This is old news but still interesting. Some friends and I were discussing the Antikythera Mechanism the other day, and I hunted up two videos produced by the science magazine Nature.The mechanism is the most amazing astronomical computer known from antiquity. If you missed them when they came out back in 2008, here are the videos, parts one and two, courtesy of YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiQSHiAYt98&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znM0-arQvHc&feature=channel -- Best wishes, Joe --- On Wed, 10/21/09, Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com> wrote: From: Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Private Observing Calendar? To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 12:41 PM Jay, it would be great to join up someday. My favorite spot that's not too far away is the Wedge. Toilet facilities are even available. If you can put up with my generator, my computer screen (which is generally red to protect night vision) and my big fat self, you'll always be welcome! Same for any of our other friends. -- Joe --- On Wed, 10/21/09, Jay Eads <jayleads@gmail.com> wrote: From: Jay Eads <jayleads@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Private Observing Calendar? To: "Utah-Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 12:03 PM Joe, I politely disagree . . . when I went with David Rankin his generator did not bother me and I just set up about 10 yards f from him so no biggie. Actually it was really cool to see what he does and I hope we can go out again. I sketch so I use a faint red light when I do that so your computer screen would not bother me. I would welcome the opportunity to tag along with you! The question is can you put up with a fat middle age visual observer . . . . BTW,  I was going to tell you last night but I was sick your blog from awhile back about the sheriff at SPOC, yep, still there. Got hit on by him about 2 weeks ago but its good to know he is watching the grounds at SPOC. On 2009-10-21 17:43, Joe Bauman wrote:

Going out with others would be wonderful -- but unless the place has electricity, it won't work for me. I try to do astrophotography (I'm not that good but I know I can improve), and that requires my laptop. No laptop made has batteries that last very long, I'm convinced. If I could find a heavy-duty battery that I could plug into my laptop, that would allow me to image among others. But until I find that kind of battery or a place with power, I am forced to use my generator. That would be extremely annoying for others nearby. -- Joe

--- On Wed, 10/21/09, Jay Eads <jayleads@???> wrote:

From: Jay Eads <jayleads@???> Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Private Observing Calendar? To: utah-astronomy@??? Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 11:04 AM

A question to anyone. Craig and I have worked on a Google Calendar that is public whereby those added can put down private observing sessions with time and location and allow others to sign up to come also, or just show up.  The purpose is to allow people in the hobby to coordinate private observing sessions.  I know for some of us we have people we observe with but I think this might be a way to reach beyond formal events and promote observing with newer people. In checking it is my understanding that a private observing calendar like this can't be supported by a club because then each event becomes a club event with insurance liabilities. This is not outreach, this is not a public event and no OAS or SLAS member has to participate in it, this is just designed that if someone wants to go to X location, they can let others know when and where they are going so that others  can see it and decide if they want to contact them to arrange to go together. I   love observing alone, I also enjoy knowing there is another human body around even if we are doing our own lists or observing of an atlas page etc. Sometimes it helps to have someone else confirm what you think your seeing.

Just wondering what people think of the idea. Remember you don't have to participate.

  If you want access to the calendar let me know (you'll need a gmail account).  Once you have a gmail account (I don't get anything for you having a gmail account) you can add these events to your calendar or I'll give you access to the calendar.

Here is what the calendar looks like:

http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=92mmk1gs7849k29kn8170fiklk@group.ca...

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