COLUMNS

Montauk Observatory Needs Your Help
~ David Larkin, President, Montauk Observatory

Over the past two years Montauk Observatory has come a long way. Working closely with Suffolk County we have already secured a location within Theodore Roosevelt County Park and, through the generosity of dozens of donors, have also been able to purchase a new telescope which many of you have already had the opportunity to observe through. The 20" (mirror size) RCX400 Advanced Ritchey-Chretien on the MAX Robotic EQ Mount/AZ Pier telescope is the first deployed in the United States and was designed by Meade Instruments. Looking through it is truly a gateway to the universe.

After much work with the County we are now ready to begin making plans for the construction of the observatory building itself, and we need your help. The Board of Directors have been working tirelessly with Robert Young of Murdock Young Associates to create an observatory that not only serves our purposes but which is also respectful of the park's and Montauk's rich history. In addition to granting us the license to build the observatory in the park, the county has already pledged to renovate the nearby cabin (depicted above) so that Montauk Observatory, as well as other nature groups, will have space for lectures and other public programs. Once built this facility will provide a year round observing site for the public and our members that will be sheltered from the elements and also allow us to greatly expand our programs to include educational outlets for local institutions and public schools.

Construction of the observatory has been estimated at $110,000 (this also includes an archeological survey to ensure that construction will not disturb any historically important artifacts). Along with construction costs we estimate a yearly operating budget of approximately $45,000. Much of the yearly operating budget we hope will be covered by grants and we have already received significant pledges of donated labor and material support, however, we still need your support.

Montauk Observatory is a 501C-3 corporation and your contributions are tax deductable. Donors will be recognized on our website and newsletter. If you have attended one of our public lectures or star parties I hope you have seen the same value as I do in this facility and will consider joining us on this wonderful project. Your donation will be richly appreciated. If you have yet to join us at one of our events I would personally like to invite you to see the telescope and come to one of our observation sessions. These programs are generally held on Friday nights and usually accompanied by a lecture from one of our distinguished astronomers.

Most of us have long appreciated the beauty of the East End of Long Island and we are privileged to spend time in such an extraordinary place. The Montauk Observatory will help affirm and celebrate this areas special relationship to nature. Please take a moment to visit our website and make your donation now.
As always we look forward to seeing you at the next Montauk Observatory event.

OBSERVING NIGHTS, LECTURES & PLANETARIUM SHOWS

Montauk Observatory
September 7th- "Life in the Universe" presented by Prof. Matthew Pappas
September 21st- Telescope Clinic: Everything you ever wanted to know

For more information regarding Montauk Observatory events contact seant@montaukobservatory.com

Custer Institute
September 8- All Island Star Party
September 22- An evening with John Dobson (inventer of the Dobsonian mount)

For more information regarding Custer Institute events contact CusterDonna@yahoo.com

Observing Highlights for August-September

Naked-Eye Planets for August- September 2007

• Mercury- You should be able to see tiny Mercury in the Eastern morning sky just before sunrise for first two weeks of the month of August before it slips behind the sun.

• Venus- Hidden from view for most of the month of August, Venus will begin its rise above the horizon the week of the 20th and should be visible in the east at dawn on the 25th. Venus continues to rise in the dawn sky throughout September.

• Mars- Continues to rise in the early morning hours throughout August. In the early hours of August 7th look in the east to find Mars between Taurus and Orion and near the waning crescent moon.

• Jupiter- Continues to shine in our southwestern sky throughout August and September. Look for Jupiter on September 18 in Scorpio next to the waxing crescent.

Key Dates September:
• 4 - 03h UTM Moon - Last Quarter.
• 9 - 19h UTM Uranus is at opposition.
• 11- 13h UTM Partial solar eclipse (location dependent)
• 19 - 17h UTM Moon - First Quarter.
• 23 - 10h UTM Autumnal equinox.
• 26 - 20h UTM Full Moon.
• 29 - 16h UTM Mercury is at greatest eastern
elongation (26°).

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