moon, and is free and open to everyone in the Park. We typically set up between 50 and 60 telescopes and provide daytime and nighttime observing over 8 days and nights, with around 125 volunteers. GCSP draws over 15,000 visitors yearly. The 2024 Star Party was the 34th in the series. The 35th Grand Canyon Star Party will be held June 21-28, 2025. Additional information: https://tucsonastronomy.org/upcoming-events/grand-canyon-star-party/.

Bio: Jim Knoll joined the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association in 2004. Since that time, he has been involved in many TAAA activities, particularly outreach events. He has been the School Program Coordinator, and is currently the Coordinator for Tucson Stargazing Adventures (paid star parties). Jim is also the Chiricahua Astronomy Complex Director, the Library Telescope Coordinator, and most recently assumed the role of Coordinator for the annual Grand Canyon Star Party (GCSP). As GCSP Coordinator, he oversees a planning team of several TAAA members to orchestrate the yearly event in conjunction with the National Park Service.

Caption: Over 1,200 visitors a night at GCSP, 2018 / Credit: Dean Ketelsen