Shown at the left is John Hodge II, the 2008 National Young Astronomer Award winner who is giving the audience details of his project.  John created and analyzed light curves of catclysmic variable star systems. In the fall of 2005 he used a 12 inch Meade LX200 telescope and ST7 CCD camera to obtain his images. The following year he did a more detailed study using different stars and a more complex mathematical analysis.

His interest in astronomy was sparked by his father who is an amateur astronomer. He was participating in a magnet program at his high school which required a  detailed research project. He contacted Dr. Joseph Patterson at Columbia  University who suggested several ideas. He chose cataclysmic variable star systems after some inital research.

Christine Lee, The 2008 Jack Horkheimer Award winner,  is making a presentation about the “Galaxy Zoo” program at this years ALcon.  Christine is a volunteer for the Galaxy Zoo project which is classifying millions of galaxies obtained with Sloan Deep Sky Survey telescope. She  is a member of the Rose City Astronomers in Portland, Oregon. Christine is a very active club member who has made presentations about science, astrophysics, galaxies, and other science topics. She is currently grinding a 6 inch mirror at a club workshop.

She was initially interested in physics but after looking through some telescopes at Roster Rock State Park Star Party she became fascinated with astronomy. 

The Astroleague 2008 conference/expo is now in progress. Brian Butcher, president of the Des Moines Astronomical Society, welcomed participants to the conference this morning. 

Our enthusiastic thanks to the host committee whose many, many hours of work has produced a wonderful event. This years conference has three tracks giving participants a great set of topics and fascinating speakers from which to choose.

Last evening the Concil tour featured a visit to the Science Center of Iowa and a trip to the Drake Municipal Observatory.

Tonight the conference participants will be treated to a picnic dinner at the Ashton Observatory. The weather at the moment looks “iffy” but Brian has reassured us that  they have a large tent to protect from the rain.  Irregardless of the weather I’m sure everyone will have a great time! 

Update 7/19 – it stopped raining, the sky cleared, and the evening turned out to be beautiful.  The star picnic was a fun event and all present had a great time!