January Meeting

Observing Satellites

Our speaker this month is Rich Nugent from Framingham, Massachusetts. Rich has been interested in astronomy since the early 1960's when his dad introduced him to the wonders of the heavens. Rich acquired his first serious telescope - an 8-inch reflector - in the fall of 1969 and he hasn't stopped observing since. He joined the Aldrich Astronomical Society in the late 1960's, and worked as a planetarium lecturer at the Worcester Science Center during the early 70's. He attended Framingham State College and Northeastern University earning degrees in chemistry. After a 23+ year career as a chemist at New England Nuclear, Rich became a teacher of science and math in the Framingham school system. Currently in his 14th year, Rich now teaches chemistry and astronomy at Framingham High School. Today, his favorite toys include a Coronado solar telescope, a 12.5-inch Cave Astrola, and a 20-inch Dobsonian that he built in the early 1990's.  Rich has been a member of the Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston for 22 years and organized the club's star parties during the 1990's.

Tonight, Rich will be presenting a talk titled Observing Earth Satellites. Beginning with the launch of Sputnik I in October 1957, Rich will reminisce about the early days of the Moonwatch program, the space race, the manned space program, Skylab, Mir, and Space Shuttles. His talk will include how to observe satellites including flaring satellites, geostationary satellites, and the International Space Station. There will be observing challenges and homework so do plan to attend!