Hamilton Amateur Astronomers: Doing Astronomical Science
In the last 20 years, the amateur astronomer has gained access to three paradigm-changing technologies: The Internet, progressively sophisticated astronomy software, and the CCD camera. This presentation will outline how an amateur astronomer, armed with these technologies, can engage in professional-amateur (pro-am) collaborations and contribute to astronomical sciences by monitoring a wide-range of transient astrophysical phenomena. The presenter will describe some of the projects that he has been involved with, and how any amateur can participate in doing science with their astronomical equipment.
About Michael Cook
Michael Cook has been looking up at the night sky for 50 years. Like most amateur astronomers, he started with a small refractor telescope, and moved up to progressively large instruments (due to aperture fever). For 45 of those years, he was a visual astronomer; observing the Moon, planets, asteroids, double-stars, Messier and NGC objects, as well as celestial objects off the beaten path. Michael also pursued the odd jaunts off into astrophotography should a brighter comet, eclipse, occultation or rare conjunction occur. He also dabbled in imaging a “pretty picture” of a globular cluster, nebula, or galaxy.
In 2001, Michael co-founded the Durham Region Astronomical Association, and has been the DRAA’s president since its inception. With nearly 100 members, Michael always finds something “astronomical” to share with his Associates.
Michael’s passion for astronomical science started with a chance to image a 2009 mutual event of Jupiter’s moons; Io eclipsing Europa. He was able to generate a light-curve of the event, and was consumed with the ability to capture “data” with his equipment. Shortly thereafter, Michael became a member of The American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO), The Center for Backyard Astrophysics (CBA) and The Society for Astronomical Sciences (SAS). Since 2010, Michael has contributed nearly 50,000 variable star measurements using his robotic telescope at Newcastle Observatory. With some of this data, Michael has authored or co-authored eight journal papers in the Astrophysical Journal, the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, and other publications, and has presented his data and experiences at various astronomical conferences meetings, and symposia.
While not doing astronomy, Michael is an advocate of public policy toward the mitigation of light pollution – the single biggest threat to observing the night sky by most of the population. He has successfully convinced some local municipalities in the Durham Region to replace street lights with full cut-off fixtures and adopt policies that direct new development to use full cut-off light fixtures.
Now retired from professional life as a land-use planner, Michael is able to devote full-time in pursuit of astronomical sciences while keeping his better-half, Heather, equally happy.
Door Prizes
There will be a draw for door prizes at the meeting and a free door prize ticket to all who arrive before the 7:30 start time!
Food Share Donations
Donations of non-perishable food for the Hamilton Food Share program will be collected at this meeting. Please drop off any items at the drop-box located near the entrance of the auditorium. All donations are gratefully accepted. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve collected thousands of pounds of food since we began. Let’s keep up the great work as the need continues.
Who can attend: Everyone
Fee: Free
Reservations: Not required
Organized by: Hamilton Amateur Astronomers
Location: The Hamilton Spectator, 44 Frid Street, Hamilton, ON L8N 3G3 (near the junction of Highway 403 and Main St. West)
http://www.amateurastronomy.org/doing-astronomical-science-june-10-general-meeting/