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04/07/2008 @ 21:59 PDT 04/07/2008 21:59 PDT
The 2008 Star-B-Q date is set! July 25 to 27. Main activities are on Saturday, July 26, 2008.
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05/03/2008 @ 15:39 PDT 05/03/2008 15:39 PDT
Next Star Party: May 3rd at HGO. We will be painting inside HGO starting at 10 a.m. to Noon, then Collimating the RC16 and fixing the 12inch Meade 3-5 p.m.
We will finish painting by as soon as possible let the paint dry. ...
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Visit the Observatory section of the site to see the pictures uploaded. They show the building and setting the dome for RJMO. There were many folks involved who were not recognized for their effort. Bud Bafia, Joe Bafia and Phil Mattingly worked many thankless hours, days and weeks building what we now proudly call the building to the North of Henry Grieb Observatory (HGO), Robert J. Matthew Observatory or RJMO. Check it out!
Astronomical Events
The SVAS hosts a variety of public events including eclipse viewing, meteor shower watches, planet viewings (Mars is coming!) and various other events. Every spring astronomy clubs all over the world plan a high-profile opportunity to share with the general public the fun and excitement of amateur astronomy. The SVAS offers a day filled with exciting topics, colorful displays, telescopes aplenty and planetarium shows. SVAS members provide a wealth of information to students and adults about the history of astronomy, current events, and how to get started in astronomy. Well attended every year, the local Astronomy Day celebration is where hundreds of people take advantage of the enthusiastic energy SVAS members devote to their hobby, learning about everything from meteorites to telescope building.
The SVAS also conducts private star parties for schools and education groups. (See below)
Scholarships
The Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society (SVAS) is a nonprofit organization of people interested in astronomy. The SVAS has scholarships up to $500 for the 2005-2006 academic year available for students interested in pursuing a degree in astronomy, physics with a minor in astronomy, or astronomy related field. The SVAS is looking for students who have shown interest in astronomy with high academic standards and school or school involvement. Awards are based on evidence of these criteria. Financial need is not a consideration.
Applications will be online shortly (webmaster)
School Star Parties
School star parties are events where SVAS volunteers go out to a host organization's planned event with telescopes and educational astronomy presentations and activities. Please note that this is an educational, not entertainment, program. For those who qualify we will travel to an appropriate location of your choice within a 30 mile radius of Sacramento. To see if your organization qualifies for a free school star party please read the below qualification guidelines. Please be sure to read all of the guidelines before requesting to schedule a date. There are no fees for this service, but donations to SVAS are graciously accepted. (See below) The following requirements are to help ensure the maximum benefit of our free programs. Thank you for your cooperation. - Host must read, understand and agree to all guidelines below.
- Host must fill out an application with the following information:
- Name and contact information of the Host
- Name of the event
- Proposed Location of event
- Type of event (Public admittance or private. Scout, school, etc.)
- Estimated number of attendees
- Will the attendees be charged for the event
- Start and End times
- What activities are planned for the over-all event
- What activities are requested from the SVAS
- Name, address and driving directions to the location
- Specifics of setup location, where to park
- Confirm that sprinklers will be turned off (if you are on or near grass)
- Confirm that lights have been turned off
- Possible date(s) requested
- Confirm that children will be supervised by adults (other than SVAS volunteers)
- Volunteers must be provided a level area that they can drive onto for set up of their equipment.
- No food allowed near the equipment. This is a strict policy!
- Participants must have clean hands before entering the telescope viewing areas. A box of handi-wipes works well.
- Sprinklers must be turned off. Be sure that automatic turn-on times are also overridden. A test the night before is a good idea.
- Lights shining into observing area turned off. Be sure that automatic turn-on times are also overridden. A test the night before is a good idea.
- Hosts are responsible to pay for replacing damaged equipment due to participant misconduct and for the safety of the event.
Submit Information using Email to the Outreach Director.
Please note: This is a free, volunteer service and so there is no guarantee for volunteer attendance. We will try our best to make sure there are plenty of volunteers for your event but we are dependent upon volunteer availability.
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