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National Australian Convention of Amateur Astronomers (NACAA) 2022 Stream

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By  Greg McCall

Welcome To NACAA

 

The National Australian Convention of Amateur Astronomers (NACAA) convention has been held across Australia since 1967 and has become a significant national forum at which amateur astronomers can exchange experiences, stay abreast of the latest trends, foster co-operative activities between individuals, societies and the professional sphere, and network amongst their peers throughout Australia and beyond.

In keeping with tradition, the first day of the broadcast will be Easter Saturday, April 16 2022, starting at 9:00 am with four streams across the first day. The second day of the broadcast will be on Saturday, April 23 2022, from 9:00 am with four more streams across the day and the Easter Raffle will be drawn after the last stream. So join us as we discuss everything from preserving the dark to searching for red nova progenitors. There is a topic for everyone in this jam-packed 2-day event.

Keynote Speaker - The Era of global Astronomy & how anyone/anywhere can get involved - Sara Webb

We live in an exciting era of Astronomy where data far outweighs astronomers, and the discoveries to be made are almost limitless. In this presentation I will give an overview of the transient universe and some of the most unique discoveries assisted by Amateur astronomers and citizen scientists. I'll also highlight how you can get involved in assisting current research and even help in the hunt for elusive cosmic events!

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NACAA Stream 2

Page Medal Presentation - Dr John Lattanzio

The Berenice Page Medal was inaugurated by the ASA in 1972 in memory of Mrs Berenice Page, an exceptional amateur astronomer and foundation member of the Society. The ASA awards the Berenice and Arthur Page Medal for excellence in amateur astronomy in Australia and its territories. It is normally awarded every two years for scientific contributions by an amateur astronomer that has served to advance astronomy.

Being part of TFOP-SG1 - Chris Stockdale

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) was launched in 2018 and to-date has catalogued over 5100 new planet candidates. In a huge international effort, over 560 members of the TESS Follow-up Observing Program (TFOP) Working Group image, process, and report their findings.

Search for Red Nova Progenitors - Surjit Wadhwa

Since the confirmation of V1309 Sco (Nova Sco 2008) as a merger event between components of a contact binary system, there has been significant interest in the detection of progenitor system before they merge. A number of observational and theoretical programmes are underway around the world to understand the pre-merger orbital dynamics as a method of identifying systems with features of orbital instability.

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NACAA Stream 3

 

How to Get Started in Astronomy - Perry Vlahos

An overview of how newcomers to the science can get more involved in astronomy, with tips on how to avoid pitfalls.

Using gravity to find stars - Peter Osman

Very few ultraportable equatorial telescopes come with digital setting circles. This talk describes a 'Push To' equatorial telescope with digital differential setting circles that can be readily assembled using simple hand tools. The complete system is designed for basic spectrophotometry and spectroscopy, and can fit in an instrument case and a tripod bag.

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NACAA Stream 4

 

 

Live Solar Stream In Hydrogen Alpha - Dr Russell Cockman
Have you ever seen the sun through a telescope? Well today is your chance! Join Dr. Russell Cockman as he streams

 

Lands of Ice and Snow - Stephen Russell

After missing out on the Patagonian total solar eclipse in 2020, I booked a cabin on a cruise ship heading to Antarctica with a detour to the 2021 December 4 total eclipse. Amazingly, in spite of all of the COVID restrictions at the time, I was able to board the cruise and came back uninfected. In this talk, I’ll tell the saga of what was involved in the trip of a lifetime to see Antarctica and Patagonia, and the path of totality, and will present lots of photos.

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NACAA Stream 5

 

Highlights of Solar Cycle 25 - John Wilkinson

Observations of the Sun has gained increased interest in recent years because of the availability of specialised telescopes for amateurs to use. Activity on the sun follows an 11 year cycle and we are currently in cycle 25 and heading towards a solar maximum. This presentation will examine the various features of the sun worth viewing, and focus on the highlights of cycle 25 so far, and what is to be expected over the next few years. The presenter will use images of the sun taken by himself since the cycle began.

Fifty Years of Observations of Jupiter's Great Red Spot - Barry Adcock and Stewart Beveridge

In concert with the centenary year of the Astronomical Society of Victoria, the lunar and Planetary Section has conducted, collected, and processed observations of the bodies of the solar system for over fifty years. A major focus of interest has been the planet Jupiter but rather than briefly present all the observations over that period we would like to detail our observations of the Great Red Spot. We present a summary of the fifty years of data pertaining to the size and movement of the Great Red Spot and a summary of the observational methods used during that period.

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NACAA Stream 6

 

1922 Total Solar Eclipse: proof of Einstein's theory of general relativity in Australia - Toner Stevenson

In 1922 amateur and professional astronomers flocked to observing sites on both sides of Australia to observe a spectacular total solar eclipse. In this illustrated presentation I will explain how and by who Einstein's Theory of general relativity was indisputably proven, exploits of adventurous amateur astronomers and why this matters a century later.

Five Total Solar Eclipses coming to Australia - Terry Cuttle

This presentation will discuss the unique occurrence of the five total solar eclipses that will occur across Australia in the coming period of just 18 years. A Total Solar Eclipse is arguably nature’s most astounding spectacle which everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime, and all Australians will have excellent opportunities to do that with these eclipses. The presentation will cover each of the five eclipses, and describe their paths across the country and circumstances (time and duration) at key towns and localities, as well as access to observing locations and weather prospects.

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NACAA Stream 7

Smart telescopes - fad or function - Des Janke

Since 2017, telescopes have emerged that combine optics, imaging and computerisation. Although considered expensive, they promote portability, ease of use and extraordinary performance, revealing dark sky objects from suburban locations. Detractors maintain you can assemble your own for less cost, but at what requirement in technical know-how and setup.

Basic Meteorology for an Observing/Astrophotography Night - Peter Matters

I will start by discussing how temperature and dew point/relative humidity are related and work together. This will be explained using the examples of the kitchen kettle and the bathroom shower/mirror, and how they are related to cloud formation. Next will be the interpretation of BoM rain forecasts followed by an explanation of synoptic charts and what they indicate. A basic explanation of Highs, Lows, and Cold Fronts will round off this section. Satellite photos (visual and infrared) will be next, showing the correlation with synoptic charts. The talk will conclude with making a forecast using BoM forecasts, synoptic charts, satellite photos, sky visuals, and gut feel – followed by questions if time permits.

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NACAA Stream 8

 

Saving the Dark - Dr Ken Wishaw

The biggest threat to the pursuit of visual astronomy is light pollution. Australia’s population increase, ignorance of light pollution as an issue, and the use of inappropriate lighting techniques have all contributed to the problem. Increasing numbers of satellites is also emerging as a contributor to light pollution. The solutions are simple and easily achieved. Unlike many other forms of pollution, light pollution requires no compromises. What is good for astronomers is also good for wildlife, human health safety, and the bank balance.

The Global ALAN Network - Judith Bailey

With the exponential growth of ALAN, the global community has been coming together over recent years to formulate a broad plan to protect the environment. From being considered a fringe/small interest group regarding Light pollution in the past, the environment imperative has become a global movement that is galvanising countries to take action. This historical turn about reflects changes that are new to some, but not new to some of the Earth's oldest cultures.

Introducing Big Skies Collaboration's Inland Astro-Tour routes Merrill Findlay

The IAT is our very ambitious astro-tourism, cultural heritage, STEAM outreach (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), and restorative development initiative to link, share, promote, and conserve sites of astronomical significance in south-eastern Australia’s rural and remote inland. The draft IAT routes each begin and end at a Stargate in a capital city - Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, and Canberra - to draw city and international travellers into the Inland. As well as the many professional and citizen observatories in this vast region, the routes include critical metal and rare earth mines sites (because the elements are made in stars), Dark Sky areas, First Nations sites, and what are best described as astro-gastronomy sites, or places where we can be wined and dined under the stars!

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