Items from the latest Occasional Newsletter of Chamberlin Observatory

	NOTES FROM THE URBAN OBSERVATORY 
Dr. Robert Stencel, DU Astronomy, www.du.edu/~rstencel
==========================================================================
		INDEX (Use edit/find to jump to topic:)
HOWE (1894)  		LIGHT POLLUTION (2001 State Law, DARK SKY)
MENZEL (1923)		STAR PARTY (2001)
SECRIST (1953)		DIGITAL SETTING CIRCLES (2001)

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 Vol. 8 (2001)
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July 2001:
MORE ABOUT DONALD MENZEL, DU graduate 1921 and Harvard College Observatory
Director 1954-1969.  A well-attended Centennial Symposium was held at
Harvard in May 2001, featuring reviews of his life and works.  Key among
these are: his graudate student apprenticeship with the Dean of American
Astrophysics, Henry Russell Norris at Princeton; his appointment as
Astronomer at Lick Observatory during the 1920s and early 1930s; the
beginning of his solar eclipse campaign career in 1936, Siberia; the
beginning of a series of research papers connecting the new quantum
physics and astronomical spectroscopy; his work
on radio propagation and cryptanalysis during World War II; his defense
against loyalty charges in the early 1950s, and his leadership of Harvard
College Observatory thereafter, featuring founding of the High Altitude
Observatory near Climax and the Sacramento Peak Observatory near
Cloudcroft, New Mexico.  Menzel was prolific in popularizing astronomy,
including the Field Guide to the Stars and Planets and short films that
Baby Boomers might remember from the 1950s, including "Our Mr. Sun".  We
are proud of one of the early students of Chamberlin Observatory!

CHEYENNE WEEKEND UNDER THE STARS, Aug.16-18, 2001 weekend
(website:  http://users.sisna.com/mcurran/index.html )
GRAND MESA STAR PARTY -- tentatively planned for Sept. 15, 2001 weekend.
(website: http://www.wic.net/WCAC/STARPARTY.HTM )
--------
May 2001:
LIGHT POLLUTION -- A House-Senate conference committee concurred on HB1160, 
"Outdoor Lighting Standards" and sent it to Gov. Owens for signature.  Thanks
again to all who supported the effort.  However, this bill - even if signed
into law - is the smallest step toward solving the wasted light problem we
face.  Continue to educate anyone who expresses interest in the night sky.
Further information: smartlights.tripod.com and/or caslco@aol.com.

MENZEL CENTENNIAL SYMPOSIUM AT HARVARD, May 11, 2001 --  About 100 astronomers
and relatives of Donald H. Menzel converged on Harvard College Observatory to 
celebrate the numerous accomplishments of DHM.  Born in Colorado in 1901, 
raised in Leadville, graduated East High (Denver) 1917, U of Denver 1920.
He then was admitted at Princeton for PhD studies under the famous H.N.Russell,
and graduate 1924.  He soon was an observer at Lick Obs until joining the 
Harvard faculty in 1932, where he rose to Director in 1952 until 1965.
Some of Menzel's accomplishments: list coming soon.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: David Trott reports one of his students wrote in an 
essay that "the telescope at Chamberlin Observatory sits atop sandstone 
blocks and makes a REVELATION every 24 hours" -- wish that were true!!!
========
Apr.2001:
LIGHT POLLUTION: Colorado HB1160 "Outdoor Lighting Standards" passed 
Senate hearing on 3/13/01 and the entire Senate on 3/24: Special thanks to IDA
 enthusiasts Jerry Sherlin, Chuck Carlson, Leroy Guatney, Greg Marino, Ron 
Mickle and Bill Ormsby for helping prep the Outdoor Lighting Standards bill 
defense downtown.  Meanwhile, the California energy crisis expanded with new 
set of rolling blackouts and PG&E bankruptcy.  As of this writing, the bill 
had not yet reached the Governor, because debate over Growth legislation has 
slowed things.  However, IDA Colorado has succeeded in educating our state 
leadership about this issue, and plans to strategize about how to approach the 
next legislative session to expand the impact of this initial effort.  Please 
continue to explain light pollution to interested party, and contact 
caslco@aol.com if you would like to helwp.  Website: smartlights.tripod.com. 

MENZEL CENTENNIAL CONFERENCE AT HARVARD: Donald H. Menzel 
was a 1920 graduate of DU, and became internationally known for his science and 
as Director of Harvard College Observatory (1952-66).  He was born on 11 April 
1901, in Florence, Colorado, and soon moved to Leadville -- it was no 
coincidence that a major solar observatory (Climax - HAO) was later located 
near there.  His interest in astronomy was aroused by the total solar 
eclipse of 8 June 1918, and the outburst of Nova Aquilae shortly thereafter.  
Both events were extensively watched in Denver, and articles written by 
Chamberlin Director Prof. Howe may have influenced the college student Menzel 
to pursue astronomy.  Newly found references to Menzel in the Howe diaries 
will be presented at the conference.  Watch this space for more news from 
the meeting.

SECRIST BOOK MAY GO TO SECOND PRINTING: Hal Secrist's memoirs "With Eyes on 
the Stars" -- life inside Chamberlin Observatory as a student resident in 
1952 has sold well and a second printing is being discussed.  Copies available 
at S&S Optika (303-789-1089) and via this website homepage link.

ANOTHER NIFTY WEBSITE: want to see an all-sky view?  Check out "The Night 
Sky Live" at website: www.concam.net.  That bright thing might be the Moon!

--------
Mar.2001
MORE DARK SKY NEWS: Colorado Bill 01-1160 "Outdoor Lighting 
Standards" passed House 3rd reading (52-9) on Feb.28th and was sent 
over to the Senate side. This proposal is educating  legislative leaders to 
the issues.  Some opposition developed during the debate, about relative 
cost and effectiveness of full-cutoff lighting.  Next stop: Senate Agriculture 
and Natural Resources, chaired by Sen. Dyer (Durango).  Check website 
smartlights.tripod.com for updates.  The IDA (www.darksky.org) identifies 
light pollution as part of larger issues including light trespass, glare 
and energy waste.  Trespass involves light onto a neighborŐs property, that 
is unwelcome (into a room or yard).  Glare is another effect of badly aimed 
lights, and is especially bad for older persons whose eyes slowly adjust and 
are blinded.  The California energy supply situation highlights the cumulative 
effect of badly aimed lights: sky glow, with magnitude about the shortfall of 
megawatts.  Not every watt can be captured, but smarter lighting will help. 
More and more, the manufacturers are waking up to the marketing opportunities 
of smarter lighting: check website www.rabweb.com/friendly/ for a good example 
of this!
STATUS OF DIGITAL SETTING CIRCLES: Tom Melsheimer and Tom Bisque 
teamed up to solve the encoder and software incompatibilities affecting the 
Chamberlin installation, and on Friday March 1st, members of the E-Board 
were treated to an encoder-assisted viewing session.  Everyone seemed pleased 
with the ability to locate obscure sky objects in record time with the computer 
assist.  A few remaining tweaks are expected to make the system more stable, 
accurate and generally helpful for DAS public night events and DU classes.  
At first look, itŐs remarkable what can be seen despite DenverŐs bright skies, 
once you can locate these sky wonders.
SUMMER STAR PARTIES:  check the MARS region websites for details: 
www.astroleague.org/al/regional/mars.html.
--------
Feb.2001
MORE DARK SKY NEWS: On Jan.31st HB 1160 "Outdoor Lighting 
Standards" passed UNANIMOUSLY (10-0) in the Colorado legislature 
Transportation and Energy committee (Wm.Swenson, R-Longmont, 
chair), and moved to the full House for further consideration.  Many 
thanks to Denver Rep.Andrew Romanoff for sponsoring the bill, and 
to public-minded advocates who showed up to speak in favor: Nancy 
Clanton, Cathy Havens, Larry Brooks, Leroy Guatney, Jan Kok 
(NCAS), Greg Marino, Ron Mickle, Jerry Sherlin, and others.  This 
was only the first vote of seven (3 house votes, 3 senate votes and 
Governor Owens).   You can check on the billŐs status on the web: 
www.state.co.us and find out how to contact your elected state 
representative and senator.   Also have a look at website: 
smartlights.tripod.com.
LOCAL HEROES: Special thanks to IDA enthusiasts Jerry Sherlin, Chuck 
Carlson, Leroy Guatney, Greg Marino, Ron Mickle and Bill Ormsby for 
helping prep the Outdoor Lighting Standards bill defense downtown.
And more local heroes: what really rules is the outstanding astrophotography 
by Joe Gafford that appeared in this newsletter (even more glorious in color, 
as sometimes seen during Open House nights at Chamberlin).  Great work 
Mr. Gafford!
HEADS UP: a new, possibly bright comet, LINEAR WM1 coming this fall 
to the inner solar system.  It will be hanging out near Perseus until it races 
southward in December and perihelion about mid-January 2002.  
Status of digital setting circles: Just as he determined one of the new encoder 
units was faulty, Tom Melsheimer had to leave for a Hawaii installation project
in late Jan, which delayed continuation of the effort until Feb. 9th.  However, 
the new laptop running SKY software is now available for use at the refractor.
Get out there and observe those Messier objects!
---------
Jan. 2001
OPPORTUNITIES:  Installation of "digital setting circles" on the 
Clark-Saegmueller refractor at Chamberlin began in early January 2001.  
The design and installation are being done by Tom Melscheimer 
(www.meridiancontrols.com), who has been building computerized telescope 
control systems since 1972.  The work was jointly paid for by DAS and DU.  
The encoders are passive and should not affect the regular mechanical 
operation of the telescope, but when properly calibrated, will allow operators 
to more efficiently find fainter objects under our less than dark skies 
in Denver.  If you are interested in learning how to use the refractor, 
become a DAS public night volunteer!
LIGHT POLLUTION NOTES: In December 2000, Jefferson county planning commission 
passed 7-0, a decent light pollution control zoning code (Section 47) 
requiring full cutoff fixtures, etc.  DAS members who reside in Jeffco 
should consider appearing at the next hearing before the County Commissioners 
in April who will next vote on the proposal.  See website: 
planning.co.jefferson.co.us/zsrr/zsrr.html.  In January 2001, the Colorado 
legislature was expected to introduce a light pollution control bill.  
You can contact the Colorado section of the IDA (Jerry Sherlin, chairman, 
sherlinj@aol.com) or myself (rstencel@du.edu) for an update.  Ideally, 
the bill has survived initial hearing, and supportive constituent input to 
elected representatives is still highly appropriate.
MARS region happenings: 
visit http://hometown.aol.com/gkramer259/documents/index.htm 
for updates.
--------
Jan. 1, 2001
Welcome to the new millennium!  It is also the beginning of the new 
century and decade, for those who reckon calendars beginning with 
the year One.  Here's hoping for the best possible world and sky in 
these new days to come.  When resources permit, incremental improvements 
at Chamberlin Observatory will be sought to benefit both DAS and 
University of Denver programs in outreach and educational research in 
astronomy.

*Opportunities: Congrats to those who may have a new telescope.  To 
you and those with seasoned equipment, consider expanding your 
observing program to include reporting results.  One important area 
involves VARIABLE STARS.  All you need is a scope 6 inches or larger 
aperture, your eyes and a finder chart available from the American 
Asssociation of Variable Star Observers, www.aavso.org.  

Another interesting opportunity has been recently announced by the 
Hands-On Universe collaboration, headquartered at the Lawrence Berkeley 
Lab: website hou.lbl.gov.  Their aim is to establish a global network 
of remotely accessible telescopes, and they are looking for individuals 
to help high school science teachers work with students on using these 
facilities.  This seems like a good way for DAS members to support science 
teaching in our regional high schools. 

*Light Pollution Notes: Now is the time to get acquainted with your 
State legislative representatives.  Following the defeat of the Smart 
Growth amendment (24), various growth proposals are being developed and 
you can help inject the concept of SMART LIGHTING into the discussion.  
As astronomers, we are especially sensitive to the degradation of even 
remote observing sites in Colorado, and there is an opportunity to say 
with your mouth what your eyes want to see - dark skies!  What have other 
states done?   For examples, visit the IDA website, www.darksky.org.  
We are also looking for people to help measure sky brightness with star 
counts in regions defined by the International Meteor Organization (see 
website, www.du.edu/~hharland ).

*MARS happenings: lots of great summer star parties are being planned, 
in collaboration with the Astronomical League; see the Mountain Astronomical 
Research Section website, www.mars-al.org for details.

--Dr.Bob Stencel, rstencel@du.edu, University of Denver Astronomy
p.s. Regional newsletters are welcome to reprint any useful portion of this 
article.

---------------------
Vol. 7, Spring 2000
--------------------
NOTES FROM THE DIARIES OF DU's PROFESSOR HERBERT A. HOWE
First Director of Chamberlin Observatory (1894-1926)
Based on the transcription by Herbert J. Howe, (c)1999

[A SEEING/RESOLUTION STATISTIC]
Feb.22, 1916: "My evening was largely occupied with visitors at the
observatory.  The seeing was pretty good and I saw the companion of Sirius at
an angle of perhaps 80 degrees.  I do not remember ever having noticed it
before with this telescope." 

[PHOTOGRAPHY WITH THE 20 INCH]
Sept. 1, 1917: "A letter from Prof. Frost of Yerkes Observatory indicates
that "Burnham" and he will be here in about 2 weeks to look at our telescope,
with a view to attaching an interferometer to it for next year's (solar)
eclipse (of 6/8/18)." [Presumed to be Barnard, E.E., given subsequent refs.]

Sept. 8: "Late in the afternoon, Prof. Loud came out with Prof. Frost, the
Director of Yerkes Observatory, and Dr. Barnard.  In the evening they came out
to look at some doubles and I had a very interesting time with them."

Sept.10: "Prof. Frost and Barnard reversed the front lens of the telescope,
and after unnecessarilly taking out the whole object glass, they sent for me
in the middle of the afternoon... being stuck on the reversal of the front
lens. ... I spent the whole evening taking off all the electrical apparatus
on the eye-end, so that Frost and Barnard could shove the eye-end up to the
SUPPOSED photographic focus."  (caps for emphasis)

Sept.11: "Profs. Frost and Barnard have succeeded in shoving the eye-end in,
after selecting the plate holder.

Sept.12: "Spent the entire evening at the Observatory with Frost and Barnard
experimenting with the photographic focus of the 20 inch. ... After
experimenting with other stars, we found by phots of Fomalhaut THAT THE
PHOTOGRAPHIC FOCUS WAS AN INCH (PLUS OR MINUS) UP THE TUBE BEYOND OUR REACH.
Retired at 1:30am."
                             
Sept.13: Clouds and rain.

Sept.14: "Cloudy.  In the evening, I found how far the big plate holder would
need to be twisted to make it right."

Sept.15: "I made some measurements about the telescope jacket and the position
of the photographic focus.  Drs. Frost and Barnard ... left for Green River,
Wyoming later in the day (eclipse center line)."    
Sept.16: Sunday.

Sept.17: "Spent the entire eveing with Profs. Frost and Barnard taking photos,
to get the focus and to test the quality of the images.  We quit at 1am, having
taken photos of a part of the double cluster in Perseus, and of the Pleiades,
after determining the photgraphic focus by beta Capriconii."

Sept.18: "Did not go to school at all, as I had no recitations and was excused
by the Chancellor to help Profs. Frost and Barnard in fixing the old guiding
mechanism for the photographic plate, in a temporary manner with the help of
Mr. Long and Ainsworth.  I also regulated the driving clock by its chronograph
and fixed up a bright wire illumination for the little micrometer with which
Dr.Barnard guided.  We also found, after fighting clouds til 11pm that the sky
cleared and we worked the rest of the night, stopping at 5am.  Dr.Barnard had
much trouble because the slow motion in a hard would not work, slipping.  Dr.
Barnard was very patient and took photos of the Pleiades and the nebulae of
Orion.  Dr.Frost thought the photos excellent.  We were pleased but very tired."
Sept.19: "Barnard cleaned the object glass.  He used absorbent cotton and a
mixture of alcohol, ammonia and water.  The Yerkes glass is not capped and is
cleaned once a month.  During the forenoon, we got the instrument restored to
visual uses, finally balancing the telescope rudely.  Drs. Frost and Barnard
left for Colorado Springs."

Oct.1: "A letter from Prof. Frost contains some prints of photos of the
building, etc. made by Barnard, and of the nebulae in Orion and Pleiades
made with our object glass WITH THE FRONT LENS REMOVED.  I am glad to get them."

[DISASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLY OF THE 20 INCH]
[Note: it's clear from the Diaries that Howe and friends did not spend full
time at this project, with the demands of classes and Sundays taking priority]

Sept.25, 1917: "I spoke to Dr.Craft about dismounting the telescope, and he
took Mr.Adams over to the Observatory to see about builindg a false floor,
high up under the telescope, to dismount it on. ... Worked til midnight,
writing up my recent work with Drs. Frost and Barnard."

Sept.26: "Talked with Mr.Adams about the scaffolding which he is to erect in
the Observatory to hold the big telescope when I take it apart."

Sept.29: "Made some progress in studying the cause of the hard motion of the
telescope in right ascension, finding what I had suspected, viz. that there 
is a slight bending of the Delta sleeve at six hour angle, also that the
alpha sector by its own weight, makes an addition to the fraction at six
hour angle."

Oct.3: "In the evening, I observed stars on the equator, to get the collimation,
and then turned the object glass 120 degrees, to see (tomorrow) is that affected
collimation.  I felt quite pleased to find I could do this alone, without
difficulty, except the time consumed."

Oct.9: "Mr.Adams, the contractor, brought some lumber and I planned with him
how to put up the false floor on which I am to dismount the telescope.  I spent
the latter part of the afternoon chiefly testing the instrument to find, if
possible, the cause of its moving hard in right ascension."  

Oct.12: "In the afternoon, with the help of 2 carpenters who have been working
in the dome room, by pulling the telescopes by ropes, after fastening the
declination axis tight to the scaffold, we took off the eye end at the bayonet
joint and got the telescope tube supported horizontally."

Oct.17: "In early morning and evening, I worked over the question of the lack
of perpendicularity of the polar axis to the declinations axis of the 20 inch."

Oct.20: "A letter from Saegmuller encourages me about putting ball bearings on
the big worm wheel and correcting the lack of perpendicularity of the
declinations axis to the polar axis and sight line."

Oct.22: "Spent my evenign over vexatious problem of getting my work on the
determination of the flexure of the Delta axis of the 20 inch telescope put
in proper form INTO MY OBSERVING BOOK." [SEVERAL OBS BOOKS IN ARCHIVES]o

Oct.23: "I first made measurements and drew a plan of the thin piece between
the telescope and the declination axis to reduce the collimation to about zero.
I worked the rest of the day getting the clamps and slow motion rods off and
studying the modifications for photography.  Retired at 1am."

Oct.24: "Arranged all of the blocking for taking off the two ends of the
telescope tube and fixed the Delta axis blocking so that I can get the circle
and big weights off when I get to it."

Oct.25: "In the morning I took off the declination sector, and in the evening
I took off the long half of the tube, and managed it with the greatest of ease.
I was surprised to see how light it was.  I am quite proud of the rope device
which I got up, to prevent its moving either way (except for a short distance
and yet allowing me to roll it)." 

Oct.27: "We disconnected some wires and attempted to get the long rod out of
the polar axis (but could not get it clear out).  We also took the North
(short) section of the tube off, and rolled it to the edge of the temporary
floor."

Oct.29: "In the morning, I took the big, bevelled gear off the Delta axis, and
some minor things.  In the evening, Mr.Shivley helped me and we got the central
section of the tube off the Delta axis, and also took everything off the fore
end of the Delta sleeve.  Started finally to take the Delta axis out, but
were stalled by the bearing at its outer end, which could not unscrew."

Oct.30: "We took off the Delta axis in the morning.  In the afternoon, we got
the polar axis lifted up horizontal.  It was a big job.  In the evening, Mr.
Shivley and I got the big gear off, at the base of the polar axis, with much
difficulty, and then the hour circle.  Saegmuller writes that if I will send
him the polar axis and big worm wheel, he will equip the worm wheel with a
roller bearing without charge."

Oct.31: "Jack and I took the big worm wheel off the polar axis and found that
its bearing was badly gummed up and somewhat rusty.  Proper lubrication should
end this trouble."

Nov.5: "Took the RA circle of the 20 inch to Mr.Hansen to engrave the numbers
for the hours on it in several places."

Nov.10: "Worked on cleaning the big Equatorial (bearing of worm wheel and
parts near it).  We got off the big friction rollers."

Nov.12: "Spent early morning cleaning the big friction rollers of the telescope.
In the evening, Mr.Shivley and I got onto the lower end of the polar axis, the
big bevelled gear, which used to stick so tight."

Nov.13: "Spent the evening at the observatory with Mr.Shivley: we succeeded in
getting the long hollow rod out from inside the polar axis."

Nov.14: "Spent the evening cleaning up the Delta sleeve and bearings and
studying the rod in the polar axis."

Nov.15: "In the evening Mr.Shivley again helped me put some "shim" under the
delcination sleeve where it is bolted to the head of the polar axis.  Also
cleaned the Delta axis pretty well."

[Begin re-assembly]  
Nov.16: "In the late afternoon, I planned a way of getting the polar axis
back into place, and Mr.Shivley and I were successful in carrying out the plan
as far as we went."

Nov.17: "...trying to get the big friction rollers into place."

Nov.19: "...worked til 11:30pm getting the polar axis into its bearings."

Nov.23: "We got to slow motion and clamp rods ready for me to take to town,
and put the cap on the upper bearing of the polar axis and did some cleaning
on the Delta axis and its extension."

Nov.29: "Spent the evening til 11:30pm at the Observatory, working with Mr.
Shivley on the big telescope.  We found that when the big friction rollers
were turned up high enough to lift the polar axis and Delta sleeve out of the
upper bearing of the polar axis, the big worm wheel still turned easily.  We
spent the rest of the time over electric contact rings and the arrangement for
holding the wires which come up thru the polar axis."

Dec.1: "Brought home three of the shortened clamp and slow motion rods for the
big telescope and spent about 3 hours cleaning up parts, etc.  Put the Delta
axis in place and made various tests about it, and the big gear that encircles."

Dec.5: "Went to town in mid afternoon and brought out the big gear that
embraces the Delta axis, in which I have had two more big bolts put."

Dec.10: "We connected the electric circuits from the lower end of the polar
axis to the end of the Delta sleeve, put the Delta axis in place, but failed
to get in the big bevel gear in the right place."

Dec.11: "...adjusting the quick motion of the Delta axis, that is adjusting
the gears its upper end."

Dec.17: "One of Mr.Marshall's men fixed the arm hole near the object glass
properly, enlarging it and putting a nice cap on it, in the forenoon.  At noon,
Mr.D.Smith and 2 other students carried the Delta axis for me upstairs and
clear up to the false floor.  We got the declination axis into place with the
big gear on it properly adjusted.  That made us happy."

Dec.18: "Worked til 11pm getting all the gears etc. and the outer end of the
dec axis adjusted properly."

Dec.20: "Spent the evening putting on the outermost long section of the Delta
sleeve with all its appurtances, except the 3 heavy counterweights (counter- 
poises)."

Dec.21: "...put the big weights on the Delta axis and the ball bearing at the
lower end of the polar axis and cleaned up parts..."

Dec.24: "Before breakfast I washed out the inside of the tube of the big
telescope.  Wrote to Gertner about fixing the photographic attachment of the
big telescope, etc. and to 3 other firms about an equatorial mounting for the
3 inch Bardou telescope.  In the afternoon, Julian helped me in the hard job of
putting a big ladder up to the summit of the dome, inside of it, to see how to
fix matters so the birds could not get in.  Then we had a simple Christmas."

Dec.27: "Got some galvanized iron and rubber belting for the top of the dome,
to keep the birds out.  In the evening, Mr.Shivley and I got the central
seciton of the telescope tube on the delcination axis.  So it now looks like
the beginning of the end of getting the telescope (back) together."

[end of entries for 1917]
[1918 to follow]

Thurs March 28, 1918: "In the evening I felt very happy because Mr.Shivley
and I went after theproblem of making the big telescope move easily in RA.  
I raised the big friction rollers and oiled the axes etc. up, putting three
new oil cups on the big worm gear.  Soon found that the trouble was in the
nut at the top of the pinion which holds the small gear which meshes with
the big bevel near the lower end of the polar axis.  When this nut was
loosened, the telescope moved easily, even after the big worm gear at the
top of the polar axis was enmeshed with its driving worm.  So it looks as
if the problem of making the telescope move easily was finally solved and
I am jubilant.  Retired at 12:15am."

Fri. March 29, 1918 "Found a letter from Schlesinger asking if our six
inch [Grubb] telescope was strong enough to hold his 60 pound camera for
relativity trial.  I replied it was."

Friday June 7th 1918: "A fine day with more clear weather than before.  Many
people came to the Observatory.  Annie J. Cannon, Dr. Duncan (Wellesley) and
Herbert R. Morgan of the US Naval Observatory were among the callers."

Saturday June 8th 1918: "A beautiful bright morning, which inspired me with
hope.  Clouds gradually formed and became denser.  Finally, just before the
eclipse, a dense cloud rose from the West and spread over the sky.  The
effects of the eclipse on mountains and clouds and sky were wonderfully
beautiful, and the darkness at totality was impressive.  I managed to get  
last contact through a pretty heavy cloud.  About 45 automobiles were
scattered about, near the Observatory, and a few hundred people were there.
There were many moving picture machines.  After the eclipse was over, it
gradually cleared off and I took time.  The night sky was beautiful."

Wed. June 19th 1918: "Spent the afternoon at home writing in my observing
book an account of instruments and observers at Chamberlin Observatory [for
the eclipse June 8th]."

(Probably the last serious science attempted with the old refractor by HAHowe)


---------------------
Vol.6, No.2, May.1999
---------------------

Thanks to local members of the National Association of Watch and Clock 
Collectors -- Al Baumbach and Bill Dillon -- the two grandfather style clocks
on the main floor plus the telescope clock, all manufactured by Saegmueller
(Fauth) circa 1890, are now functional, once again.  The classroom clocks are 
anchored into the main pier for stability, and track civil and sidereal
time, respectively.  The telescope clock tracks sidereal time as part of the 
star wheel feature of the Saegmueller designed mount.  All three have 8 day 
wind-up weights or springs, which means a regular activity to keep 'em running.

All three clocks were subjected to well-meaning but inept amateur maintenance
and repair over the past 1-2 decades, resulting in a sludge of dirty oil and
mangled gear wheel repair attempts.  Al and Bill needed to take the innards
to their clock shops and carefully clean and repair the mess, and in one case
make from scratch a replacement piece.  With a clean bill of health and a set
of maintenance pointers, we are hopeful these clocks will tick well into the
new century.

If you want your "clocks cleaned", we highly recommend these skilled craftsmen:
Al Baumbach, Old World Clocks, 303-756-2700
Bill Dillon, 303-755-0871


WHAT'S UP?
Evening stars: VENUS in the west, until late July
		MARS in the south/west this summer
Morning stars: JUPITER, SATURN
		MERCURY makes a brief appearance early July

Astronomy classes --
PHYS0050, 7-9pm Mon&Wed June 14-Aug.11 call Registrar at 303-871-2360 for info.

MAJOR STARPARTY CAMPOUTS: 
JUL 10/11 STAR STARE, Pikes Natl Forest (CO) members.aol.com/bygrens/CSAS.html
AUG 14/15 PERSEIDS, Foxpark (WY), users.sisna.com/mcurran/wuts.htm

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE, AUG. 11th EUROPE AND ASIA MINOR only

Chamberlin public programs update: 303-871-5172.

---------------------
Vol.6, No.1, Jan.1999
---------------------
The past few months have been filled with remarkable historical finds 
associated with Chamberlin Observatory.  These are in addition to the coveted 
Howe diaries, of which years 1880-1901 are now resident in the DU Penrose 
Library Archives, and Grandson Howe continues work on summarizing the first 
decade of the 1900s in the next chapter of his The Pioneer Astronomer 
manuscript.

Papers and photographs have just been received from the family of Professor 
Recht (2nd Director, 1926-1959).  This interval has been less well documented 
and we are delighted to have copies of Prof. Rechts textbook A Space Trip for 
the Joneses (1959), his PhD thesis (1939, U of Chicago), an obit, and 
indication that a lunar far-side crater was named in his honor.  We are 
grateful to Rodney Recht and Phyllis Tully for providing these materials, 
which will be shared with the DU Archives, and excerpted here in the future.

Among the oral information assembled recently: Ms. Tully recalls that as a 
child, she would visit Uncle Al at the observatory, and distinctly remembers 
a large meteorite on a stand in the main basement.  This is the first mention 
of such an object, which is no longer to be found on the premises.  Does 
anyone else recall such an artifact or know of its whereabouts?

A couple of comments about equipment from the Student Observatory were made: 
Al Baumbach recalls seeing a transit scope at a flea market along South Santa 
Fe road sometime in the 1960s, which the vendor mentioned being from the DU 
observatory.  Sadly it was not rescued.  Similarly, Jack Eastman reported that 
during the same time, the student observatory supported a 10 inch Schmidt 
camera.  There is an early 1950s Sky and Telescope magazine article with 
photo suggesting that Prof. Recht and members of the then new Denver 
Astronomical Society had installed said item.  We still have some parts of 
this optical system. 

Also received from Ben Vernon and Kathy Kennedy, copies of the blueprints 
for the 1892 University Park home built by Howe.  

Finally, the neighborhood fundraising and offers of help have precipitated 
a volunteer effort by several local clock repairmen to rehab the observatory 
stopped timepieces.  We thank these members of the National Antique Watch 
and Clock Collectors.

Report on the recent Leonid Meteor shower--
In our last edition, the predictions for a memorable meteor shower in late 
November were touted.  Indeed, the event was remarkable, altho not quite as 
dramatic as feared.  Astronomers from DU and the Denver Museum teamed up and 
videotaped the event from east of Denver, and recorded several fireballs 
overnight Nov. 16/17, despite pesky clouds.  World-wide, rates as high as 
250 meteors per hour were reported, which represents a 10 fold increase over 
the usual annual shower.  Altho conditions suggest a repeat of this in 
Nov.Ő99, the bright moon will interfere with seeing the fainter meteors.

We are pleased to note that the Leonid expedition included DU's newest 
faculty astronomer, Dr. Laura Danly.  In an unique double appointment, she 
is also Curator of Space Science at the Denver Museum of Natural History, 
and charged with development of the large, new space science exhibit at 
DMNH.  She has taught at Pomona College, and is expected to teach DU classes 
starting next fall.  Her research interests include HST spectroscopy of 
physical processes in the diffuse interstellar medium between stars.

The Howe Diaries: 
As previously mentioned, a major find of 40+ years worth of annual personal 
diaries by Chamberlin Observatory's first Director, Prof. Herbert A. Howe, 
have illuminated the early years of both the Observatory and DU.  In this 
regular feature, we provide a look into some of the interesting facets found 
in these pages, courtesy Howe's grandson, Herbert J. Howe, who is compiling 
a biography based on these.  Part One: Origins of Chamberlin Observatory -- 
extracts from the Diaries (c) H.J.Howe, The Pioneer Astronomer, with permission.

	Feb. 7th 1888 -- Chamberlin's offer; June 13th-- original gr
oundbreaking at a site west of current location; October -- final site 
selection;  Nov. 29th, 1889 -- excavation begins at present site.
	Jan.2nd 1891 -- "Mr.Roeschlaub said he had ordered the finishing up 
of the little observatory.  Attended a reception at Mrs. Warren's in the 
evening at which Mr.Chamberlin was.  After looking at the observatories, he 
told me privately of his desire to endow the observatory and asked me to 
write out a plan of work for the ensuing year, in case he made arrangements 
for me to devote all my time to the observatory."
	March 8th -- "Found Mr.Law coming out of the E.L.C. room and raked 
him over the coals.  Later I found him talking with another young man who 
ought to have been in recitation, and gave him a good talking to.
	May 9th -- dome construction begins; ribs up by 5/27; photos. 
	June 11th -- Reference to "the transit pier and the photo-engine pier" 
during construction.
	Jun.17th -- "I spent a great deal of time writing a description of 
where the electric wires in the observatory ran through partitions, etc.
	Jun.18th -- "Went to town in the forenoon and stirred up matters at 
the architect's office so that Mr. Roeschlaub, Mr. Powell and Mr. Lyon came 
out in the afternoon and pointed out the defects in the building to them.
	Jul.22nd -- "The cement workers began laying the floors, putting 
down one inch of cement on a foundation of gravel well wet down and trampled.
	Jul.28th -- "Men finished the transit shutters, or their first 
attempt at them.
	Aug.29th -- "Mr. Law moved into the observatory as janitor.
	Sept.28th -- "Mr. Chamberlin is willing to have the observatory 
calcimined (?) "in a tint"
	Oct.12th -- "...the pillar for the big telescope was to be hoisted into position.
	Nov.26th -- "On Thanksgiving, 2 years ago, the observatory was begun.
	Dec.5th 1891 -- "Took more books etc from the house to the observatory.
	Mar.4th1892 -- "A letter from Saegmuller says that he has written 
to Mr.Chamberlin to get permission to exhibit the big telescope at the 
World's Fair. (Chicago 1893)
 	(to be continued)

HONOR ROLL:  There have been many supporters of Chamberlin Activities, and 
we again salute those who have recently pledged volunteer time and/or money 
to keep the Chamberlin Observatory astronomy program alive:  Denver 
Astronomical Society; University Park Community Council, University of 
Denver Physical Plant; Denver Parks and Rec.  Also, very special thanks to 
the Silverman Family Foundation, the Marlar Foundation, the 1772 Foundation, 
M.G. and B.K. Kullas, Rodney Recht and Phyllis Tully, The Huzyks, and The 
Kesters.  We also salute Russ Mellon for rebuilding the tailpiece/eyepiece 
end of the Chamberlin telescope.   

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALSO, FROM PRIOR NEWSLETTERS--

Activities of the Friends of Chamberlin Observatory 
---------------------------------------------------
1. The Howe Diaries "Come Home": 

We are delighted to announce that a collection of annual personal diaries -- 
penned by Chamberlin Observatory's first Director, Prof. Herbert A. Howe -- 
are now resident in DU's Penrose Library Archives. Prof.Howe's grandson,
Herbert J. Howe and his wife Beverly, brought the diaries to DU in early 
August of this year.  The books illuminate the early years of the Observatory, 
neighborhood and DU in ways heretofore unknown.  The ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS 
provided a 2 page story on this important historical find, Oct.4th (the article).   

Herbert J. is compiling a biography and 
family history based on these.  Stay tuned.

University Park Heroes: Under the able direction of Carolyn Etter, University 
Park neighbors hosted a highly successful series of summer garden parties with 
the goal of providing funds for continued Chamberlin restoration activities.  
At a recent meeting, she announced that $7,500 was available as a result, for 
support of new work on or related to the historic observatory.  Among the 
prospects are: window repair, outside lighting improvements, solar power 
roofing, and possibly underwriting publication of H.J.Howe's synopsis of the 
Howe diaries.  Proposal details will be reviewed by the neighborhood committee 
early next year, but comments, ideas and inquiries may be addressed to 
rstencel@du.edu.

HONOR ROLL:  There have been many supporters of Chamberlin Activities, and we 
again salute those who have recently pledged volunteer time and/or money to 
keep historic Chamberlin Observatory astronomy program alive:  Denver 
Astronomical Society; University Park Community Council, University of Denver 
Physical Plant; Denver Parks and Rec.  Also, very special thanks to The 
Silverman Family Foundation.

GOOD LIGHTING/BAD LIGHTING
Be a good neighbor -- think about your outdoor lighting: aim the light down 
and only where you need it.  Light trespass and glare can be as obnoxious as 
excessive noise and odors.   For environmentally friendly lighting, conserve 
energy by using lower wattage, timers and/or motion sensors.   Safe, efficient 
lighting and dark skies can be compatible.


WHILE SUPPLIES LAST, magnetic media results from DUs new 	
Mt.Evans High Altitude Observatory are available:

NEW: "Images, Data and Texts, 1998" CDROM 250Megs, Win or Mac.

"First Light, Mt.Evans Observatory" (video 20 min. 1997)

"DU's New Mt.Evans Observatory" (video 13 min. 1996)

$10 each, shipping and handling included.