AWB @ NEAF
Our president, Mike Simmons represented Astronomers Without Borders at NEAF this year held in New York. He manned our booth and spread the word about our international outreach. Here's his report:
"The Northeast Astronomy Forum (NEAF), was held in northern New York, and was the highlight of the year for the astronomy industry. The big companies display their wares alongside small vendors that serve every niche in the hobby of astronomy. AWB was there once again with a booth and the AWB OneSky telescope on display, and more, thanks to Planewave Instruments who is generously shipping materials and equipment for AWB to the shows we both attend. The booth was managed again this year by volunteer Joan Chamberlin and feedback was great. For vendors, magazines, organizations, and especially amateur astronomers looking for bargains and new gear, this quiet area of New York state was once again the center of the universe for a weekend."
Mike In Brazil
Our president, Mike Simmons visited friends in Brazil during GAM 2015 representing Astronomers Without Borders. Here's a report of his trip.
"It was a pleasure to attend the International Meeting of Astronomy and Astronautics in Campos dos Goytacezes, Brazil this April after a three-year absence. As always, Marcelo Souza organized a great program attended by mostly students in the small city, with the help of eager young volunteers. There were several other international guests including Patrick Miller of the International Astronomical Search Campaign (IASC), the indefatigable Stephen Ramsden of the pioneering outreach organization Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project, Pedro Re whose solar images are amongst the world's best, and Anousheh Ansari, AWB Board Member and the first Iranian in space. It was three days of great engagement with the students and other guests with fun social events and the always invigorating Brazilian culture.
Melanie King - Largest Ever Cyanotype
This week Melanie King features her work with cyanotype, when the paper is exposed to ultraviolet light (usually from the Sun), a chemical reaction takes place resulting in an insoluble blue dye know as "prussian blue".
Using the same technique, she created the largest cyanotype measuring 10 x 6 metres!
The aim of Melanie's artwork "intends to remind the viewer of the interconnectedness between the individual and the universe as a whole". Explore her work at our AstroArtist Blog.
Melanie King - AstroArtist of the Month
Melanie King is our AstroArtist of the month. She's an artist that look at the histories of photography and astronomy and sees parallels between since the 19th Century. She asked, "did the study of light by polymath inventors (Herschel, Talbot, Daguerre, Maxwell) in the field of astronomy contribute to the invention of the photograph and how is the study of light currently being used to find out more about our universe and dark matter?" Her interesting artwork explores our cultural past through photography and how important astronomical events have influenced our population.
"My artwork intends to remind the viewer of the interconnectedness between the individual and the universe as a whole."
Night Sky Diorama - AstroCraft
Kathleen Horner has created a beautiful way that you can celebrate and learn about how important dark skies. It has become more and more difficult to find a dark sky to watch the skies, and during Global Astronomy Month and International Year of Light, this craft will show you ways in which you can revisit The Night Sky.
This 3D to scale representation of a front yard shows different ways that urban areas can utilize easy solutions to preserve the dark sky. In Kathleen's instructions, she encourages you to add any other backdrop, whether it is a field, mountains, or even a downtown street, this diorama will teach you proper ways to shield bulbs and lower the brightness of street lights to let the stars shine.
Check out this new AstroCraft and share on any one of our social media outlets!
