Saturday, April 17th at 9:00 AM Erika Rix PCW Memorial Observatory Solar Sketching Workshop

Recording astronomical observations through sketching can be dated back to the ice age. Over the course of time, sketching visual observations continued through the works of astronomers such as Galileo. In the pursuit of perfecting our techniques for recording observations, he continues to be a source of inspiration for many through his dedication and astronomical findings in the late 1500's and early 1600's. He was one of the first telescope observers to sketch his observations and with his discovery of Jupiter's satellites, studies of sunspots, and Saturn's rings, it is no surprise that many follow his lead. His visual observations and ability to record his findings through notes and sketches provide an exemplary format for us to follow. Join solar observer and sketcher Erika Rix as she demonstrates her sketching techniques as a means of recording her findings during a hands-on solar sketching workshop, geared for both novice and experienced sketchers. Sketching supplies will be provided in packets for you to use and then take home based on the media that Erika uses during her observations. The first portion of the workshop will be conducted inside and will cover sketch media, white light and hydrogen-alpha solar sketching tutorials, observing tips, sketch animations, and post-sketch processing. Weather permitting, the second half will be live sketching outside with Erika using hydrogen-alpha telescopes supplied by Lunt Solar Systems LLC and Meade's Coronado so that you can put into practice the techniques you'll learn. If the> weather does not cooperate, sketching practice will continue inside using solar images taken by solar imager, Greg Piepol. About Erika: After the purchase of her first telescope, it was the Moon that initially caught Erika's eye. It wasn't long before charcoal and paper accompanied her at the eyepiece and along with her lunar sketches and reports, she wrote a beginner's guide for the "Virtual Moon Atlas". She soon joined several other astronomical sketchers to kick-start a new sketching forum on the website "Cloudy Nights Telescope Reviews" where sketching tips and tutorials were freely shared and where she later volunteered her time as a moderator. While at a star party in Michigan, Erika had her first experience of hydrogen alpha filter solar observing and there was no looking back. She logs observations of the Sun with reports and sketches when sky conditions allow with her internally double-stacked Coronado 60mm Maxscope and her white light solar filters. She strives to improve her sketching technique at the eyepiece for accuracy and sharing her techniques with others in the process. Erika's sketches have been seen in astronomy art exhibitions and publications worldwide including articles and sketching tutorials for books, magazines, astronomy newsletters, and various astronomy and science related Internet sites. Erika is the co-author of "Astronomical Sketching: A Step-by-Step Introduction" (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series, Springer)

Sunday, April 18th at 10:00 AM Mike Simonsen Vice President, American Association of Variable Star Observers How YOU can contribute to the Real Science of Astronomy

What are variable stars and why are scientists so eager to learn about them? What can they tell us about the Universe around us, including the stars, planets, nebulae, galaxies; even life on distant worlds? How can you contribute to the science of astronomy, as we push the boundaries of our knowledge? Come join Mike Simonsen of the AAVSO as he introduces you to variable stars, their different types and personalities, and how the study of variable stars fits into the history and future of astronomy. Mike will explain how you can contribute to science by observing these mysterious and wonderful stars. You’ll get suggestions for observing projects based on the type of stars, the kind of equipment you own and your particular interests. There is a whole community of citizen scientists out there doing exciting stuff, don’t miss out on the fun! The AAVSO has the expertise and resources to help you, and people like Mike, ready to share their experience and enthusiasm to encourage you. You’ll leave this workshop saying, “Let’s go do some science!” About Mike Simonsen: Mike joined the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) in 1998 and quickly became one of the world’s leading variable star observers, with over 57,000 variable star observations in the AAVSO International Database. As his passion for variable star science grew, so did Mike's involvement with the AAVSO. Mike is coordinator of the AAVSO Mentor Program, Speakers Bureau, Writers Bureau and the AAVSO Cataclysmic Variable Section. His current area of research is Z Cam type of dwarf novae, and he is the author or co-author of more than twenty peer-reviewed papers on cataclysmic variables. In 2003, Mike was placed in charge of chart production for the AAVSO. He and a team of dedicated volunteers have produced thousands of new comparison star charts and sequences for use by visual and CCD observers. In 2005, Simonsen received the AAVSO’s highest honor, the AAVSO Director's Award. That same year he was elected to his first term on the AAVSO Council, and now serves as Vice President. In 2007, Mike was hired as the organization's first full-time Development Director, in charge of raising funds to ensure the security of the organization's endowments as well as the continuity and growth of the valuable services, programs and staff of the AAVSO. Mike’s astronomy blog, Simostronomy, is now ranked in the top 40 science blogs on the Internet. He is also a cast member of the popular Slacker Astronomy podcast, a staff writer for Universe Today and has contributed articles to both Sky and Telescope and Astronomy’s online magazines. An animated and enthusiastic speaker, Mike has gives talks on stellar astronomy and variable star science to astronomy clubs, organizations, conferences and university groups throughout the United States each year. Mike's observatory, named after legendary AAVSO observer and chart maker, Charles E. Scovil, houses two 12" LX200 telescopes, one for visual use and one for CCD observations, or as Mike likes to joke, "One for each eye!" He is now amassing both visual and CCD observations from home and remote robotic telescopes.