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TO BE ANNOUNCED
YCSP 2023 Speakers
volunteers requested
Speakers schedule 2023 to be determined... usually Saturday from 1pm to 4:30
WELCOME TO 2023 YORK COUNTY STAR PARTY, FROM PHIL AND THE CREW
2 0 1 7 S P E A K E R S:

Lou Mayo-- Planetary Scientist and Professor of Astronomy at Marymount University:
Eclipse 2017 - Through the Eyes of NASA
NASA, in partnership with Google, Girl Scouts USA, the American Parks Network, American Astronomical Society, the Astronomical League and many other science and education groups around the country, has launched a massive international "Big Event" around the August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse to bring the excitement and the science of this wondrous celestial event to formal and informal audiences in the US and around the world.
This talk will outline the resources, science, public involvement, and media programming being brought to bear on the eclipse and will highlight the involvement of NASA's unique space assets.
Eclipse 2017 - Through the Eyes of NASA
NASA, in partnership with Google, Girl Scouts USA, the American Parks Network, American Astronomical Society, the Astronomical League and many other science and education groups around the country, has launched a massive international "Big Event" around the August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse to bring the excitement and the science of this wondrous celestial event to formal and informal audiences in the US and around the world.
This talk will outline the resources, science, public involvement, and media programming being brought to bear on the eclipse and will highlight the involvement of NASA's unique space assets.

Dr. Jerry Krassner, Consultant
Dr. Krassner has almost 40 years of experience in the aerospace community, much of it focused on space science. He has a PhD in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Rochester, where his research centered on understanding star formation regions. He has used many of the leading telescopes of the day, including the NRAO VLA and 300’ telescopes, various infrared telescopes at Kitt Peak and Mt Lemmon Observatories, and all of the NASA airborne observatories (having most recently flown on the SOFIA 747). For his day job, Dr. Krassner is a consultant to government and industry on the applications of advanced technology to issues of national security. Most recently, he has embarked on a quest involving amateur astrophotography- a task certain to lead to untold frustrations.
NOTE: Dr. Krassner was kind enough to offer to do 2 talks, timing will be flexible. IF we have a cloudy night (rare in there parts) we may be able to hear one of these talks at that time.
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Synopsis: Introduction to Satellite Tracking
Dr. Krassner will provide a practical overview of how to track manmade satellites with a telescope. This talk will describe satellite orbits, imaging, tracking, and similar tasks without presupposing prior experience. An overview of COTS software will be discussed. Examples from Dr. Krassner’s satellite photos (some planned, some fortuitous) will be used to demonstrate the basic principles. If you think your sky is too bright for tracking satellites, come hear about Iridium flares. The ability to tell up from down (or even better, north from south) will be helpful, but no orbital dynamics mathematics will be required- this will be a basic discussion for beginners.
Synopsis- Three Generations of Airborne Astronomy- History and Personal Recollections
Dr. Krassner will provide a history of the NASA airborne astronomy program, the types of science performed, the various telescopes involved and how they were used, based on his personal involvement spanning 40 years. In addition to describing the programs, he will give a sense of what happens when you jaywalk in front of a large USMC sentry with a big gun, the experiences of a lowly graduate student drafted to be a shipping clerk, being leak-tested with a large group of Navy aviators, and similar anecdotes that will provide a “you are there” feeling without losing a full night’s sleep.
Dr. Krassner has almost 40 years of experience in the aerospace community, much of it focused on space science. He has a PhD in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Rochester, where his research centered on understanding star formation regions. He has used many of the leading telescopes of the day, including the NRAO VLA and 300’ telescopes, various infrared telescopes at Kitt Peak and Mt Lemmon Observatories, and all of the NASA airborne observatories (having most recently flown on the SOFIA 747). For his day job, Dr. Krassner is a consultant to government and industry on the applications of advanced technology to issues of national security. Most recently, he has embarked on a quest involving amateur astrophotography- a task certain to lead to untold frustrations.
NOTE: Dr. Krassner was kind enough to offer to do 2 talks, timing will be flexible. IF we have a cloudy night (rare in there parts) we may be able to hear one of these talks at that time.
======================================
Synopsis: Introduction to Satellite Tracking
Dr. Krassner will provide a practical overview of how to track manmade satellites with a telescope. This talk will describe satellite orbits, imaging, tracking, and similar tasks without presupposing prior experience. An overview of COTS software will be discussed. Examples from Dr. Krassner’s satellite photos (some planned, some fortuitous) will be used to demonstrate the basic principles. If you think your sky is too bright for tracking satellites, come hear about Iridium flares. The ability to tell up from down (or even better, north from south) will be helpful, but no orbital dynamics mathematics will be required- this will be a basic discussion for beginners.
Synopsis- Three Generations of Airborne Astronomy- History and Personal Recollections
Dr. Krassner will provide a history of the NASA airborne astronomy program, the types of science performed, the various telescopes involved and how they were used, based on his personal involvement spanning 40 years. In addition to describing the programs, he will give a sense of what happens when you jaywalk in front of a large USMC sentry with a big gun, the experiences of a lowly graduate student drafted to be a shipping clerk, being leak-tested with a large group of Navy aviators, and similar anecdotes that will provide a “you are there” feeling without losing a full night’s sleep.
Vendor talks--depending on time available.
These talks will be offered as time is available. They may be given before lunch.
Bill Price--The Solar Observers Group
The sun is a fascinating object, both visually and through imagery. With today’s worldwide network of solar telescopes and spacecraft, solar observation has never been easier. The Solar Observers Group disseminates interesting solar images and information to group members. Bill will share images, online resources, briefly cover equipment, and will extend an invitation to join the group. Bill Price is the moderator of the Solar Observers Group. He enjoys night time astronomy through a 12 inch dobsonian, solar observing with a 80mm Hydrogen Alpha refractor. He also designed the Auto Off modification unit for the Telrad finder. |
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