AIC Presentation Links

Here is a LINK to the presentations at the recent Advanced Imaging Conference (AIC). Enjoy!
http://www.aicccd.com/archive/_2009_presentation_archive.html

October Meeting Highlights

I am sorry I missed this one, especially since I hear Jay and Eric did a great job with the presentations. Even with the new day and time, the meeting was well attended -- hoorah!

Thanks again to Andy for the great photos!

3RF Imaging Conference 09

The Three Rivers Foundation (3RF) is sponsoring an imaging conference in November at their Astronomy Campus and nearby Circle Bar Ranch.

If you have never made the drive out to the 3RF campus, you are missing out -- it is awesome! Great dark skies and fabulous accommodations.

Check out this brochure, then contact Jeff Barton for more details about making your reservation. But hurry, it is already half filled!

Jeff Barton is at:
jeffb_at_3rf.org

September meeting Highlights

Jeff Barton arrived early to conduct some Solar viewing for patrons of the library. Jeff stayed out there all afternoon (during the APSIG meeting -- thanks Jeff!















Jay Ballauer drew a nice crowd (especially for Labor Day weekend) for his presentation on Deep Sky imaging.

Jay proves that gesticulation and astrophotography go hand in hand
: )


Thanks Jay!

And a big thanks to Andy Cheng for the photos (more of Andy's pics from the meeting can be seen here http://www.flickr.com/photos/81068664@N00/sets/72157622287749568/

Solar Viewing at next APSIG Meeting!

Jeff Barton has agreed to organize a Solar Viewing event before the next APSIG meeting on Sept. 6 at the Timberglen Library. The viewing will begin around 1:00.

So come on out and see what the sun is up to (as hot as it's been, you KNOW it's up to something).

This event (and the following APSIG meeting) are both open to the public. Thanks to Jeff for organizing this!

(solar image by Bret Dahl)

August Meeting Highlights

For our first "real" meeting, we had a nice crowd of 18 folks who came to hear about imaging with a webcam and DSLR.



Bret Dahl did a great job presenting an overview of planetary imaging using a simple webcam to achieve outstanding images. He also showed-off his homemade cooler for his SCT -- reducing OTA cool down to about 20 minutes (instead of 2 hours)!

JOhn Davis discussed imaging with a DSLR and normal camera lenses using light, portable gear. He showed imaging examples using both with fixed tripods and simple tracking mounts. He also gave a brief demonstration of his AstroTrac rig.

Next, members David Pearson, Phil Jones, and JOhn showed some recent images and discussed their experiences.

Afterwards, a small contingent gathered at the local Mi Cocina for refreshing beverages -- bueno!

(special thanks to Andy Cheng for the photos)

APSIG Kicks-Off First Meeting

Its a bird! Its a plane! Its APSIG!!!

APSIG held its first meeting on July 12 at the Timberglen Branch Dallas Library. The dozen folks who showed had a meet and greet, kicked the tires on the new meeting venue, and plotted a course for the club's series of meetings. There was also a nifty "show & tell" of recent astrophotos by group members.

After the meeting, several members continued the fun at the nearby Mi Cocinas for cerveza and margaritas.

After the meeting, Jay Ellis volunteered to help co-lead the club with JOhn Davis -- three cheers for Jay!!! But we still need another volunteer to help coordinate outreach events at the Library. Any takers? Come on, don't be shy, you know you want to.

Also, a big thank you for Francisco and the Timberglen Branch for co-sponsoring APSIG and making us feel at home.

And finally, thanks to Dave Hutchison for taking the photos!