Nacaa

[Glenn Dawes]

The next NACAA (National Australian Convention of Amateur Astronomers) is being held over Easter 2008. Being a national event I thought it was quite appropriate to use IIS as a vehicle to inform you about NACAA and I want to thank Mike for his support.

This conference has been held biennially going back to the 1960s. Traditionally, different societies from all over Australia have taken turns at hosting NACAA. In 2008 it is coming back to Sydney, to the western suburb of Penrith (Panthers convention centre).

The majority of presentations at such events are by amateurs (such as you) and generally reflects their interests or work. These talks cover many facets of astronomy and include the needs of beginners up to areas where the amateur can contribute to professional work (for more info see the recent ‘Pro-Am’ thread). There will also be at least a couple of key note presentations by professional astronomers.

Another activity will be workshops (separate to the main convention). For example, Mike S has shown interest in running one on webcam imaging/processing. I believe this format is ideal for those wishing to learn more about the various forms of electronic imaging and computer processing. Examples of other workshops in the past have been lunar and minor planet occultations and lunar eclipses (crater timings).

There are also plenty of opportunities to socialize, including the convention dinner. At this dinner a representative of the ASA (Astronomical Society of Australia) normally presents the Berenice Page Medal for Amateur contributions to astronomy. The list of past recipients is really a who’s who of prominent Australian amateurs – many of them are still regular attendees to NACAAs.

The last NACAA in 2006 was held in Frankston, Victoria and hosted by the MPAS (Mornington Peninsular Astronomical Society). They have an excellent, comprehensive website and I recommend anyone who hasn’t attended a NACAA to check it out:
www.nacaa.org.au

Besides encouraging people to attend (my main objective!), I would like to hear from:
* Anyone who would like to make a presentation (I would be more than happy to pass on abstracts to the programme committee).
* Any potential sponsors. There are a number of generous organizations that have contributed over the years and will continue to assist in 2008, but we are always looking for more.
* Anyone who might be able to assist (mostly local residents).

Being part of the local organizing committee and convener for 2008 I would be happy to respond to any questions – either on this thread or PM.

There is a lot to do and I’ll use this thread to post updates as they come to hand.

Regards

Glenn Dawes

[iceman]

I'm looking forward to going, and I'm happy to give a presentation/workshop on planetary imaging and image processing.

I urge others to support this great event!

[spacezebra]

Hi Glenn

Happy to help where ever possible - just say the word. I will ensure that our society is aware of this event.

Cheers Petra
Sec - Astronomical Society of Albury-Wodonga

[higginsdj]

Tom Richards had asked me to put something together and I had agreed so I'll let you know as well. Something on Pro-Am collaboration and perhaps something on the work I do at my observatory covering everything from automation setup to data collection to final results etc.

I assume the format will be PPT presentations or do you want papers as well?

Cheers

[Glenn Dawes]

Hi David and thanks for the note.
I can't speak on behalf of the programme committee but I suspect presentations would be standardized to powerpoint. The papers will also be published either on disk or paper preceedings. So it depends a bit on how comprehensive your PPT is as to whether you have a separate paper or not (some of the papers from 2006 were PPT which suited their 'disk' proceedings.
I'll use this thread to update the procedure for presentations as they become clearer.
Regards
Glenn

[SMR]

Hi all.

Just letting you know that NACAA now has its own permanent (I hope) website: http://nacaa.org.au. You can read some early information about the 2008 NACAA there, as well as look at what happened at the 2006 event.

There are still some rough edges that need polishing, so all feedback appreciated. Many thanks!

Steve Russell
webmaster@nacaa.org.au

[gaa_ian]

Hi Glenn
I am certainly interested again & would probably do a presentation "Astronomy Education & Aboriginal Communities" or something along those lines.
Cheers
Ian

[SMR]

Hi Ian.

Great to hear from you! I suggest you send an email to Tom Richards (programme@nacaa.org.au) to let him know you're interested in presenting a paper. The more the merrier!

Steve.

[gaa_ian]

Thanks Steve I will do that !
Cheers
Ian

[SMR]

Just thought I'd pass on the news that the Sunday night BBQ for NACAA XXIII will be held at the University of Western Sydney's Nepean Observatory. The scopes will be operational, weather permitting. Alas the moon will also be operational; it's the Easter full moon.

Steve.

[Glenn Dawes]

Hi one and all,

Joe Grida, the NACAA General Secretary has issued a press release about NACAA. It was originally designed for past attendees but I think it is good general info for the IISers. There will be a bulletin within a week and I'll put that up as well.

Glenn


Hello,

please find attached a press release advising of the incorporation of NACAA.

This is an exciting event which we hope will help further the advancement of amateur astronomy in Australia.

In coming weeks, look out for further announcements as we prepare for the 23rd NACAA in Sydney in March 2008.

As someone who has attended the NACAA in the past, we wanted you to be one of the first to be brought this exciting news.

We look forward to your continued support of NACAA under its new structure.

Regards,

Joe Grida
Deputy General Secretary
NACAA Inc

[Glenn Dawes]

Hello all,

Pls. find attached the latest bulletin for NACAA.
For anyone who hasn't attended a past NACAA I suggest checking out the website:

http://www.nacaa.org.au

Any other questions please contact me at:

Convenor@nacaa.org.au

I hope to see as many IISers in Penrith next Easter.

Regards

Glenn

[SMR]

Hi all.

The NACAA programme committee -- Dr Tom Richards, Barry Adcock, Col Bembrick, Dave Herald, Ray Johnston, Zac Pujic, and Peter Williams -- has released their Call of Presentations for NACAA 2008 (see attached).

The committee is very interested to hear from you if you are interested in contributing to NACAA, as well as any suggestions that you might have for topics that should be presented at NACAA. Send your emails to programme@nacaa.org.au.

Full details on NACAA 2008 can be found at http://www.nacaa.org.au/?q=NACAA2008/about. If you are thinking of attending NACAA, please complete our pre-registration form at http://www.nacaa.org.au/?q=nacaa2008/interested to assist us with our planning.

Thanks!

Steve.

[Tom_Richards]

NACAA has always positioned itself at the cutting edge of amateur astronomy. This is the conference to find out about the best of amateur astronomical work in this country: research, instrumentation, education ... you name it. This means we're looking for a wide range of presentations to create a full and interesting programme. We're looking for oral presentations, posters, round-table discussions, and workshops. You can even run a day-long workshop if you like - I did it last time.
We have an outstanding Programme Committee of specialists in various areas to assist you in preparing proposals for presentations, and the presentations themselves. At present the members are:
Tom Richards - Chair
Barry Adcock - Telescopes and Instrumentation
Col Bembrick - Solar system minor bodies
Dave Herald - Occultations
Peter Williams - Variable Stars
Ray Johnston - Education & outreach
Zac Pujic - Planets
If you have any suggestions for what you'd like to see at NACAA next Easter (a round-table discussion on promoting work in your favourite area? A hands-on workshop on some area of image processing? A presentation on some major development in Australian astronomy?) let me know and the PC will see what it can do. Or more importantly if you'd like to make a presentation yourself, have a read of the Call for Presentations on www.nacaa.org.au (http://www.nacaa.org.au) and get in touch with me with your idea. I'll put you in touch with a PC member to take it further.
Please contact me on programme@nacaa.org.au, not via this IIS thread.
Look forward to hearing from you!
Tom Richards

[Outbackmanyep]

I'm keen on this one! Would be great to meet fellow IIS's there as well as check out my old stomping ground!

Cheers!

[Glenn Dawes]

Hello everyone,

Just a note to give you an update on NACAA.

* Registrations are open. Please see out website (www.nacaa.org.au). Please note there is an early bird draw (see below)

* It is not too late to submit an abstract if you wish to make a presentation. Final deadline is Feb. 1.

* If you are coming from interstate and looking for accommodation the most convenient motel is the Chifley (next door to the venue). However, there is a home game that weekend for the Panthers football club which can attract interstate visitors - so don't delay making a booking.

* NACAA has organised some limited airport transfers. If you need this service drop me a note and I'll ensure it gets to the right people.

Below I have included the text from a magazine add due to come out. It gives you a taste of what the programme includes.

Regards

Glenn D

NACAA is held every two years and is open to anyone interested in astronomy. It attracts amateurs from all over Australia, so come and hear about the latest in your hobby. The majority of presentations are by amateurs (just like you!) and reflect their interests. These talks cover many facets of astronomy and include the needs of beginners up to areas where the amateur can contribute to professional work.
Why not make Penrith your next family holiday? Offering:
* accommodation next door to
the venue.
* Panthers is very family orientated.
* it is only a short drive to the tourist
destination of the Blue Mountains.
NACAA has something to suit any budget ranging from $30 for a half-day to $250 for full registration.
For further information email us or see the website (www.nacaa.org.au).
Act now for registrations before March 1st will go into the special early bird draw.
Highlights of NACAA XXIII
* Keynote speaker, Matthew Colless
(AAO), "The future of Optical
Astronomy in Australia"
* Convention dinner address, Ray
Norris (ATNF), "Aboriginal Austra-
lians: the World's First Astronomers?"
* Plenary address, Arne Henden
(AAVSO), “The Amateur Scientist in
Modern Society”.
* The Second Trans-Tasman Sympo-
sium on Occultations will be held in
conjunction with NACAA.
Topics for other talks, round table discussions and workshops include:
* Precision CCD Photometry
* Narrowband imaging and processing
* Remote Robotic Imaging.
* Light Curve Analysis of Contact
Binary Stars
* Ancient Lunar eclipses
* Amateur Variable Star research.
* The International Year of
Astronomy 2009.
* Grazing Occultations and Timing.
* Southern Double Stars.
* Amateur input to asteroid research.
* Visiting Nepean Observatory, BBQ
* and much more . . . See you there!

[g__day]

I'd like to attend and meet you folk - I'll mention it to my best mates dad - Bruce my badminton partner who was big on radio telescopes at Parkes and has his doctorate in astronomy.

[Glenn Dawes]

Hi g__day,

Chris W (Outbackmanyep) has also suggested NACAA would be a great place to meet some of our fellow IIS folk. There will be plenty of opportunities for socialising. There is always the cocktail party on Friday night or the BBQ on Sunday evening?

Perhaps to help us all we could write on our name tags our IIS names. Also, as convenor, I'll be easy to find, so please come up and say hello - with your real names :)

Regards

Glenn

[Glenn Dawes]

Hi guys,

For those thinking of going to the NACAA, today marks T- 1 month to register and qualify for the early bird draw. These prizes include an observing chair from Bintel and a framed image of Comet McNaught, by none other that Rob himself!

Regards

Glenn

[rumples riot]

Glenn I cannot make it to this one, I have however submitted images to Tom Richards for a planetary imaging exhibit and I think (although not sure) for solar imaging in Ha.

I am sure that this event will be a great success. I went to one years ago and it was very interesting. Well worth the effort.

[Glenn Dawes]

Hi guys,

I'm pleased to announce that the NACAA web site now has the full details of the programme for NACAA XXIII, and that registrations for the workshops are now open, including the costs.

The programme details are at
http://www.nacaa.org.au/nacaa2008/programme
As you'll see, this is the biggest NACAA ever, with parallel streams for almost all of the four days.

Now all we need is record attendances and being based in a city the size of Sydney, why shouldn't this be achieveable? There is plenty of time left to register and also qualify for the early bird draw (Mar 1)

Regards

Glenn

[gaa_ian]

Thanks for the update Glenn
I spend more time in here than in my Email !
I have my tickets to Sydney booked and I'm making preparations for the conference, really looking forward to catching up with everyone.

[Glenn Dawes]

Hi guys,

There is a gentleman looking to help offset some of the cost over Easter by sharing a room with someone. He doesn't mind even if it is a different motel to the venue one.

Can anyone help? Please PM me and I'll put him in touch.

Regards

Glenn

PS.
Ian, thanks for the post and I'm looking forward to catching up (I'll probably be the one running around like a maniac!)

Sorry rumples I missed your post. Thanks for the positive comments about NACAA and I'm sorry you can't make it this year. I look forward to seeing your images.

[Glenn Dawes]

Hi guys,

I have just sent out a notice to past attendees of NACAA and have posted it below. It would be great to see a strong IIS presence at the conference. If you are coming please come up and say hello.

Glenn


Hello to our fellow astronomers,

The arrangements for NACAA XXII, to be held over Easter at Penrith Panthers, Sydney, are now finalized. The complete program is now on the website:

http://www.nacaa.org.au/nacaa2008/programme/schedule

Even a brief glance shows this is possibly the biggest NACAA ever held, with presentations/workshops being run in 2 streams during most of the conference.

Also, final prices for all events are now available, including the separate workshops which I know some people were waiting on before registering. If you look at the registrations page (www.nacaa.org.au/product) there is something to suit every budget from half day up to full registrations (which includes all sessions, tea breaks, lunch, welcome party, the Conference dinner and BBQ).
The half day or one day registration would be ideal for any Sydney amateurs who haven't been to a NACAA but wish to get a taste and minimise the financial and time investment.

If you haven't already, register now! If your payment is received before March 1 you qualify to go in the early bird draw - the prizes for which have been generously donated by our commercial sponsors.
ONLY 8 DAYS TO GO!

On a final note, would you mind circulating this email to as many of your contacts or societies as possible. Please help get the word out!

On behalf of the organising committees we have done our best. Now we ask our fellow amateurs to make NACAA a great success.

Kindest Regards

Glenn Dawes
Convenor, NACAA XXII.