SCAS Public Program
-Barb Yager

Mars

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21st, 8 pm,  please join us for our exciting public program: MARS, featuring renowned astronomers DR. DON PARKER, Coral Gables & JOSE OLIVAREZ, Ocala Space & Science Center. They will reveal the latest data and incredible images of  the `warrior planet' racing at supersonic speed toward Earth for its closest encounter during Hallowe'en weekend! 
The free SCAS monthly programs include prizes, food buffet, lively Q & A sessions with experts, FIU Astronomy Center, CP-145, Physics Bldg. NE area of University Park, SW 109th Avenue/SW 8th Street where parking is available opposite the Chem.-Physics Bldg. Call SCAS Hotline: 305-661-1375.

SCAS/FIU OCTOBER MARS EVENTS

SOUTHERN CROSS ASTRONOMERS will have hi-tech equipment arranged at the following sites to view the `closest encounter' by fiery Mars on its 2 1/2 year timetable and the beautiful Autumn skies. During Hallowe'en weekend the `warrior planet' will be 43.1 million miles overhead--less than half the distance between the Earth and our Sun!

MONDAY 17th,  7:30-10 pm, REDLANDS FRUIT & SPICE PARK, 24801 SW 187th Ave, Homestead. The Park will have refreshments, music, tram tours of the park under a full Hunter's Moon and kids events. Adults: $15./Kids under 12 years free. 305-247-5727.

TUESDAY, 18th,  7-9 pm, members only of FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN, 10901 Old Cutler Road. SCAS astronomers will arrange hi-tech equipment near the new Visitors Center. Call Fairchild: 305-661-1651.

FRIDAY 21st,  8 pm,  Special MARS PROGRAM hosted by SCAS at FIU.

Bring lawn chairs, bug cream, binoculars and telescopes:

FRIDAY, 28th,  7:30-10 pm, WESTWIND LAKES PARK,  6805 SW 152nd Avenue.

SATURDAY, 29th - 8-11 pm,  BILL SADOWSKI PARK, SW 176th St/SW 79th Avenue.

SUNDAY, 30th - 8-10 pm, FIU Telescope deck, near Physics Bldg., NE area of University
Park, SW 109th Ave./SW 8th Street where FIUI/SCAS members will guide you to Mars!

22nd ANNUAL WINTER STAR PARTY
Get set for the SCAS Winter Star Party 2006!!  The 22nd Annual Winter Star Party is scheduled for February 20-25, 2006 in the Florida Keys. Astrophotographers and amateur astronomers often bring their families from across the U.S. and around the globe to make it a truly international event. Southern winter skies are a real treat for our Canadian and northern friends!

Daytime lectures feature noted astronomers: Dr. Don Parker, Richard Berry, Tippy D'Auria, Tony Hallas, R. Scott Ireland and his superb Imaging Workshop, Jim Burnell, Tim Puckett, Robert Reeves, Bob Summerfield and Sean Walker. Our featured speaker of the year is Dr. Story Musgrave. The week-long `stellar star party' includes vendors promoting their latest and best products, popular Kids Kamp, mirror-grinding, door prizes and much more!

Registration/information kits will be mailed around mid-September. November 15 is the deadline for WSP registration (postmarked) and a $15. "late registration fee" will be charged per application after that date. Tickets are on a first-come first- served basis. Mail your application ASAP as tickets are limited and the Winter Star Party is always sold out! Tickets can be transferred to someone else if your plans change

.FOR INQUIRIES: 
contact :

Fred & Lucille Heinrich, WSP Registrars heinrich1@alltel.net
6165 Wiggins Road
Live Oak,  FL  32060-7564   phone/fax:  386-362-5995

SCAS SCHEDULE CHANGES

SCAS STARGAZER column appears every Wednesday in the Tropical Life section of the Miami Herald.

SCAS SAFE SOLARVIEWING at MetroZoo Saturdays, 10-Noon.

CALL SCAS HOTLINE: 305-661-1375 for SCAS News/Space Station Schedules

GREEN LASER BAN----------------------------------------------------------x
Due to recent national events, it has become necessary for the Southern Cross Astronomical Society of Miami, Florida, to completely ban the use of green laser pointers at SCAS sponsored events. EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY (January 2005) any use of such devices (hand-held or attached) at SCAS Star Parties, the Winter Star Party, or any other SCAS public event SHALL BE PROHIBITED. Violation of this restriction will result in the immediate expulsion of the offending party from the SCAS event.
-Tim Khan, SCAS V. President/Director of the Winter Star Party

Check out SpaceWeather.com for latest sunspot, solar wind, & aurora borealis updates.

HELPFUL AND FUN WEBSITES:

http://www.spaceweather.com

http://www.space.com

http://www.nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov

http://www.spaceflight.nasa.gov

http://www.noaa.gov

http://www.miamisci.org

http://www.ilovePlanets.com

http://www.darksky.org