[sac-board] Re: FAQ

Rick,
Like everyone else is saying "Excellent job".
I'll get this on the site soon.

If alyone has anything to add please feel free to post it here and I will a=
dd it.

have a great day, and a clear night 
Stan Clark 
33.43N, 112.35 W 
Saguaro Astronomy Club 
Webmaster 
www.saguaroastro.org 



---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: SaguaroAstro@xxxxxxx
Reply-To: sac-board@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 20:01:30 EST

>All,
>A few days ago, the idea of posting a FAQ on the website was proposed. I'v=
e 
>taken the liberty of drawing up a preliminary version. I'll copy it here, =
but 
>since I can't send an attachment to the list, I have the file in word form=
at 
>for those who may want it. Please look it over and see if there is anythin=
g I 
>missed or any suggestions. I tried think of all the questions I've been as=
ked 
>over the years.
>
>Here it is:
>
>FAQ
>
>Q)  Who Can Join SAC?
>A)      SAC membership is open to anyone with an interest in astronomy. Fr=
om 
>beginner to expert all are welcome. 
>
>Q)  Do I need to own a Telescope to be a member?
>A)  No. Although many members own telescopes, it is not a requirement to 
>join. In fact if you are a beginner, not owning a telescope can be an adva=
ntage. 
>You can attend a few star parties and check out different types of scopes =
(our 
>members are always willing to let you take a look and answer questions) to=
 
>help you determine what will best suit your needs & budget.
>
>Q)  How much is membership?
>A)  Dues are $28.00 per year for individuals and $42.00 for family 
>memberships. All memberships expire in December, so if you're a new member=
, we pro-rate 
>your first years dues on a quarterly schedule.
>
>Q)  What do you do at Club meetings?
>A)  Our general meetings usually last about 2 =BD hours. During the first =
part 
>of the meeting, we take care of club business and our we have a "Show & Te=
ll" 
>where our members are free to display their latest astronomical achievemen=
ts. 
>After a short break, we have a guest speaker give a talk on a subject of 
>interest. Our proximity to major observatories & universities renown for t=
heir 
>astronomical research enables us to get a wide variety of interesting spea=
kers. 
>
>Q)  I've never been under a dark sky, is it ok if I come to a SAC star par=
ty 
>before I join?
>A)  Yes, but we do recommend that you attend a meeting first. We have seve=
ral 
>sites we observe from, the closet of which is an hours drive from central =

>Phoenix, so if you do wish to join us, please contact a board member to fi=
nd out 
>where we are going and to get directions. Also be aware of the weather. If=
 it 
>looks iffy, please check to see if we're going. 
>
>Q)  I've heard that beginners should start with Binoculars. Can you really=
 
>see anything with them?
>A)  Yes, you can see a lot with a good pair of binoculars. They are easy t=
o 
>use, offer a wide field of view (which make finding things easier) and are=
 
>affordable. A good pair of 7x50 binoculars can be had for under $150.00 an=
d will 
>help you learn the sky while showing you some very nice objects. Most 
>experienced observers still keep a pair of bino's handy, even if they own =
a 
>sophisticated telescope. 
>
>Q)  I'm new to Astronomy. What do I look at?
>A)  There are many objects in the sky a beginner can find easily and obser=
ve. 
>Most beginners start out by observing solar system objects, namely the moo=
n & 
>planets. They are easy to find and can offer great detail, even in small 
>instruments. There are also many Deep Sky Objects (DSO's) that are bright =
enough t 
>be seen with the naked eye from dark locations. Most beginning observers w=
ill 
>start their Deep Sky Observing with the Messier catalogue. This is a 
>catalogue of 110 objects first catalogued by French Astronomer Charles Mes=
sier in the 
>late 18th century. The messier catalogue includes some of the finest DSO's=
 to 
>be seen.  We have several different observing programs for those intereste=
d in 
>keeping track of their observations. The programs are geared toward both t=
he 
>novice & experienced observer alike. Upon completion of the program, the 
>observer is awarded a plaque to commemorate the achievement.  
>
>Q)  I'm the parent of a child who has expressed an interest in astronomy. =
Do 
>you have school-age members?
>A)  Currently, our younger members are part of family memberships. While w=
e 
>don't currently have any school-age individual members, this does not mean=
 they 
>are not welcome. Bear in mind our star parties are a ways out of town so a=
 
>youngster wishing to attend would need to arrange transportation to and fr=
om the 
>observing site. Also, young folk should be mature enough to behave 
>responsibly while at the site. We believe that astronomy is a great family=
 activity and 
>encourage family membership. It is a great way to spend some quality time =
with 
>your kids, while enjoying the beauty of the night sky.
> 
>
>Rick Tejera
>Editor SACnews
>Saguaro Astronomy Club
>Phoenix, Arizona
>SaguaroAstro@xxxxxxx
>www.saguaroastro.org
>
>
>

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