The speaker is Ken Graun. He is the author of many books for the amateur astronomer including _Touring the Universe_. He has also created some popular planispheres and star charts. And you might have seen him at The Riverside Telescope Makers Conference with the exact replicas he built of Galileo's telescopes.
Everyone is invited; you don't have to be a member to attend a meeting. This will be a great meeting to bring your family to--not too technical, but informative with interesting visuals. So it will still be enjoyable for even the most jaded amateurs amongst us, while still being interesting for your spouse, children, and newbies to the best hobby ever.
His website, What's Out Tonight? http://www.kenpress.com/ , has a nice printable monthly star chart with a lot of useful information. There is even a link to E-mail him astronomy related questions. Ken's site (and Ken) is a good resource to pass along to budding astronomers, educators, and folks attending the public star parties.
The title of his talk is "Tour of the Solar System" which he describes as: "What is a solar system? How big are the planets compared to each other? Why is Pluto no longer a planet? Where is the largest volcano in the Solar System located? Is it possible to hold an asteroid in your hands? Get answers to these questions and more as you sit back and enjoy a visual tour of our Solar System. Nothing technical—just fun and informative—geared for everyone."
Bring along your Ken Graun publications for him to autograph. We will also have a copy of _Touring the Universe_ included in our "50/50 raffle" (courtesy of Starizona http://starizona.com ), and I've requested Ken to bring some of his works to sell at the meeting.
We meet at Grand Canyon University 3300 West Camelback, Phoenix:I17 to Camelback. West on Camelback to 33rd Avenue (this is a small traffic lighted intersection just east of the big one on 35th Ave. and Camelback) Right onto 33rd Ave. which is also an entrance to the university. Continue to the guard gate, tell the guards you're there for the astronomy club meeting, turn left and park. Walk back toward the guard gate and turn left onto the lighted pathway; we meet in the last building on the right, the Fleming building. Enter and follow your ears to our meeting.
After the meeting we go to JB's Restaurant SouthWest corner of Northern and 35th Ave for some further camaraderie over a piece of pie.
Hoping to see you there.Contact me offline for any questions regarding this Saguaro Astronomy Club meeting.
Kind regards,
Jennifer Polakis, VP M24@xxxxxxx 480 967-1658
Saguaro Astronomy Club www.saguaroastro.org
ccs: Peter--for website
Rick--for newsletter
