National Australian Convention of Amateur Astronomers

Professor Matthew Colless, Director, Anglo-Australian Observatory

For at least the last 30 years Australia has been at the front rank of optical astronomy. This was based initially on the success of the 4-metre Anglo-Australian Telescope, and more recently on Australia's share in the two Gemini 8-metre telescopes. In 2005, Australian astronomers launched a Decadal Plan that saw the need for Australia to develop new optical telescopes in order to stay at the forefront of the field. As well as calling for an extended scientific lifetime for the AAT and increased Australian access to 8-metre class telescopes, the plan highlighted two priority options for the future: the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT), a 25-metre telescope that is proposed to be built in Chile by a US-Australian consortium, and the PILOT telescope, a 2-metre optical-infrared telescope that is proposed to be built at Dome C in Antarctica. I will discuss the development of these facilities in the context of the evolving needs of Australian astronomers for access to optical telescopes in the coming decade.

Various,

The authors of the poster papers (on display in Glenleigh 2) will each make a short presentation explaining their topics.

Robert Hollow, Australia Telescope National Facility

The PULSE@Parkes (PULsar Student Exploration online at Parkes) programme allows groups of high school students to remotely control the iconic Parkes radio telescope to observe pulsars. They then analyse their data to determine pulsar characteristics and share their results with other students and professional astronomers. Observations support ongoing scientific programs including the GLAST space mission and pulsar timing project. This presentation provides an overview of the program, shows examples of the educational materials developed for it and some of the data and analysis obtained by the first two school groups trialling the scheme. Project materials are available online and the data is freely available for anyone to use. Future plans for extending and expanding the project will be discussed.

Col Bembrick, Mt Tarana Observatory, SASI

Amateur asteroid research in Australia and New Zealand is now experiencing something of a boom period. There are at least nine active observers, several of whom collaborate with overseas amateurs and professionals. Requests for observations from other parts of the world are now common, with the southern hemisphere location of observers being recognised as critical. Local amateurs are now contributing regularly to many aspects of minor planet research, including spin period determination, shape modelling, binary detection, radar studies and spacecraft support.

Barry Clark, ASV

The Great Melbourne Telescope is widely regarded as a failure in its first life at Melbourne Observatory. Previous writers have proposed various combinations of reasons for this calamity. These reasons include inadequate acceptance testing at Dublin, unauthorised mechanical modifications and improper cleaning of the mirrors, excessively long focal length, use of speculum metal for the mirrors, friction in the mirror support system, failure of repolishing attempts, wind induced vibration, the use of a roll-off roof building instead of a dome, airborne dust, unsuitability for photography, poor performance of the staff, precedence given to visitors, poor climate, and inappropriate tasking. Re-examination of the available evidence indicates that some of these factors did not matter or did not even apply. Although the remainder generally did not help, they were certainly not the main problem. The GMT was not a failure at all; far from it. Its management was the real culprit.

Rob McNaught and Steve Quirk

There is still only patchy knowledge of southern meteor showers which has relied on visual observations over the past century. We are operating a network of nine video cameras at four locations in the Central and NW slopes and plains of NSW. Each camera is connected to a DOS PC running the MetRec software of Sirko Molau. On an average clear night we record over two hundred individual meteors, around half of which are recorded at multiple stations. We will discuss our methods of obtaining video observations of meteors and give a preliminary discussion of the analysis technique and the meteor showers detected.

Alan Plummer, Linden Observatory

The purpose of this talk is to encourage the local amateur astronomical community to participate with their international colleagues, both amateur and professional, in doing useful work. High energy astronomy (HEA) is chosen here because it is possibly the last area where many would think the amateur could be of use. Yet they make valuable contributions by visual or photometric observations, researching archived data, and even make discoveries relevant to the field.

Tom Richards, Woodridge Observatory, ASV

Variable stars are not only variable in themselves, but between themselves, exhibiting a bewildering array of different behaviours and astrophysical causes. In this presentation I will describe three major classes of variables that attract the attention of the amateur armed with a CCD camera: cataclysmics, pulsators, and close binaries. I will recount case studies of a star of each type at my observatory. The purpose of this presentation is simply to show the fascination variable stars can offer amateurs; and to sketch how, even with modest CCD equipment, they can make a contribution to their science.

Surjit Wadhwa, ASNSW

Binary stars provide the only means of directly measuring the mass of stars beyond the Sun. The mass and composition of stars uniquely determine its radius, luminosity, internal structure and its subsequent development. Determination of stellar mass is crucial to understanding of stellar evolution. Although measurement of radial velocities is regarded as the best way of determining the mass ratio of binary stars extensive work over the past 40 years has shown that careful analysis of light curves provides an excellent avenue to determine basic stellar parameters particularly in contact binary systems. Amateurs and professionals have collected a large amount of photometric data for numerous contact binary systems with new discoveries being announced on an almost daily basis. The Internet has made this data easily accessible however proper sorting and analysis is a time consuming process. It is estimated that only about 10% of all known contact binary light curves have been adequately analysed. Many consider analysis of light curves beyond the skill of amateurs and in the realm of "professional" astronomers. This is not the case! In this presentation I will endeavour to acquaint the audience to the basic principals and concepts of light curve analysis, introduce the mainstay of light curve analysis the Wilson-Devenney computer code, and demonstrate how the amateur can use the available resources to do real science. The presentation will use numerous examples of contact binary light curves that the author has analysed and published to illustrate what the amateur is able to achieve.

Byron Soulsby, Isabella Plains Lunar Observatory

This study of ancient lunar eclipses was first commenced in 1995, and some aspects of this work have been presented in my web pages. The NACAA gives me the opportunity to conclude this study using my latest analyses and to compare findings with modern lunar eclipse studies. The original manuscript by Julius F Schmidt, Beobachtungen der Mondfinsternisse, contains long descriptions of various eclipse phenomena and hundreds of crater timings, and has the special merit of being a comparative record of 38 years of lunar eclipses all seen by the same expert eye. None of these eclipse data were never analysed by Schmidt.
To obtain comparative accuracy in my reductions, the method of time keeping in the 19th century was investigated as it is known that time was counted from noon. A study of "Sundials Australia", by Margaret Folkard and John Ward, gave a concise explanation of correction to sundial solar time as mean solar time = true solar time + an Equation of Time correction. A similar approach is used to produce an equation of time correction chart for each observatory used by Schmidt, and this has been applied to his crater timings. Once corrected, each of the 28 lunar eclipses observed by Schmidt were analysed for umbral enlargement (%E), associated mean error and, where possible, the observed umbral oblateness (Fo).
Recently, improvements made to my topocentric umbra semi-diameter program has made it possible to produce Excel charts of the estimated size for each eclipse, as Fi and the slope angle delta. The data obtained have been included in my web pages in the Lunar Eclipses Finder under the Lunar Eclipses-Schmidt link.

Andrew James

For any southern observer, the establishment of the double stars that were discovered, observed or measured by John Dunlop and Charles Rümker marks an important stepping-stone in the emergence of astronomy in Australia. Dunlop produced the first true southern double star survey of 256 pairs between 1826-1828, while Rümker found 15 others pairs. Later R.T.A Innes extracted another 22 systems from Dunlop's observations in the Southern Paramatta Star Catalogue (PSC). All these results were made when little was really known the extent or numbers of southern pairs.
Both Dunlop, and Rümker to a lesser extent, have been historically heavily criticised for these works. This paper presents a general summary of their contributions, and examines there relevance in light of the available modern statistical and positional data, especially towards the relationship to the earlier PSC. New identifications of several of the missing pairs will also be presented.

Richard C. Jaworski, ASNSW Double Star Section

This report describes an ongoing project of measuring the position angle and separation of a selected group of southern doubles stars using a Meade 12.5mm illuminated astrometric eyepiece, 102mm equatorially mounted refractor and a 2.5x Barlow. The method used is that described by Thomas Teague (Sky and Telescope, July 2000: 100(1); 112-117). An observing list was provided by Brian Mason, USNO. The list comprises objects where the magnitude of the secondary is brighter than magnitude 9, separation of the stars is greater than 5 arcseconds, and for which no measurement has been taken for 10 years or more. Observations were made from my suburban home in Carlingford, NSW. Accurate results can be achieved with this method and this type of project provides a useful avenue for research by the amateur.

Gordon Hudson, Carter Observatory, NZ

Over the last five years, I have refurbished, restored and rebuilt around 50 telescopes of various types. I prefer to refurbish the old brass refractors, with some going back to the mid 1800s. My presentation will show you the before and after results of many of those telescopes. I have also restored transit telescopes and depression gun rangefinders and I am about to start work on a sextant.

Ray Johnston, Star Dreaming Planetarium, Hamilton Is

No abstract available, as even the author is all at sea and doesn't know exactly what is happening and he will be literally stepping off a plane from overseas, finding his land legs and hotfooting it straight into NACAA to make the presentation. The only information we have is that it will be an up-to-the minute story of a rather unique astronomical experience conducted in somewhat unusual surroundings.

Fred Vanderhaven, ASNSW

On commencing my interest in astrophotography, I quickly discovered the high quantum efficiency of the CCD camera I was using under Sydney urban skies. I also found that narrow band imaging gave aesthetically superior results than normal RGB imaging. Most of my imaging since has been narrow band, which offers exceptional quality imaging in a polluted urban environment without the need for laborious trekking to a dark site with a mobile rig.
Points to be covered in this presentation include the frequency range of narrow band filters, the choice of suitable objects, suitable scopes and cameras, colour mapping, and image processing.

Ian Maclean, Gove Amateur Astronomers

This presentation will focus on Indigenous Astronomy Education here in Arnhem land, the role this has played in Yolngu Society traditionally, and how this is now woven into the science of Astronomy through the homelands schooling movement in Arnhem land. I will be presenting my perspective on this as I have taught astronomy science in the homelands and have gained valuable insights on how the study of the night sky has relevance to the daily lives of Yolngu people, practically, spiritually and through the strengthening of family ties.

Dave Gault, ASNSW, RASNZ

On the 12th June 2006, Pluto occulted a magnitude 15 star. The path prediction included SE Australia and New Zealand. An international effort was raised to observe the event to try and determine the condition of Pluto's atmosphere. Why? One reason was the "New Horizons" spacecraft which is on its way to Pluto, due to arrive in 2015. Would the atmosphere be frozen on the ground or still active? Would we get a sharp view of Pluto, or a foggy view? My presentation discusses my attempt to observe the event and shows my contributions to the programme.

Ian Sullivan, ASV and MPAS

The world's first cooperative international project to photograph, catalogue, and map the entire sky originated at the Paris Conference of 1887. Instigated by two French brothers, it divided the sky between eighteen observatories. The work was to last nearly a century, and was called the "Carte du Ciel". Three Australian observatories were involved, more for the better than the worse, though not all objectives were realised. These observatories owed their survival into the modern era at least partly to this project, as they became major contributors, and a young nation showed the world it was the scientific equal of the observatories of Europe.

Arne Henden, Director, AAVSO

With all the talk of the OverWhelmingly Large (OWL) Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, terabytes per night of data from the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, and 3-D hydrodynamic stellar modelling programs on supercomputers, you might think that the time when amateurs can contribute to astronomy has passed. Nothing could be further from the truth - only in astronomy can an amateur be the important key to our current scientific understanding. This talk will concentrate on just one small subset of astronomy - the study of variable stars - but the concepts can be seen across all astronomical disciplines. Recent exploding stars, exoplanets that you can watch transiting their parent stars, and special stars that tell us important facts about their physical structure and evolution will be highlighted. Observing methods that will help you get the utmost out of your equipment will be described. Whether you just want to hear about recent happenings in the sky or want to get involved in real science, you should come away with a new fascination with astronomy.

David Higgins, Hunters Hill Observatory

Observations were made of main-belt asteroid (6265) 1985 TW3 by the author during July-September 2007. Data from the initial three observing sessions showed points that deviated from the primary lightcurve, indicative of eclipsing events or occultations by a satellite. Further observations were undertaken, with the results showing that the target is a binary system. The binary nature was confirmed and calculated using an iterative approach of Fourier period analysis and Median period subtraction. The analysis of the system was announced in CBET 1015.

Lesa Moore, Macquarie University, ASNSW

Macquarie University offers opportunities for amateur and aspiring professional astronomers at many levels. The undergraduate program includes five astronomy specific subjects. The public outreach programme includes observatory open nights, two Astronomy Open Nights each year, and a portable planetarium for school and group visits.
During 2007, Macquarie University participated in a special education project facilitating access by NSW and Victorian schools to the Faulkes 2-m Telescopes. Ten schools in the pilot program obtained observations that were used for science teaching in the classroom. All schools in Australia have access to these telescopes and this project will provide a lasting resource in the form of a web site offering background material, freeware for data analysis, a step-by-step guide to submitting observing requests and sample projects.

Jeff Byron, NSAS, Cecil Sayers Observatory

The author has upgraded his observatory by replacing the original 200 mm f/7 Newtonian with the 300 mm f/5 optical tube assembly of a telescope purchased as a Dobsonian configuration. This paper discusses modifications made to that telescope to enable it to be successfully used for photometric purposes with a CCD camera and the arrangements used for flat-fielding of images.

Ragbir Bhathal, UWS

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, two seminal papers on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence were published in the scientific journal Nature. The papers proposed two search strategies: radio and optical. Over the last 45 years several searches have been undertaken to search for extraterrestrial intelligence. This paper reviews the searches and future trends in this exciting field to answer one of humankinds most intriguing question: Are we alone in the universe?

Gordon Hudson, Carter Observatory, NZ

The Carter Observatory has been totally rebuilt on the inside with the outside remaining the same. Walls have been knocked down and new walls erected. This is an open plan layout, and there is even air conditioning. This presentation will show you the new displays and the new layout and what we at the Carter Observatory hope to achieve over the next year.

Martin George, International Planetarium Society, Launceston Planetarium

Planetariums continue to be a popular venue for astronomy education, with well over 3,000 known to the International Planetarium Society. Martin will present an illustrated talk on the history of planetaria, a selection of planetaria in several different countries, and modern developments in the field.

Col Bembrick, Mt Tarana Observatory, SASI

Sydney J. Elwin was a long-standing member of the British Astronomical Association and its NSW Branch, where he was at one time President and also Secretary for many years. Syd was a science teacher by profession, but during the years of World War II he was prominent in the production of optical munitions, working out of Mt Stromlo Observatory. He was presented with the first Berenice Page medal awarded by the Astronomical Society of Australia (in 1973) for his observations and interpretation of the occultation of Beta Scorpii by Jupiter.

Steve Kerr, RASNZ, AS&T

Occultations have contributed many significant discoveries to a wide variety of astronomical research areas with particular emphasis in solar system studies. As well as being spectacular and engaging, occultations offer the opportunity for extraordinary science to be done with ordinary telescopes and equipment. This talk will cover the broad theoretical background and history of occultation observing with emphasis on the many areas where amateurs can contribute to cutting edge science. Some typical science outcomes are examined including ways in which amateur occultation observations can be combined with other simple observations to yield insights into the universe often considered the domain of large budget professional research institutions. Topics are introduced to be followed up by later practical sessions in the Second Trans-Tasman Symposium on Occultations.

Fred Vanderhaven, ASNSW

The GRAS (Global Rent-a-Scope) network is an example of the availability of totally remote imaging in different time zones across the globe for the casual imager with just a personal computer, Internet connection, some image processing software and a PayPal account. The presentation will be of a live demonstration of GRAS system interface screens for target selection and set up, imaging and exposure downloads. Points to be covered include GRAS operation, the user interface, the equipment and observatories used, the automation software used, and other software used for pointing, imaging, auto focus etc.

Dave Gault, ASNSW Occultation Section

On the 20th April 2007 asteroid (324) Bamberga occulted HIP59807, a mag. 7.4 star in Corvus. Five positive chords were observed across the asteroid, yielding information on the asteroid’s profile and the observed geocentric position of the asteroid relative to the star at closest appulse. This is reported to the Minor Planet Centre for all positive events and can be used for future analysis of the asteroids orbit.

Brian Loader, RASNZ

Close binary stars can be detected and observed when occulted by the Moon. Timings of the same event by two or more observers enable accurate measures of the Position Angle and Separation of the pair to be made.

Fred Vanderhaven, ASNSW

The workshop will demonstrate the processing of narrowband images in CCDStack software, starting with the raw FITS images from the camera and finishing with the final enhancement in Photoshop. This workshop follows on my oral presentation ˜Narrowband imaging" and attendees should have also attended that presentation.

Stephen Russell, ASNSW

The success of the Occultation Workshop at NACAA XXII in 2006 enthused several of the attendees to increase the cooperation between clubs in the Sydney/Wollongong/Canberra region to jointly observe occultations, particularly lunar grazes. In the last two years, "Team Occultation" -- Dave Herald, Dave Gault, Dave Wheeler, and the author -- has organised more than a dozen successful group expeditions. Modern technologies such as GPS and mobile phones have allowed coordination of observers at multiple locations. All up, more than 40 observers have participated, and generated over 400 events.

Andrew James

Southern binary star p Eridani/DUN 5 ranks highly among the bright visual pairs in the sky. This binary, like Alpha Centauri, has an extensive history embedded in the 18th and 19th Century, being investigated by the cream of southern astronomers. This poster discusses both the history of the system and the need for a revision of the most current orbital elements that have been in place since 1956. Also presented are the general corrections made in the USNO.'s Washington Double Star Catalogue (WDS) and the 6th Orbital Catalogue.

Harry Roberts, ASNSW

Solar flares are high energy events that occur on the sun, usually in large sunspot groups. Flares result from magnetic reconnection above a group after an ejection event. The author made detailed drawings of flares, as they occurred in H-alpha, over the period 2001 to the present. Flare locations and areas were derived using "Helio" software. A selection of interesting flares will be described. Anomalous flaring: while the drawings show specific flares, data are also presented showing flaring generally across the last three solar cycles (21 to 23 inclusive). Plotting the IPS data for the "Most Powerful Flares" of these cycles reveals an anomaly. When plotted against the sunspot number (R) the level of flaring measured by GOES satellite (IPS) shows a strong increase in amplitude from cycle 21 through cycle 23, in contrast to the sunspot number that shows steady decline. It is concluded that flaring anti-correlates with other measures of solar activity. Why might this occur? This apparent anomaly may be unnoticed by workers in the field. The author's graph was compiled from materials published by others, and has been recommended for publication by Pasachoff, J. (Prof.), Williams College, USA,

Tom Richards, Barry Adcock, Maurice Valimberti, Stefan Buda, Anthony Wesley, Paul Haese, John Kazanas, Mark Justice, Woodridge Observatory, ASV

Jupiter had a remarkably active apparition in 2007, with the fading of the Minor Red Spot, the circulating South Tropical Disturbance and the development of the fast jet stream in the North Temperate Belt. This poster presents images of the planet during the apparition by many of Australia's best known planetary imagers. The poster illustrates the evolution of the intense activity during that apparition.

David Higgins, Hunters Hill Observatory

This poster will outline the observing work undertaken at Hunters Hill Observatory over the past several years. The primary area of interest is minor planet photometry with emphasis on specialised work including binary asteroids, the YORP Effect, and shape modelling.

Ragbir Bhathal, University of Western Sydney

The Aborigines in Australia have been observing the night sky for over 40000 years. Over that period of time they have developed their own knowledge tradition of the Australian night sky. Their astronomical knowledge of the night sky permeates their social, cultural, artistic (including dance) systems of knowledge which in some cases clashes with the social and political culture of the dominant European invaders who took over their land and their sky.

Ray Johnston, Director, Star Dreaming Planetarium, Great Barrier Reef Observatory

Outlining the first year of Star Dreaming's portable planetarium and its travels and evolving outreach programme.