EDUCATION/EXPLORATION/RECREATION

January 2nd 2024 “Astro-biology”

Speaker: Joshua Abbatiello

Topic: Astro-biology from its beginnings as a field to current.

Bio: Josh Abbatiello has a Bachelor’s of Science in geology and is currently a PhD. Candidate (geology as well) at the University of South Florida. In the broadest sense, (he says) he is a biogeochemist. He uses techniques of biology, geology, and chemistry to understand the element phosphorus. He studies how phosphorus pertains to the origin of the earliest molecules billions of years ago and its immense importance to us today. He also relates that information to determining potential for life on other planets.

Format: ZOOM Presentation (not recorded)

December 5th WVAC Holiday Party

WVAC Holiday Party

Where: Beardsley Recreation Center
               12755 W Beardsley Rd

                Sun City West, AZ 85375
               #1 Chicory Room

                Click Here for Directions

When: December 5th 2023

Time:  6:00pm – 8:00pm

Members only plus guests (Not open to the public)

Food and Refreshments:

This year we’re asking members to bring an Appetizer and/or Desserts.

Club will provide Coffee, Tea, Water, plates and plasticware.    

                                                               

Activities:

Membership RENEWAL

Election

Website Presentation

Solar Telescope Proposal  <<- Approved for purchase by the membership at large

Swap Meet/Yard Sale

                (Only Astronomy related items, No Weed-eaters)

                 Sellers please donate $5.00 to the club to sell their wares

September 5th “Astroimages”

Sept 5th

Speaker: Tom Polakis

Topic: Astroimages: More Than Just Pretty Pictures

Description: Astronomical imaging has made great strides in the past decade alone. Often, the emphasis is placed on the sharpness of stars and the trueness of colors. But is that all there is to see? In his presentation, Tom dug deeper into his images and videos to show such features as the influence of the earth’s atmosphere, effects of geometry and perspective, and distances and velocities, typically using no more than high school-level math. Pictures really are worth a thousand words.

Bio: Tom Polakis has been an active amateur astronomer for 45 years, during which has seen Saturn circle the sun 1 1/2 times. His main interests involve visual observing of all astronomical phenomena, and imaging of the same with equipment ranging from a phone to a backyard observatory. He has a particular interest in describing the universe as an ever-changing entity. His writing and photography have regularly appeared in magazines such as “Astronomy” and “Sky & Telescope,” and more recently has been an author or co-author in refereed astronomical publications.

Click Here for a recording of the same presentation at the East Valley Astronomy Club.

The links below are refereed to by Tom in his presentation:

Past Meeting Presentations

Listed below are many of the outstanding presentations made by experts in the field at our past club meetings. Some of these were recorded; the video links to the presentations are provided, Where available, links are provided to the bios of the presenters.

WV by Paul Satkowski 2 7 2033 DSC_7457_01
2022-12-06 Meeting 3
2022-12-06 Meeting 4
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By Paul Satkowski 3 7 2033 DSC_7424_01
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WVAC Club Meetings

Our meetings feature great Guest Speakers – distinguished astronomers, including staff astronomers from various observatories and professional astronomers at universities. A range of topics in space-science, astronomy and astrophysics are covered at the meetings and include discussion of technologies involved – cameras, spectroscopy and other instrumentation.

The agenda often has show-and-tell presentations by club members or small workshops, and normally includes updates on club activities and announcements. Coffee and cookies are available, and we generally have door prizes and a 50/50 Raffle.

We meet nine times a year from September to May. General Meetings are held first Tuesday of the month unless indicated (*).

We welcome all visitors.  If you enjoy the program we ask that you show your appreciation by contributing monetarily or by becoming a member.

Upcoming Meetings and Speaker Schedule

The Astroimaging Group within WVAC will meet before each scheduled meeting from 5:30 – 6:30.

Meeting Location

Beardsley Recreation Center
12755 W Beardsley Rd, Sun City West, AZ 85375
Agave Room
Click Here for Directions