The Central Texas Astronomical Society, Inc., is a corporation organized under the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act. It is a membership organization having 125 members from throughout Central Texas. Membership is open to all persons interested in astronomy. The Society was organized seven years ago.

Mission

The mission of the Society is to support education and research, and promote public interest in astronomy. To that end, the Society conducts research and performs public service to schools and the general community concerning matters of astronomical interest. The Society is also connected, intellectually, with other national and international organizations. These organizations include The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (A.L.P.O.), the International Occultation Timing Association (I.O.T.A.), and the Astronomical League (AL). One of our Society members actually serves on the staff of the A.L.P.O., an organization that coordinates solar system research by amateurs. Additionally, Society members are in routine contact with other organizations, such as the British Astronomical Association, The Astronomical Society of Victoria, Australia, and organizations in Germany, Portugal, and Japan. Society members have also worked with planetary scientists at New Mexico State University, Cornell University, and scientists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, including the Galileo Spacecraft team.

Education

Over the past several years, the Society has conducted star-parties for students of all ages in both public and private schools. At the request of teachers, Society members will come to a location at or near the school, and erect several portable telescopes. Each telescope will be aimed at a different object of interest in the night sky. The students, teachers, and family members are then taken through each station, viewing the object and receiving instruction about the object from a Society member. Usually, the star-party will start after evening twilight and last for two hours or more, depending upon the interest of the students and faculty. It is not uncommon, depending upon the student population and number of parents, to have 200 people or more view through the telescopes.

Society members are also available to assist with in-classroom instruction by providing static displays of equipment and photographs, and participating in the discussions about objects photographed by members. Society members may lecture about research being conducted by the Society or about other current astronomical events. This type of assistance has been provided on several occasions.

Research

Members of the Society conduct meaningful research in several areas of astronomy. Surprisingly, the data collected by these amateurs is used by the professional community and is important to the research of professional astronomers.

Planetary science is an important area of study for astronomers. As just one example, during 1998-1999 members of the Society observed and recorded data on the planet Jupiter which was then used by the professional community. Many features in the belts and zones of Jupiter's atmosphere can be observed by amateurs with modest telescopes. During this period there was intense activity in the South Temperate Belt of the planet. One new feature, an intense dark spot which developed in the Belt, was reported by one of the Society members and caught the attention of a professional astronomer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). During a period of several months, at the request of the professional astronomer, data regarding the spot's location on Jupiter was provided by the member. This cooperative effort resulted in the investigation of the spot by JPL using the infra-red telescope at Mauna Kea, the 200-inch Hale telescope on Mount Palomar, and the Galileo Spacecraft in orbit around Jupiter. In the summer of 1999, the Society member published a scientific paper regarding the spot on Jupiter in the Journal of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers. The Society member received a distinct honor in that the professional astronomer at JPL wrote a forward for this "amateur" paper. Later in the year, the paper was presented in person by the professional JPL astronomer during the annual meeting of the Division for Planetary Sciences, which is a division of the American Astronomical Society. The AAS is a professional organization in which membership is extended only to scientists with a PhD in astronomy or another closely related field. The meeting was held in Italy and the paper was presented as an example of professional and amateur cooperation, and of the value of such cooperation. This was the culmination of a scientific effort which first started in Waco, Texas. The Society is continuing this type of work.

Members of the Society also spend a great deal of time observing the planet Mars. Although Mars is considerably smaller than Jupiter, much research can be performed by amateurs. Society members make regular observations of the planet, recording changes in the markings on its surface. Observers also record data regarding cloud formations and dust storms in the Martian atmosphere. During the Mars Global Surveyor/Sojourner mission, amateur astronomers assisted in maintaining a continuous, observational record of Mars, alerting NASA and professional astronomers to dust storm activity near the landing site. Other seasonal phenomena, such as the size of the polar ice caps, are also observed and recorded.

Saturn also receives a great deal of attention. Again, amateur astronomers of the Society maintain a continuous observational record of the planet. Often bright storms are seen in the planet's equatorial region. Many times amateurs are the first to see the start of these events, alerting the professional community. Amateurs also provide data regarding the intensity of Saturn's belts and zones; information that is gathered in a systematic manner and analyzed statistically. This continuous record is of great value to the professional community.

Society members also participated in observations of Comet Hale-Bopp. Members photographed the comet for over two years as it made its approach to and around the Sun. These photographs were released to the public through the news media.

Public Interest

From its very beginning the Society has provided service to the general public. Public star-parties are conducted at local parks several times each year. Upon request, star-parties are also conducted at schools for school children, parents, and faculty. During events of current public interest the Society has scheduled additional star-parties to allow the public to view the event. During the impact of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9, and the visits of Comet Hyakutake and Comet Hale-Bopp, the Society conducted numerous public star-parties at local parks. Each time, hundreds of people viewed through the telescopes. Additionally, information was provided to the news media. During the visit of Comet Hale-Bopp, members followed the comet and photographed it for over two years as it made its approach to and around the Sun. Photographs were released to local television stations, allowing the public to see the comet close up and in detail, in a way they would never otherwise have been able to see it.

The Future

The Central Texas Astronomical Society has great interest in improving education in science in our Central Texas community. Too few students are pursuing careers in science and research; consequently, there is a need for an awakening among students. Additionally, the need for amateur support of research is greater than ever. Astronomy is the one remaining science in which the amateur can make a real contribution. To her, the same objects of study are available as to the professional. Professional astronomers have too few resources to observe everything that is happening in the universe. Demand for time on major telescopes and astronomical assets is so great that astronomers receive very little individual observing time. This void can only be filled by willing amateurs. Amateur astronomers, students, and faculty in the Central Texas community can contribute to this science in a meaningful way, while, at the same time, improving the quality of education for all our students.

A New Observatory Facility

In pursuing its mission, the Society has had, as one of its goals, the acquisition of land and the construction of a professional level observatory facility. Gratefully, the Society accepted the donation of five acres of land located at a site free of light pollution; but, within comfortable driving distance of Waco and other Central Texas communities. A facility at this site would greatly enhance the ability of the Society to pursue its mission. Additionally, the observatory and telescope would be made available to students and faculty in primary and secondary education. Students and faculty would not only pursue education in astronomy, but also perform original research, either independently or in support of Society projects. A telescope "board" would be established to allocate time on the telescope, much the way resources are allocated at professional observatories.

Buildings and Grounds

As presently conceived, the observatory facility would consist of one building to be used as a conference/class/meeting room with library, kitchen, and rest rooms. This building would also serve as limited, short-term sleeping quarters for astronomers staying overnight or on a weekend when extended observing runs are necessary. The building would have multi-media capability, including the ability to receive images transmitted from the telescope for group viewing. Public parking would be situated near this building, with nature trails leading to the observing field and observatory dome.

This building would be used by Society members for regularly scheduled meetings as well as training sessions for less experienced astronomers. This building would also be used by educators and science classes. It is anticipated that teachers and professors may use the building as an alternative classroom; i.e., a field trip with instruction in a classroom environment, followed by practical application of the lesson with hands-on use of the telescope and ancillary equipment. Small groups of students may conduct long-term research projects in satisfaction of school assignments.

Observing Field

The facility would also include an observing field. This field would be used for outdoor observing with groups of portable telescopes. Small pads with electrical outlets would be provided for the telescopes.

The Observatory and Telescope

The observatory building would be a two-level structure. The lower floor would house computer equipment. The upper floor would house the telescope. The building would be 20 to 25 feet in diameter, topped by a 20-foot, rotating dome with a classic shutter opening. The dome would be controlled electronically and synchronized to the movement of the telescope by computer.

The Telescope

The Society presently has plans to install a 24-inch Cassegrain reflecting telescope of research grade. Of necessity, a telescope of this size and quality would be manufactured and installed by a company specializing in the construction and installation of telescopes for colleges and universities. A cassegrain configuration is desirable for many reasons, not the least of which is the telescope's ability to carry a large payload and a variety of equipment. The telescope will be operated both manually and by computer. It will have the ability to track objects automatically for extended periods of time, recording images of very faint, and very distant objects, using film and digital recording devices.

Ancillary Equipment

For the telescope to do its work, various pieces of ancillary equipment is desirable. This equipment would include cameras using film, CCD cameras, video cameras, a photometer, a spectrometer, auto-guiders, visual and hydrogen-alpha solar-filters, various types of software, and computer hardware.

The Future Mission

Tn the future, with such a facility, the Society's ability to perform its mission will be greatly enhanced. Research can be expanded to include the study of double and binary star systems. Planetary observations can be continued in more detail, being able to see with the resolution of a 24-inch telescope. A search for nova in other galaxies can be conducted in a routine manner. Studies of variable stars can be conducted as can the analysis of stellar spectrum. Untold discoveries can be made by Society members, students, and faculty. The level of education and quality of learning in our schools will be significantly improved with access to a research level observatory. Such a facility can be pointed to as an example of the quality of life in our community.

Outreach programs to the public and support of classroom education should not be under estimated. Students in the classroom will be able to participate with the astronomers in the dome. Images captured by the telescope can be transmitted into the classroom where students can examine them in real time. Imagine how much study could have been undertaken by students on Comet Hale-Bopp had this facility been available! Eventually, the telescope and dome will have the capability of remote control operation. The software and hardware to do this is available in the market place now. With this capability, students and faculty will be able to send a command to the telescope. The telescope will slew into position, acquiring the target object. A CCD camera will automatically take a time-exposure, downloading it into a computer file. This file is then transmitted by internet to the classroom where it can be viewed and stored in the student's computer. At their convenience, the student and teacher can later study and analyze the image or data that was collected. Real science can be performed in the classroom!

Public outreach will include nights during which viewing through the telescope will be made available free to the general public. Additionally, the Society will continue its support to local news media, providing information on current astronomical events of public interest. This effort is made, not only to encourage public interest in astronomy and science, but also to insure that accurate information is available first-hand to the media.

Schedule

The facility is to be built and equipped as soon as possible; however, it cannot be completed overnight and will likely require several years. Land studies, site plans, and cost analysis have been conducted.

Funding

Certainly, the goal of the Society is an ambitious one; one that will require the financial and moral support of the community it serves. In this regard, we are hopeful that local foundations and philanthropists will support our cause. Imagine a student in one of our local classrooms, studying astronomy and physics. His teacher gives him an assignment to obtain and analyze the spectrum of the star Vega in the constellation Lyra. Sitting at his classroom computer, the student keys in data regarding the target object to be imaged. By internet connection he sends the mission to the Society's observatory, queuing the telescope. That night at the appropriate hour, the computer in the observatory opens the shutter on the dome, rotates it, and slews the telescope into position. Vega is acquired. The computer turns on the spectrometer mounted on the telescope and takes an exposure for an appropriate length of time. The spectrum is then downloaded to the observatory's computer. The next day in class the student contacts the observatory by internet and finds his spectrum is ready; he downloads it to his own classroom computer. Now the student begins to analyze the star. In the classroom are available laboratory samples of the spectrum of various elements. He begins comparing those spectrum to the spectrum of his star. Quickly he identifies the line for hydrogen in his star; then the line for helium, then iron! Knowing this he can begin to make evaluations about the type of star. Is it a main sequence star like our Sun or is it a red giant? Will it have a long life-span or a relatively short one? How hot is it? The student enters the realm of discovery!

We are determined that Central Texas should have this quality facility.