January Potpourri

Potpourri Meeting – various talks by members

Talk 1: The Observer’s Handbook (30 mins)
Speakers: Betty Robinson and Chris Malicki
Betty Robinson and Chris Malicki are long-time volunteers who contribute to the Observer’s Handbook each year. For every edition, they review new and existing material and assist with proofreading before publication.

Betty will provide an overview of the Observer’s Handbook and will bring along copies of some older editions to share with members. Chris will take a deeper dive into the contents of the Handbook, including basic astronomical data, month-by-month sky highlights, tides, the Sun and solar observing, planets, satellites, stars, deep-sky objects, and spacecraft.

Talk 2: Northern Lights & 5" Table-Top Dob Review (15 mins)
Speaker: Raghav Dewett
Raghav will share a memorable Northern Lights sighting experienced while flying across the Atlantic, followed by a review of a humble 5" table-top Dobsonian that helped cure a case of aperture fever.

Talk 3: Bennu Sample Return Analysis (15 mins)
Speaker: David Maynard
An overview and analysis of the Bennu sample return mission and what scientists are learning from this remarkable achievement.

Talk 4: Resources to Help School Astronomy Clubs Be Successful (30 mins)
Speaker: Ron Macnaughton
Ron will introduce an online resource containing hundreds of ideas to support school astronomy clubs, many of which can also be applied to our own outreach activities.