[SJAA-announce] Fw: Night Sky Network Message: September Newsletter- ToolKit Telecon

[Bob & Brenda Havner]

Hello Club Members,

It has been an exciting month for the Night Sky Network. We are busy 
shipping out the brand new ToolKit- Exploring the Solar System, which should 
reach qualifying clubs by next Friday. There will also be a unique 
Teleconference on October 2nd where you can learn about how ToolKits are 
born and talk with astronomy enthusiasts across the country. And there is a 
great new book just released amateur astronomers doing outreach. Find out 
about all of these things and more below.

Also, keep your eyes out for a special survey headed your way very soon. A 
new project sponsored by the National Science Foundation is looking at 
astronomy club culture and wants to hear what you have to say.

1) Trip Through a ToolKit Telecon, October 2nd
2) Exploring the Solar System ToolKit is on its Way
3) New Book About Amateur Astronomers Available
4) Seeing In the Dark Website

> 1) Trip Through a ToolKit Telecon, October 2nd
Join the divas of the Night Sky Network, Marni Berendsen and Vivian White on 
October 2nd for a delightful Trip Through a ToolKit. Find out about how the 
new Exploring the Solar System ToolKit came together and be among the first 
to learn what the next ToolKit topic will be, while sharing your experiences 
with the network. We invite you to ask questions, give suggestions and tell 
us about your adventures with the Night Sky Network resources.

A PowerPoint will be available by September 28th here:
http://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/club/index.cfm

To listen with to the Teleconference "Trip Through a ToolKit"

On Tuesday, October 2nd 6:00 pm PDT (9:00 pm Eastern), call the toll-free 
conference call line 1-800-779-8164 anytime after 5:45 pm. An operator will 
answer and:

- You will be asked for the passcode: NIGHT SKY NETWORK
- You might be asked for the call leader: MICHAEL GREENE
- You will be asked to give your NAME and the CLUB you belong to, and number 
of people listening with you.

> 2) Exploring the Solar System ToolKit is on its Way
All qualifying clubs should have received the newest ToolKit, Exploring the 
Solar System by September 21st. Note that it will be coming in two pieces- a 
box and a poster tube. To find out if your club will be receiving this, go 
to the Announcements section of the Discussion Board:
http://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/forums/categories.cfm?catid=12

>3) New Book About Amateur Astronomers Available
"Science Educators Under the Stars: Amateur Astronomers Engaged in Education 
and Public Outreach" is now on the shelves! This book examines the amateur 
astronomer's role in communicating knowledge and passion about astronomy to 
the public. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the book will be 
donated to support the Astronomical Society of the Pacific's education 
programs, including Project ASTRO and the Night Sky Network. Find out more 
here:
www.astrosociety.org/aspbook.html

>4) Seeing In the Dark Web Site
"Seeing in the Dark," a dramatic new PBS special by award-winning journalist 
and author Timothy Ferris, premieres at 8 pm September 19th on most PBS 
stations (check local listings for exact dates and times.) It explores the 
delights and rewards of amateur astronomy and chronicles the contributions 
that amateurs are making to the science and art of astronomy. Accompanying 
the show is a new interactive web site, which is now ready for visitors and 
has some great interactive tools on it:
http://www.pbs.org/seeinginthedark/


Remember to get those events logged before the Teleconference to increase 
your chances of winning the Quarterly Prize- a beautiful Mars Globe! Keep up 
the great work and keep looking up.

Marni Berendsen and Vivian White
Night Sky Network Administrators
Astronomical Society of the Pacific
(415) 337-1100
Night Sky Network: http://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/