February 2012
President's Message: February 2012
By Tom ThibaultWell, it appears Old Man Winter has decided to take it easy on us this season. I can only assume he feels badly for the beating he laid upon us last winter…the likes of which I do not wish to see for many years to come. Can you believe Groundhog Day has already arrived? Let’s all hope Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his burrow and fails to gaze upon his shadow. If we’re lucky, the remainder of this year’s winter will be mild, allowing us to take in the pleasures of the gems displayed in the winter sky.
January’s Meeting featured the film “The City Dark”. Francine Jackson shared the film that Frosty Drew received from the town of Charlestown, RI. The membership was treated to a great film, soda, and popcorn. The film was well done and informative. We are at risk of losing that connection we all have with the universe. As light pollution washes out the stars of the night sky, we all need to support the efforts to stop this trend. We can all do our part by voicing our concerns to our elected officials and educating the public. Francine extended an invitation for our use of the film for those purposes. Feel free to contact Francine if you have an interest.
February’s Meeting will feature our own Gerry Dyck. Gerry will be providing us with an entertaining presentation of “Astronomical Poetry” through the ages. I personally enjoy the rhythm of music while enjoying the serenity of viewing. In most cases, poetry is music without the accompanying instruments. The solitude during viewing has the ability to inspire and a good verse can be the result. So, come join us as Gerry presents a number of examples of verse scribed in the past.
Now that we’re in 2012, Skyscrapers has a busy agenda. Our elections and budget approval are quickly approaching. Maintenance and property improvements are in the planning. Public Nights and Outreach Programs will continue our mission to educate our members and the public. Before we know it, October will be creeping up and our premier event AstroAssembly will be upon us. So, I urge all with an interest to get involved, to volunteer when you can and join in the activities that makes Skyscrapers such a great organization.
Feel free to approach any member of our Executive Committee, Trustee’s, Observatory Committee, and Outreach Coordinators if you have an interest in becoming more involved in the organizations activities. We welcome all membership contributions and input. Skyscrapers is an outstanding organization and it’s all because of our membership.
I look forward to seeing all of you at our February Meeting.
Clear Skies
Tom Thibault
Skyscrapers
President
The Poet and the Sky
Gerry DyckOur February speaker is Skyscraper member Gerry Dyck, who will give a two-part presentation on poetry and astronomy. In the first part, entitled “The Poet and the Sky,” he will recite and comment upon examples of poetry with astronomical themes – from ancient Egypt, mediaeval Persia, the King James Bible, to major English-speaking poets such as Shakespeare, Milton, Tennyson, Whitman and Frost. Among the lesser-known poets to be quoted will be Alfred Noyes, a part of whose epic poem Watchers of the Sky was recited at the First Light Ceremony of the 100-inch Hooker telescope on Mt. Wilson. It contains the following memorable lines which could well serve as a motto for any amateur astronomer:
I know that I am dust and daily die,
Yet, as I trace those rhythmic spheres at night
I stand before the Thunderer’s throne on high
and feast on nectar in the Halls of Light.
The presentation will conclude with a cycle of original poetry and music called The Ancient Face of Night. It is a new arrangement of music, words and images originally composed for the visit of Clyde Tombaugh and the 75th anniversary of the AAVSO. It includes a variety of verse, some serious, some light hearted, such as:
One Ursa is Major and circles the pole;
The other one plays a subordinate role.
One Leo is Major and prowls through the night;
The other is Minor and keeps out of sight.
One Canes is Major and prances so tall;
The other is Minor, not Serious at all.
Jupiter and Bright Moon on a Mid-Winter Night
A Planet Pair Viewed in a Scope Atop a Trash Container
A favorable conjunction of Venus and Uranus.
Craig Cortis provided this report.
