AU Events Events Calendar 

2008 Calendar of Events

Here are the AU events scheduled so far for May. Astronomy
Day is our big event of the year, so come out and help if
you can. To get the latest information on schedules, or
directions, just contact Chuck at 964-8201 or
macpuzl@west.net

Thursday, May 1, 8 PM
Telescopes at Westmont for Cate School students interested
in observing some Messier galaxies.

Friday, May 2, 7 PM
Monthly meeting in Farrand Hall at SBMNH. Start with a quick
planetarium show by Krissie, then hear a talk by Dr. Stuart
Taylor about extrasolar planets.

Saturday, May 3, setup 7:30 PM
Telescopes for campers at Refugio Beach State Park. We set up
in the day-use parking lot, at the west end.

Saturday, May 10, setup 9 AM
It's Astronomy Day, all day. We'll set up with solar scopes and
various astronomical displays during the day, have a scope clinic
by Palmer Observatory 7 to 8:30 PM, and then a Star Party from
8:30 to 10. Don't forget the free telescope (and other goodies)
raffle at 3 PM.

Friday, May 16, 8 PM
Telescopes for the monthly Public Telescope Night at Westmont
College, at Carroll Observatory, next to the Van Kampen dormitory.

Saturday, May 17, setup 7:30 PM
Telescopes for Los Padres National Forest Family Camp, at the
Paradise Campground Overflow along Paradise Road.

Monday, May 19, setup 8 PM
Telescopes for a group from Carpinteria Family School, camping
out at El Capitan State Beach, in the Portola group site.

Thursday, May 22, setup 7:30 PM
Telescopes for the galaxy lecture at SBMNH, outside the Museum's
front entrance. Many of us will be at RTMC in Big Bear, so if you
can make this event, please call Krissie at 682-4711 x173 or email
kcook@SBNATURE2.ORG

Here's the blurb for the lecture:

Unveiling a Supermassive Black Hole at the Center of Our Galaxy
with Dr. Andrea Ghez

Thursday, May 22
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

More than a quarter century ago, it was suggested that galaxies such 
as our own Milky Way may harbor massive, though possibly dormant, 
central black holes. Definitive proof, for or against, the existence 
of a massive central black hole lies in the assessment of the 
distribution of matter in the center of the Galaxy.  The motion of the 
stars in the vicinity of a black hole offers a way to determine this 
distribution.  Based on 10 years of high resolution imaging, Dr. 
Ghez's team has moved the case for a supermassive black hole at the 
Galactic Center from a possibility to a certainty. Additionally, 
spectroscopy has revealed that the stars orbiting in such close 
proximity are apparently massive and young; the origin of these stars 
is difficult to explain, given the strong tidal forces, and may 
provide key insight into the growth of the central black hole.

This lecture is sponsored by the Las Cumbres Observatory Global 
Telescope Network.

Cost: Members and students $8; non-members $10

Pre-sale tickets available starting May 15 at the Museum's admissions 
office.

Contact: For more information call 805-682-4711  ext. 173 or send an 
email to astro@sbnature2.org .


Friday, May 23 - Monday, May 26
Annual RTMC Astronomy Expo at Big Bear Lake. Hang out with 2000 or
so of your favorite amateur astronomers at 7000 feet.

Wednesday, May 28, setup 5:30 PM
Telescopes for Science Night at Adams School, off Las Positas by
Earl Warren Showgrounds.

Thursday, May 29, setup 8 PM
Telescopes for a group from Open Alternative School, at Sage Hill
campground across the river from the ranger headquarters on
Paradise Road.

Saturday, May 31, setup 8 PM
Telescopes for campers at Refugio Beach State Park. We set up
in the day-use parking lot, at the west end.