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Blog Post:
Future Galileos: Starry Messenger Project class of 2010
David Eicher
The 2010 class of Future Galileos from the Cincinnati Observatory each received an 8-inch telescope for future outreach use. Dean Regas photo I just received an update from Cincinnati Observatory Center's Outreach Astronomer Dean Regas, which won Astronomy 's 2008 Out-of-this-World Award for...
on
Tue, Oct 12 2010
Blog Post:
Granite Gap observatories commenced
David Eicher
Pouring the foundation of the first observatory at Granite Gap; construction on more than a dozen others will begin shortly. Gene Turner photo As several of us have reported in Astronomy magazine, astronomy developer Gene Turner is creating the first low-cost dark-sky community for amateur astronomers...
on
Wed, Oct 20 2010
Blog Post:
On the road: Norwegian aurorae
David Eicher
Next Tuesday, November 2, I will be going away on vacation for 10 days. I’ll be joining Melita Thorpe of MWT Associates, Astronomy magazine’s travel partner, and a small group of 13 Astronomy readers to observe what will no doubt be spectacular displays of aurora borealis from Norway. Despite...
on
Thu, Oct 28 2010
Blog Post:
Photomicrographs of meteorites make nice art!
David Eicher
I recently acquired a fantastic new toy — Celestron’s Handheld Digital Microscope, Model #44302. I’m amazed by it. Retailing for just $69.95, it is one of the neatest gadgets I’ve seen in a long time. The microscope consists of a small optical tube that rests in a desktop stand...
on
Fri, Oct 29 2010
Blog Post:
The quest for aurorae begins
David Eicher
Few times in my life have I thought, “OK, I’m starting off on vacation, but first I’ll put my winter coat on.” But that was the case this morning as our group of 15 Astronomy magazine readers, accompanied by me and escorted by Melita Thorpe of MWT Associates, commenced our journey...
on
Fri, Nov 5 2010
Blog Post:
Astronomy in Norway rolls on
David Eicher
On Friday, November 5, Astronomy magazine’s group of 15 travelers, led by Melita Thorpe of MWT Associates, carried on our Norwegian vacation in search of aurorae. Although we have thus far been plagued by wet weather as we cruise on the 674-berth MS Midnatsol , we have heard that to the north,...
on
Sat, Nov 6 2010
Blog Post:
Waiting for aurorae, visiting St. Olaf
David Eicher
On Saturday, November 6, 2010, Astronomy ’s travel group of 15, along with MWT Associates’ Melita Thorpe, continued on our ship-bound journey on the MS Midnatsol , cruising northward along the Norwegian coastline. Our objective, spotting bright shows of aurora borealis, has been slow to start...
on
Sun, Nov 7 2010
Blog Post:
We cross the Arctic Circle
David Eicher
On Sunday, November 7, 2010, Astronomy ’s travel group of 15, along with MWT Associates’ Melita Thorpe, continued on our ship-bound journey on the MS Midnatsol , cruising northward along the Norwegian coastline. Our objective, spotting bright shows of aurora borealis, has been slow to start...
on
Mon, Nov 8 2010
Blog Post:
Visiting the most northerly substantive city
David Eicher
On Monday, November 8, 2010, Astronomy ’s travel group of 15, along with MWT Associates’ Melita Thorpe, continued cruising north along the Norwegian coastline aboard the MS Midnatsol . We've had little luck spotting bright shows of aurora borealis due to pesky cloud cover and significant...
on
Tue, Nov 9 2010
Blog Post:
More aurorae, and the North Cape
David Eicher
On Tuesday, November 9, 2010, Astronomy ’s travel group was nearing the end of our ship-bound journey on the MS Midnatsol , cruising northward along the Norwegian coastline looking for bright shows of aurora borealis. Monday night, we saw aurorae lighting up the horizon in the north, and Tuesday...
on
Wed, Nov 10 2010
Blog Post:
The truth? You can't handle the truth!
David Eicher
There are times when I just throw up my hands and wonder if civilization is making any progress. One such time took place last night. I was innocently watching the Bears-Vikings game, having given up on the total lunar eclipse about to take place. You see, in Milwaukee, we are getting pummeled with a...
on
Tue, Dec 21 2010
Blog Post:
Calling all astronomy clubs! Astronomy magazine announces Discover the Universe program
David Eicher
Help spread the fun of amateur astronomy! Astronomy magazine, in conjunction with the Astronomy Outreach Foundation, is announcing a new program of sponsoring star parties across the United States and the world. We would like to enlist you, experienced amateur astronomers and astronomy club members,...
on
Tue, Dec 28 2010
Blog Post:
2011 Tucson Gem and Mineral Show preview
David Eicher
Outside my office today, a lake-effect snowstorm is dropping flakes the size of small birds into the Kalmbach Publishing Co. parking lot west of Milwaukee. But if the giant storm that’s set to pound much of the United States tomorrow doesn’t derail my plans, I’ll be heading to the Tucson...
on
Tue, Feb 1 2011
Blog Post:
Dedication day at Granite Gap
David Eicher
Some 50 amateur astronomers gathered at a new facility near Cotton City, New Mexico, on Saturday, February 5, 2011. The event was the dedication of Shoemaker Discovery Park at Granite Gap, Gene Turner’s ambitious project that is creating a dark-sky observing community for skygazers of all types...
on
Sun, Feb 6 2011
Blog Post:
Tucson Gem and Mineral Show: February 8–9, 2011
David Eicher
My father John and I bid farewell to the Granite Gap dedication and to dark-sky observing in New Mexico and, on Tuesday, February 8, 2011, drove northwest to Tucson, Arizona, for the annual Gem and Mineral Show. This huge event draws more than 100,000 to the city each year to look at hundreds of thousands...
on
Thu, Feb 10 2011
Blog Post:
Tucson Gem and Mineral Show: February 10, 2011
David Eicher
Yesterday was a big day for the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, the world’s biggest event for gem and mineral collectors, meteorite enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and beaders. The so-called “main show,” held at the Hotel Tucson Convention Center and in its 57th incarnation, cranked up Thursday...
on
Fri, Feb 11 2011
Blog Post:
Tucson Gem and Mineral Show: February 11, 2011
David Eicher
Here goes, the final report from the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show this year. Tomorrow I will head home with my Dad, John Eicher, who once again tagged along with me to the biggest show centered on meteorites and minerals in the world. Before I provide today’s report, however, I would ask you to...
on
Sat, Feb 12 2011
Blog Post:
Videos from the 2011 Tucson Gem and Mineral Show
Karri Ferron
The annual Tucson Gem and Mineral show is a huge event that draws more than 100,000 to the city each year to look at hundreds of thousands of minerals, gems, meteorites, beads, pieces of jewelry, and other items that rock and gem folks just love — and all of it’s for sale. The show is the...
on
Thu, Feb 24 2011
Blog Post:
On the road: Tunisia, in search of ancient meteorites
David Eicher
On Saturday, March 19, I'll be leaving for Tunisia. Yes, that's leaving for Tunisia. For the most part, the political climate has calmed in that North African country, although the ongoing turmoil in neighboring Libya has flooded the region with refugees. Despite the conflict, I'll be accompanying...
on
Wed, Mar 16 2011
Blog Post:
On the Road: Tunisia, in search of ancient meteorites, Day 3
David Eicher
On Tuesday, March 22, our intrepid tour group of 22 Astronomy magazine readers, accompanied by me, planetary scientist Chris McKay, and Melita Thorpe of MWT Associates, continued our journey through Tunisia. Having stayed overnight in Sfax, one of Tunisia’s largest cities, we paid a visit to the...
on
Wed, Mar 23 2011
Blog Post:
On the Road: Tunisia, in search of ancient meteorites, Day 4
David Eicher
Imagine picking up a piece of the asteroid Vesta from a rocky desert hillside, the first person ever to touch that meteorite in history. That’s exactly what all of the members of Astronomy magazine’s Tunisian tour group got to do around noontime on Wednesday, March 23. We were guests of Aljane...
on
Thu, Mar 24 2011
Blog Post:
On the Road: Tunisia, in search of ancient meteorites, Days 5 and 6
David Eicher
Today’s blog covers the past two days of our Tunisian trip as the Internet at our hotel in Matmata dropped out Thursday night. The Astronomy magazine group is now headquartered at a fine hotel in Tozeur, in western Tunisia, for the next couple of nights and the connection to the outside world seems...
on
Fri, Mar 25 2011
Blog Post:
On the Road: Tunisia, in search of ancient meteorites, Days 7 and 8
David Eicher
Astronomy magazine’s group of Tunisian travelers, 22 strong and accompanied by Chris McKay of NASA Ames, Melita Thorpe of MWT Associates, and me, had a very busy weekend. On Saturday, March 26, we employed Tozeur, Tunisia, in the far west, as a base. We had traveled across the great salt lake of...
on
Mon, Mar 28 2011
Blog Post:
On the Road: Tunisia, in search of ancient meteorites, Day 9
David Eicher
Astronomy magazine’s tour group of 22, accompanied by Chris McKay of NASA Ames, Melita Thorpe of MWT Associates, and your editor, enjoyed its last day of touring Tunisia on Monday, March 28. Intermittent Wi-Fi availability at our final hotel delayed my posting of this last day’s blog until...
on
Thu, Mar 31 2011
Blog Post:
Oshkosh air show tops half a million
Michael Bakich
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on
Wed, Aug 1 2012
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