September 2010

Social Networking for Astronomers

Social Networking for Astronomers

 

By Bill Pellerin

Houston Astronomical Society

GuideStar Editor

 

You think that social networking on the Internet is only used by those who want to chit-chat about what they had for breakfast? Think again. Social networking covers a lot of ground and there is plenty of material that is of interest to astronomers. Think of this as a new mode of communications. We’ve had web sites and email for a while, but these communications capabilities allow astronomers, and others, to communicate with large groups of people in near real time.

 

A lot of astronomy clubs, including my home club – the Houston Astronomical Society, are working on attracting new members and are taking advantage of as many communication avenues as possible, including social networks. Professional observatories, working on public outreach as part of their mission, are also using social networking as a tool to communicate with other professionals and with the public.

 

These are great times for astronomy enthusiasts who want to keep up with what’s going on. The problem may be that there is too much information coming our way. You have to be selective about what you pay attention to. If you are a lunar and planetary observer, information on that subject may get your attention. If you are a double star observer, you will pay attention to information on that subject.

 

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Guy Ottewell’s 2011 Astronomical Calendar

The 2011 Astronomical Calendar: 

Specially priced for League members

 

The Astronomical League is pleased to announce a special offer for our members from the Universal Workshop, the producers of Guy Ottewell’s popular Astronomical Calendar. They are making the 2011 edition of the Astronomical Calendar available at a discounted price. There are plenty of good reasons why it has been published for over thirty years. The 2011 edition will not disappoint!

 

Packed throughout its 84 pages are monthly sky charts; daily celestial highlights; charts, tables, and explanations of planetary movements; eclipse times and paths; and lunar occultation specifics. There are extensive descriptions of the year’s meteor showers and periodic comets, as well. This calendar tells, in clear language, what events occur and when they happen.

 

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