CALL FOR VOLUNTEER OBSERVING HELP
AT MT.EVANS OBSERVATORY, SUMMER

Ever dreamed of assisting at an astronomical observatory? During the coming summer, we are seeking a few well-qualified and dedicated amateur astronomers who are interested in spending the better part of a week at Denver University's Mt.Evans Observatory in the central Colorado Rockies, in support of continuing astronomical operations.

We offer these categories of participation:
1. on site, selected weeks (June-Sept, to be arranged)
2. remote observers (web/email/phone, arranged nights, Aug-Oct)

The Mt.Evans Meyer Womble Observatory is North America's highest operating observatory at 14,148 ft above sea level. Individuals will participate in the observing programs using the twin 28.5 inch Meyer Binocular telescope, and related support efforts. More details can be found on website www.du.edu/ ~rstencel/MtEvans. Volunteers will help obtain CCD data with cameras and spectrometers, following scripted observing session protocols. Opportunities for photography and visual observing will occur as conditions permit. In exchange for the observing help, low cost lodging and meals will be provided at the Echo Lake Lab (somewhat rustic, located at the 10,600 ft level 15 miles from the summit). Volunteers must be in excellent health, 18 or older, and will need to provide their own winter clothing and transportation. The number of slots is extremely limited, and assignments will be given on the basis of application materials (see below).

NOTES ON HIGH ALTITUDE WORK: Volunteers must be in very good health and should consider the following risk factors: McFarland (1972 in 'Physiological Adaptations', Academic Press, NY) gives loss of function for visual and mental tests at 4300 meters altitude: -5% in decision making, -6% in pattern perception, -8% in computation and -17% in memory. See also Cudaback (1984 PASP 96:463) who cites studies indicating -15% in message handling accuracy and -33% in psychomotor task performance. One analysis suggests your brain tries to run at its usual low altitude cadence, while the body slows down. To accomodate, patience, deliberateness and checklists prove crucial.

Losses for visual functions are -10% in central field extent, -30% in central brightness contrast, -34% in dark adaptation and -36% in central acuity. You will not see the sky looking as black as you'd expect, due to loss of oxygen to the retina (40% less air than at sea level), but if conditions are favorable, the seeing will be sub-arcsecond. So why do we bother? Instruments are not affected by low oxygen and detect the much improved transparency and seeing of the thinner atmosphere.

High altitude can be dangerous for the unprepared. We ADVISE AGAINST this program for anyone who: 

    --HAS RESPIRATORY/CIRCULATORY/CARDIAC/DIABETIC PROBLEMS OR DISCOMFORT
     --SUFFERS FROM MIGRAINE HEADACHES OR ANY FORM OF ANEMIA
      --IS UNCOMFORTABLE WITH DRIVING MOUNTAIN ROADS HAVING STEEP DROPOFFS
       --WOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT WEATHER THAT CAN BE LESS THAN PERFECT
        --HAS ANY DOUBTS ABOUT PERSONAL FITNESS OR VEHICLE'S FITNESS
Note added July2006: Calcium channel beta blockers used for high blood
pressure control actually restrict heart rate and can cause blackouts when
combined with thin air at high altitude - caution!
Applications will be considered until summer, but interested individuals who sign up prior to April 15th will receive priority consideration: Application form
We offer short courses in observing methods at Mt.Evans, typically one to two weeks in June and in August (tuition involved). Spaces are very limited. Visit the Course schedules link at the DU homepage for info, or email rstencel@du.edu for details. More about Denver Astronomy.