Some 50 amateur astronomers gathered on Thursday night at David and Wendee Levy’s Jarnac Observatory, outside of Tucson, June 24, 2010. David J. Eicher photo
Thursday, June 24, 2010, was a travel day, but ALCON (or ALCon Expo, as it is now properly referred to) got its start that night. Some 300 amateur astronomers from around the United States and a few from overseas were set to gather at the Hilton Tucson East in Arizona for talks, observing, and activities centered on the Astronomical League, the federation of astronomical societies. Moreover, the meeting incorporates the annual gathering of the International Dark-Sky Association, which is based in Tucson. The meeting is being co-sponsored by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association.
The primary activity of the evening was intended to be a star party at
Astronomy Contributing Editor and well-known amateur astronomer David H. Levy’s house and the adjacent Jarnac Observatory. About 50 amateur astronomers traveled from Tucson east from the city to Vail, where they assembled at David’s house, graciously met and hosted by David and his wife, Wendee. The skies failed to cooperate, with the sludge from the coming monsoon season sliding in early. We got a peek at Venus through the blanket of overcast, but still had a wonderful time visiting with David and Wendee and many other friends, and seeing the many telescopes at his facility. David made many of his comet discoveries in this observatory, which was a special fascination for many visitors. David and Wendee were filled with pride due to David’s recently awarded doctoral degree from Hebrew University in Israel.
It was a wonderful night of astronomy talk and visiting!
See all the photos from my trip to Tucson for the ALCon Expo in our Online Reader Gallery.
Related blog:
On the Road: ALCON preview