July 2006 - UVAA - mailman.xmission.com

Report (and pics) from Wolf Creek/SLAStrofest
by Richard Tenney 31 Jul '06

31 Jul '06

It was a fun weekend (especially sleeping in the "new" camper I recently got deeper into debt for) in spite of the hit-and-miss weather up at Wolf Creek. The company was great, the scopes were big and varied, including Utah's biggest, Steve Dodd's 33-inch marvel and Ron Vanderhule's 25-inch. Most of the observing happend after midnight, and we even got a break on the cloudier Saturday between 12:30 and 2:00 a.m. (no Joan, I still haven't determined wheter alpha Herculis is really green or not). Binoviewers abounded, and some of the views were spectacular. Some of us are also wondering if there's a new nova in M31, below/West of the nucleus); at least some of us don't remember seeing that bright dot there before (anyone else confirm this?). How does one go about reporting these things? Anyway, I've posted a few pics of Wolf Creek for those of you who haven't been up there to get an idea of how pretty the location is: http://jove.prohosting.com/uvaa/rich/wolf.htm (Many thanks to Lowell and Joan and Jo and others for planning a fun and worthwhile SLAS event!) __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Re: [UVAA] SLAS Blast - July's general meeting of the Salt LakeAstronomical Soci
by JOHN K LUNDWALL 25 Jul '06

25 Jul '06

Hi Lowell I belong to the UVAA and am interested in attending tomorrow's presentation. I have the place but not the time. What time does it begin? Is there anything I need to bring? Thanks John Lundwall Salem ----- Original Message ----- From: Lowell Lyon Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 1:47 PM To: Lowell Lyon Subject: [UVAA] SLAS Blast - July's general meeting of the Salt LakeAstronomical Society Hello everyone: Please plan on attending the July general meeting of the Salt Lake Astronomical Society on Tuesday evening, July 25th. Joan Carman, a former SLAS president and enthusiastic visual observer with her premium large refractor will be our special guest speaker. Have you ever wanted more interesting background information into sky lore and constellation mythology for public star parties that you can share with others? Joan's presentation might be just the ticket!!! This is one topic for a general meeting that I specifically wanted to do this year and I am very grateful for Joan's willingness to offer this presentation. I know that she have put a lot of time and effort into it. Also at this meeting we will be talking about any last minute items regarding the SLAStrofest new member weekend at Wolf Creek in the Uinta Mountains. SLAStrofest is for club members and their invited guests. The annual Star-B-Que group dinner will be incorporated into SLAStrofest and we'll all feast Saturday evening in a beautiful mountain setting. The Star Gazing weekend at Capitol Reef National Park will also be discussed. If you have never been to Capitol Reef, you will be amazed at just how dark it is. I remember last year when Tom Sevcik was giddy with delight at seeing the North American Nebulae easily with the naked eye!! Thank you and I hope to see you all on Tuesday the 25th. We will be meeting again at the Salt Lake County Government Center, 2001 South State Street, North Building. There is plenty of free parking in the terraces to the east of the complex. Lowell Lyon 2006 SLAS President _______________________________________________ UVAA mailing list UVAA(a)mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/uvaa

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RE: [UVAA] SLAS Blast - July's general meeting of the SaltLakeAstronomical Soci
by Tyler Allred 25 Jul '06

25 Jul '06

John, Are you the John Lundwall that recently lived in Orem (Aspen 1st)? If so, how is it that we never got together for a little astronomy? :) Tyler Allred PS - My astrophoto gallery is at http://tinyurl.com/gabwn ___________________________________________________ -----Original Message----- From: uvaa-bounces+tylerallred=earthlink.net(a)mailman.xmission.com [mailto:uvaa-bounces+tylerallred=earthlink.net@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of JOHN K LUNDWALL Sent: Monday, July 24, 2006 4:36 PM To: UVAA List Subject: Re: [UVAA] SLAS Blast - July's general meeting of the SaltLakeAstronomical Soci Hi Lowell I belong to the UVAA and am interested in attending tomorrow's presentation. I have the place but not the time. What time does it begin? Is there anything I need to bring? Thanks John Lundwall Salem ----- Original Message ----- From: Lowell Lyon Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 1:47 PM To: Lowell Lyon Subject: [UVAA] SLAS Blast - July's general meeting of the Salt LakeAstronomical Society Hello everyone: Please plan on attending the July general meeting of the Salt Lake Astronomical Society on Tuesday evening, July 25th. Joan Carman, a former SLAS president and enthusiastic visual observer with her premium large refractor will be our special guest speaker. Have you ever wanted more interesting background information into sky lore and constellation mythology for public star parties that you can share with others? Joan's presentation might be just the ticket!!! This is one topic for a general meeting that I specifically wanted to do this year and I am very grateful for Joan's willingness to offer this presentation. I know that she have put a lot of time and effort into it. Also at this meeting we will be talking about any last minute items regarding the SLAStrofest new member weekend at Wolf Creek in the Uinta Mountains. SLAStrofest is for club members and their invited guests. The annual Star-B-Que group dinner will be incorporated into SLAStrofest and we'll all feast Saturday evening in a beautiful mountain setting. The Star Gazing weekend at Capitol Reef National Park will also be discussed. If you have never been to Capitol Reef, you will be amazed at just how dark it is. I remember last year when Tom Sevcik was giddy with delight at seeing the North American Nebulae easily with the naked eye!! Thank you and I hope to see you all on Tuesday the 25th. We will be meeting again at the Salt Lake County Government Center, 2001 South State Street, North Building. There is plenty of free parking in the terraces to the east of the complex. Lowell Lyon 2006 SLAS President _______________________________________________ UVAA mailing list UVAA(a)mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/uvaa _______________________________________________ UVAA mailing list UVAA(a)mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/uvaa

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Coulter 13.1" for sale
by Richard Tenney 25 Jul '06

25 Jul '06

I noticed this was posted in the UVAA classifieds recently, and it's a tempting deal for anyone looking for a good scope. I don't know the owner, just thought I'd pass this along to the list(s): ------------------------------------ Coulter Odyssey 13.1" f/4.5 Dobsonian -- in great condition (purchased 1990). With f/8.0 tube stop down cover for Planetary viewing. The scope weighs about 100 lbs. If you search on the net, you will find lots of info about the Coulter scopes -- great for deep sky viewing. Comes with eyepieces: a stock 27mm, a 6mm Ortho 1 1/4, and Celestron 30mm Kellner, and Lumicon UNC Nebula Filter. I will sell the setup for $500.00 (a real bargain). My name is Lance Owens MD, telephone in SLC is 801-581-0196. Pickup in SLC. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Anyone with an Orion 100mm apo coming to SLAStrofest?
by Richard Tenney 20 Jul '06

20 Jul '06

Lou Griffin wants a look, as he's considering buying one. If you are coming and own one, please bring it with (I'd like to see it as well). I'm sure he'll trade you a look through his 20-in dob... :o) __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Norton's printing error
by Richard Tenney 20 Jul '06

20 Jul '06

Anyone on the list with a 2004 (latest 20th edition) of Norton's Star Atlas? My daughter in college just gave me hers that she purchased for a recent astronomy class at UVSC, and I had it with me last weekend and noticed that chart 13 has a printing error -- the green milky way ink was laid down on top of the black stars, obscuring them. I'm wondering if my copy's error is a one-off, or if all of them in that printing batch were affected. Chart 13 (page 168) is the only one that seems to have this problem. I contacted the publisher today to see if it was just me or the whole batch, and they're looking into it. It's a wonderful book by the way for those of you who haven't see it -- been in print for many many years. Anyway, please let me know if your copy also has this problem or not. Thanks! __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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SLAS Blast - July's general meeting of the Salt Lake Astronomical Society
by Lowell Lyon 20 Jul '06

20 Jul '06

Hello everyone: Please plan on attending the July general meeting of the Salt Lake Astronomical Society on Tuesday evening, July 25th. Joan Carman, a former SLAS president and enthusiastic visual observer with her premium large refractor will be our special guest speaker. Have you ever wanted more interesting background information into sky lore and constellation mythology for public star parties that you can share with others? Joan's presentation might be just the ticket!!! This is one topic for a general meeting that I specifically wanted to do this year and I am very grateful for Joan's willingness to offer this presentation. I know that she have put a lot of time and effort into it. Also at this meeting we will be talking about any last minute items regarding the SLAStrofest new member weekend at Wolf Creek in the Uinta Mountains. SLAStrofest is for club members and their invited guests. The annual Star-B-Que group dinner will be incorporated into SLAStrofest and we'll all feast Saturday evening in a beautiful mountain setting. The Star Gazing weekend at Capitol Reef National Park will also be discussed. If you have never been to Capitol Reef, you will be amazed at just how dark it is. I remember last year when Tom Sevcik was giddy with delight at seeing the North American Nebulae easily with the naked eye!! Thank you and I hope to see you all on Tuesday the 25th. We will be meeting again at the Salt Lake County Government Center, 2001 South State Street, North Building. There is plenty of free parking in the terraces to the east of the complex. Lowell Lyon 2006 SLAS President

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Fwd: Invitation Clark Planetarium S4L Preview 07-19-06
by Richard Tenney 15 Jul '06

15 Jul '06

Hey, a free show! --- imax(a)clarkplanetarium.org wrote: > Date: Fri, 14 Jul 2006 12:42:13 -0600 > From: imax(a)clarkplanetarium.org > To: retenney(a)yahoo.com > Subject: Invitation Clark Planetarium S4L Preview > 07-19-06 > > Mr. Tenney > > We would like to invite you and Utah Valley > Astronomy Association members to a > special (complimentary) preview of our new show: > Search for Life, which will > be held on July 19th,2006 at 9 AM at the Clark > Planetarium (110 S. 400 W. > SLC). This event is on a first come first serve > basis. > > Thank you, > > Bryson Hapairai > Group Sales Manager > 801-456-4929 > > SEARCH FOR LIFE > Coming July 21st > Century after century, people have looked to the > stars with questioning and > dreaming minds. Sailors and farmers have found > guidance; poets and lovers, > inspiration; scientists and scholars, answers. But > all of them, and everyone > who has ever looked heavenward, have also found > questions in the cosmos. > Perhaps the most common question pondered over > thousands of years is, > Are we alone? > Does life exist anywhere else in the universe? > Ancient mythologies and > contemporary science fiction have presented > imaginative possibilities, but > how does modern science approach this question? The > Search for Life: Are > We Alone? begins to answer this intriguing question > in a breathtaking new > Space Show narrated by Academy Award nominated actor > Harrison Ford. > __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Fwd: Astro SPAM some may be interested in...
by Richard Tenney 13 Jul '06

13 Jul '06

Sorry to burden the lists with SPAM, but I thought some of you might be interested in this sort of thing... -Rich --- Daniel Walker <dwalker(a)octantis.cl> wrote: > From: "Daniel Walker" <dwalker(a)octantis.cl> > To: "Daniel Walker" <dwalker(a)octantis.cl> > Subject: Request for inmormation > Date: Thu, 13 Jul 2006 14:00:19 -0400 > > > > Hello, my name is Daniel Walker and I work for a > business incubator named > OCTANTIS in Chile, South America, (you can read > about us at www.octantis.cl > <http://www.octantis.cl/> ). Currently we are > incubating a "business related > to astronomy" and I would like to be given the > opportunity to contact you by > phone and have a little chat to get more information > about "astronomy > enthusiasts" needs. > > > > We would be very grateful if you could help us. > > > > The name of the business is Chilean Sky and it > facilitates the opportunity > of making astronomical observations directly from > the computer at home, > schools and universities or simply from any place > where internet access is > available by remotely taking control of a > professional telescope. The most > important condition which caused us to bring forward > this business idea is > the invaluable clarity of the sky of the Coquimbo > Region, Chile. Furthermore > we are the only service to observe the sky of the > southern hemisphere > online. In the future other regions in the north of > Chile, recognized all > over the world, might supplement our offer, due to > their favorable > conditions of making excellent astronomical > observations. Our offer gives > the possibility to see the cleanest skies of our > planet just by making a > click from distance. > > The service pleases the desire to acquire > astronomical knowledge and > experiencing adventure by gaining insights into > space, even within any > people's budget, providing an option for all > amateurs which do not have > ultimate access to the Coquimbo Region to make > astronomical observations and > take photos from their personal computer. > > > > If you don't have time for a phone contact it would > be useful if you give us > an idea of what would you be interested in or what > kind of service would you > require to be satisfied and to let us know how to > fulfill your needs as an > "astronomy enthusiast" and as a "remote controller" > of our Telescopes. > > > > > > Thank you very much for your time and concern, > Daniel Walker > > > > > > __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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Fwd: [Utah-astronomy] Invitation To SLAS Members
by Richard Tenney 10 Jul '06

10 Jul '06

FYI, Read carefully the list of invited speakers -- looks very interesting! -Rich --- baxman2(a)comcast.net wrote: > From: baxman2(a)comcast.net > To: utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com > Date: Sun, 09 Jul 2006 00:31:13 +0000 > Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Invitation To SLAS Members > > Dear SLAS: > > I would like to invite interested Salt Lake > Astronomical Society members to attend the National > Space Society Regional Space Development Conference, > that will be held October 6-7, 2006, in the Ogden, > Utah Marriott Hotel. I'm sending more detailed > information. We especially need people with strong > physics backgrounds to ask the hard questions to > some of our speakers, on topics relating to > faster-than-light speed communications, and > faster-than-lightspeed space transportation. > > I am currently a member of the Salt Lake > Astronomical Society. > > Sincerely, > > > J. David Baxter > President > Utah Space Association > > 801/359-0251 > baxman2(a)comcast.net > > > > YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE OCTOBER 6th THROUGH > 7th 2006, NSS REGIONAL SPACE DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE, > TO BE HELD AT THE MARRIOTT HOTEL IN OGDEN, UTAH. > SPONSORED BY L3-COMMUNICATIONS > & ATK LAUNCH SYSTEMS > > TOPICS WILL INCLUDE > BREAKTHROUGH PROPULSION PHYSICS. INCLUDING THE > POSSIBILITY FOR STAR TRAVEL AT ACCEPTABLE ENERGIES > AND IN ACCEPTABLE TIME FRAMES. WORK OF GREG MEHOLIC, > AND H. DAVID FRONING. ZERO-POINT-ENERGY, > ELECTROGRAVITICS AND FUTURE SPACE TRAVEL, WITH > THOMAS VALONE. FASTER-THAN-LIGHT BREAKTHROUGHS, WITH > BILL GARDINER. A SPECIAL PANEL DISCUSSION, AS WELL. > THE COLONIZATION OF MARS. WITH ROBERT ZUBRIN. > SPACE TOURISM, FACILITIES, AND FINANCING. WITH ROYCE > JONES > SPACE ACTIVISM TO FULLFILL OUR DREAMS. WITH MARK > HOPKINS. > SOLAR SYSTEM EXPLORATION. WITH ROBERT BIGELOW, NASA > SOLAR SYSTEM AMBASSADOR. > Robert Bigelow, of the Salt Lake City Clark > Planetarium. > BEN BOVA: HOW TO BUILD A POLITICAL CONSENSUS FOR > SPACE AND ALIENATE ALL YOUR FRIENDS. > THE SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION. WITH DON PICCARD. STAR > TREK CHARACTER NAMED AFTER HIS FATHER. > THE HERITAGE OF PROJECT APOLLO, AND OUR FUTURE IN > SPACE, WITH TIM MILLER. > Is a member of the Front Range L5 NSS Chapter, in > Denver, Colorado. > DEVELOPMENT OF THE CLV FOR ASTRONAUTS RETURN TO THE > MOON, WITH CHARLIE PRECOURT. > > HEAVY LIFT LAUNCH VEHICLES, WITH ERIC BOETHIN. He is > also a member of the Front Range L5 NSS Chapter, in > Denver, Colorado. > OCTOBER 6th AND 7th 2006, REGIONAL SPACE DEVELOPMENT > CONFERENCE. > The Regional Space Development Conference will be > held at the Ogden, Utah Marriott Hotel, on Friday > October 6th, and Saturday October 7TH 2006. > Arrangements should be made with USS Ogden Express > to transport participants from the Salt Lake City > International Airport to the Ogden Marriott. Cost is > $25 for first passenger. ($10 each, for additional > passengers, on a trip). Ogden is only 30 miles from > Salt Lake City. Must phone the USS Ogden Express to > make advanced reservations for transportation to and > from the Salt Lake City International Airport. Phone > 866-745-5438. > The Ogden Marriott Hotel is located at 247 24th > Street. (Exit 342 from I-15 Northbound). Their phone > number is 888-825-3263. Participants will be charged > $69 per night, plus 10.6% Utah State tax, for the > Marriott. But reservations, at that rate, must be > made at least one month in advance. The code name > for the $69 per night rate is: Utah Space > Association. A number of other hotels are within > walking distance of the Marriott. > There will be a Breakthrough Propulsion Physics > panel discussion, where participants can discuss > faster-than-light travel, and low cost > electromagnetic gravitics space transportation, with > our four guest speakers on that topic, as well as > with Robert Zubrin. > There will be a speaker following each one of the > four banquets given. > > > ADULT REGISTRATION: $45 ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1, > 2006. $80 AFTER THAT. > STUDENT RATE: $30 REGARDLESS OF WHEN PAID. > MEALS: ADULT RATE: $30 FRI. DINNER, $20 SAT. > BREAKFAST, $30 SAT. LUNCH, AND $30 SAT. DINNER, IF > PURCHASED SEPARATELY. THE FOUR MEAL PACKAGE WILL BE > AVAILABLE FOR $90. STUDENT DISCOUNT PRICES: $25 FRI. > DINNER, $15 SAT. BREAKFAST, $25 SAT. LUNCH, AND $25 > FOR THE SAT. DINNER. THE 4 MEAL STUDENT PACKAGE, > WILL BE $70. > > CONTACT: > J. DAVID BAXTER > PRESIDENT > UTAH SPACE ASSOCIATION NSS CHAPTER > 378 I STREET > SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84103 > 801/359-0251 > 801/532-4248 FAX > baxman2(a)comcast.net > MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO UTAH SPACE ASSOCIATION FOR > RSDC 2006. > Check out our Utah Space Association website: > http://www.utahspace.org. > . > Please send us your name, address, telephone number, > and, if possible, email address. > Please let us know soon if you plan to attend. We > have to work out an advanced budget with the Ogden > Marriott and our sponsors. > STATEMENT OF PURPOSE FOR THE REGION 4 NATIONAL SPACE > SOCIETY 2006 REGIONAL SPACE DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE. > THE NATIONAL SPACE SOCIETYÂS VISION IS PEOPLE LIVING > AND WORKING IN THRIVING COMMUNITIES BEYOND THE > EARTH. NSS MEMBERS PROMOTE CHANGE IN THE SOCIAL, > TECHNICAL, ECONOMIC, AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS TO > ADVANCE THE DAY WHEN PEOPLE WILL LIVE AND WORK IN > SPACE. > THE 2006 NSS REGIONAL SPACE DEVELOPMENT CONFERNCE IS > ORIENTED TOWARD THE HERITAGE OF THE APOLLO MOON > PROGRAM AND ASTRONAUTS RETURN TO THE MOON. MARS AS > OUR NATIONÂS NEXT FRONTIER. THE PROMOTION OF MANNED > TRAVEL TO THE STARS AT ACCEPTABLE ENERGIES AND AT > ACCEPTABLE TIME PERIODS, AS SHOWN POSSIBLE IN > DEVELOPMENT OF EMERGING NEW PHYSICS. THE REGIONAL > CONFERENCE ESPECIALLY PROMOTES THE BENEFITS OF SPACE > EXPLORATION IN GENERAL FOR ALL MANKIND. > > > BRIEF BIOGRAPHRES OF OUR SPEAKERS > ROBERT BIGELOW: > Employed by Salt Lake CityÂs Clark Planetarium. A > member of the NASA Solar System Ambassadors Program. > > ERIC BOETHIN: > Space activist and member of the Denver, Colorado > Front Range L5 National Space Society Chapter. > BEN BOVA: > Prolific science fiction and space education writer. > H. DAVID FRONING: > A retired engineer, of McDonnell Douglas > Corporation. He has written many papers for the > American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, > on the possibilities for Star Travel. AIAA is a > professional aerospace engineers organization. Has > done experimental research on gauge field > modification, for space travel, with George > Hathaway, of Toronto, Canada. > BILL GARDINER: > He is assistant secretary to the National Space > Society Board of Directors Executive Committee. He > has chaired the NSS Atlanta Special Physics Study, > since 1998. > > > > > MARK HOPKINS: > Has worked for the Rand Corporation in macroeconomic > research. He is the nationÂs leading space activist, > a founder of the L5 Society, and its successor the > National Space Society. Also founder of political > action organizations Spacecause and SpacePac. > ROYCE JONES: > President and CEO of Spaceliner Corporation, which > works with commercial space propulsion systems. > GREG V. MEHOLIC: > Is an aerospace engineer for The Aerospace > Corporation, based in Los Angeles. Is an adjunct > professor at Loyola Marymount University, where he > specializes in graduate level courses in space > propulsion. He is on the AIAA Nuclear and Future > Propulsion Technical Committee. Has done peer review > approved papers on the construct of space-time, > faster-than-light travel, physics and MHD-enhanced > propulsion concepts. > TIM MILLER: > Is a dedicated space activist and member of the > Denver based Front Range L5 NSS Chapter. > DON PICCARD: > Leader of the XAP Balloon Project, to study the > barrier between the EarthÂs atmosphere and outer > space. His fatherÂs explorations became the > inspiration for the naming of Star TrekÂs Jon Luc > Picard. He has known many pioneers of science and > technology. He is a Life Member of the National > Space Society. > CHARLIE PRECOURT: > He is Vice President of Strategy and Business > Development and Advanced Strategic Programs. He is > also a former pilot and commander of the Space > Shuttle and has logged over 900 hours in space. > Prior to joining ATK, he served as Deputy Program > Manager for the International Space Station. > DR. THOMAS VALONE: > Dr. Thomas Valone Â Founder of the Integrity > Research Institute, which specializes in advancing > alternative energy technology for the benefit of all > mankind, including advanced space transportation. > Physicist and licensed professional engineer with > over 30 years professional experience, is a former > patent examiner, research engineer, instrumentation > designer, CEO, and currently an author, lecturer, > and consultant on future energy developments. > DR. ROBERT ZUBRIN: > While at Lockheed-Martin, he developed concepts and > experiments for using natural planetary resources to > make rocket propellant on Mars. Founder of the Mars > Society, dedicated to the colonization of Mars as > our new frontier of opportunity to advance our > civilization. > _______________________________________________ > Utah-Astronomy mailing list > Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com > http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy > Visit the Photo Gallery: > http://www.utahastronomy.com > __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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