On 10/18/2022 9:47 PM David Fields via groups.io <fieldsde@...> wrote:

Hi James,

No problem, really, adjusting the picnic.  Setting up a Cades Cove event should be easy, but I don't think that the Park Service recognizes the importance what John Dobson called the 'world's largest nature preserve'.  Or something like that.   Offering them a Stargaze should be more appreciated.

I started to try to find that quote by John Dobson.  Unsuccessfully.  But I found this article and hope that you enjoy it:

    https://www.bbastrodesigns.com/John%20Dobson/Remembering%20John%20Dobson.html

We'll try the ORION picnic at TAO on Oct. 30, weather permitting -- come if you can.  SMAS folks are of course all welcome, arriving 4:30pm, eating at 5:00 pm (bring utensils and a dish to share),

Cheers,

David

-----Original Message-----
From: James Cantu <james.cantu@...>
To: smokymtnastro@groups.io
Sent: Tue, Oct 18, 2022 4:09 pm
Subject: Re: [smokymtnastro] Cades Cove Nov 5th updates

Thanks David. I'm sorry to present a conflict. This has not been easy to isolate a date. We would be happy to have you and others. 

Best regards, 

James

On Mon, Oct 17, 2022 at 12:57 PM David Fields via groups.io <fieldsde=aol.com@groups.io> wrote:

Looks good, James. 

This date conflicts with the long-planned ORION picnic, so I'm going to suggest to the ORION board that we delay the ORION picnic for a week.

David

-----Original Message-----
From: James Cantu <james.cantu@...>
To: smokymtnastro@groups.io
Sent: Sun, Oct 16, 2022 10:01 pm
Subject: [smokymtnastro] Cades Cover Nov 5th updates

Greetings all, 
Thank you all for showing up Friday to contribute to Cades Cove planning. I have made the following notes so far, that Lee will integrate into the minutes, but I wanted to share with the club directly. The Cades Cove Star Party is a go. It's not ideal; but I'm confident that given the support we've received so far, we are well positioned to have a great event. Please see notes before. If you have not yet confirmed that you can participate, please let me know when you have a chance. 
Best regards, 
James Cantu SMAS President 2022


Cades Cove Star Party Notes

Saturday, November 5, 2022 (no backup date, but potential Spring event)

These details are tentative but will be released as a plan after conferring with GSMNP and other volunteer/participants.

 

General Description

The Cades Cove Star Party has not occurred in several years. Scheduling this year has been challenging for several reasons due to volunteer limitations, calendar/conflict limitations, and even GSMNP ranger staffing limitations. This fall we only have one date fully feasible (Nov 5^th). This will be only a few days before the new moon, so DSOs will be limited unless they are bright and contrasty. Many have encouraged us to do the best we can and realize that the public can and will be quite amazed by lunar and planetary opportunities. We can promote near events (such as the Nov 8^th lunar eclipse), equipment, and other learning opportunities. Please note we may be competing with the Georgia/Tennessee football game for attention, and that game will likely draw a huge audience. 

We have no idea what attendance will be, but volunteers are likely to be fewer than some of our previous years. In short, I am confident that we can provide a great experience for those that join us, and I’ve been encouraged by the enthusiasm of those prepared/preparing to participate. 

Some changes: We anticipate keeping this event as simple as possible. We will not have the traditional potluck. Perhaps at a future date, but for now, as we are re-emerging, let’s keep it simple. If you wish to bring a meal/snacks, bring whatever you can for yourself, but we are unlikely to setup a shared banquet area for food. In terms of health and hygiene, masking is at the discretion of the individual. Please take whatever precautions are appropriate for you.  

Potential objects for viewing

·      Moon

·      Planets

o   Jupiter 

o   Saturn 

o   Uranus (too low) 

o   Neptune (near Jupiter; west of Jupiter, but would probably require an ephemeris to locate)

·      Bright Globular Clusters

·      Open clusters

·      Asterisms

·      Andromeda Galaxy? (Possibly unlikely due to moon)

Other things

·      Naked eye objects/targets

o   Constellations

o   Large Asterisms

o   Cherokee Sky Lore

·      Lunar eclipse November 8^th

·      Equipment (different types: binos, scopes, lasers, finders, etc.)

·      Satellites

·      Artemis Launch November 14^th

·      Talking about light pollution. Pointing out Gatlinburg or other nearby sources and how they affect the horizon. Methods to minimize.

·      Does the park talk about light pollution effects on wildlife? James to inquire with GSMNP. 

 

Timing (all timings tentative and approximate until formally confirmed and posted).

·      Sunset ~6:36p

·      7p Walk down

·      7:15-7:30ish Introductory Talk 

o   The hobby

o   Club info

o   Activities etc. 

o   Upcoming Astro events; what to expect tonight

·      Astronomical Twilight 8p

·      Ending? Perhaps 10/10:30p. Usually dewing and a thinning crowd dictates this, but the GSMNP may have a specific time to close. 

 

Volunteers

·      Ed Gorney? (potential Sasquatch operator)

·      MC Duties James/Lee/Dave

o   Talk about Sasquatch

o   Club(s)/activities/astronomy basics, etc.

o   Cherokee Sky Lore: 

§  “Where the Dog Ran” 

§  Seven Sisters Story?

·      Ayaka & Alex: SCT 6 and Binoculars

·      Dave Wells: Orion Refractor 80mm GEM (Dave would appreciate some help preparing/learning)

·      Bryan Ross: Various refractors 130mm 92mm

·      Robert Ogle: Needs a ride. Dob. 

·      Duane Dunlap: SCT 9.25”

·      James Cantu (when not MCing) 10” Dob and 15x70 tripod mount binos.

·      Others (unconfirmed)? 

o   Ricky (KO)?

o   Djerdj (KO)?

o   Girl Scout Leader Sarah Shepherd perhaps?

o   ORION: invitation open (David Fields, DR Fudge, Noah Friere)

--

James M. Cantu