South Florida Science Museum
| Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month in the Motorola Science Theater at the South Florida Science Museum, located on Dreher Trail just north of the Dreher Park Zoo. The business portion of the meeting is called to order at 7:30 PM and continues for approximately 45 minutes, after which we take a 15 minutes break to stretch our legs, talk to our fellow members, and sip some coffee. We then re-convene for a 45 minute presentation. The meetings are adjourned and we are out of the building by 9:30 PM.
|
| Back to Top |
|
Hal Polvenmire
 |
World famous author and astronomer Hal Polvenmire describing the ins and outs of comets, asteroids, and meteors. Hal has retired from his long career at NASA, and is currently serving as staff astronomer at Lowell Observatory.
This photo was taken inside the Motorola Science Theater by ASPB newsletter editor Charlie Fredrickson at the January 5, 2005 meeting.
|
| Back to Top |
|
Tom Butler
 |
ASPB member Tom Butler giving a detailed and informative presentation on the evolution of Mount Hopkins Observatory and its array of telescopes. Included were early photos of the area before and during construction of the site. His many first-hand stories of equipment and events over the past 40 years captured the audience as no other speaker has in recent memory.
This photo was taken inside the Motorola Science Theater by ASPB newsletter editor Charlie Fredrickson at the May 5, 2004 meeting.
|
| Back to Top |
|
Dr. Don Parker
 |
World famous planteary imager Dr. Don Parker giving an incredible presentation on the current apparition of Mars, including a description of the ALPO/Mars Patrol efforts (over 5,000 observations received from 20 countries), illustrated discussion of Mars' seasonal changes and comparisons with past apparitions, discussion of clouds and dust storms and a preview of the 2005 apparition. Don concluded with some amazing images of Jupiter and its satellites.
This photo was taken inside the Motorola Science Theater by ASPB newsletter editor Charlie Fredrickson at the April 7, 2004 meeting.
|
| Back to Top |
|
Chris Beetle
 |
Professor Chris Beetle of FAU giving a presentation on gravitational waves. Included were graphical analogies between gravitational waves and electromagnetic waves, as well as explanation of the differences between gravitation and acceleration.
This photo was taken inside the Motorola Science Theater by ASPB newsletter editor Charlie Fredrickson at the March 3, 2004 meeting.
|
| Back to Top |
|
Fred Lehman
 |
ASPB President Fred Lehman during his presentation on the Structure of the Universe. Fred’s talk focused on the Big Bang and Inflationary theories, with their incredible mathematical parameters, plus the composition, age, and scale of the universe, and included some incredible graphics and images.
This photo was taken inside the Motorola Science Theater by ASPB newsletter editor Charlie Fredrickson at the February 4, 2004 meeting.
|
| Back to Top |
|
Jim Kimball
 |
ASPB Treasurer Jim Kimball mesmerizing the audience with his presentation on planetary imaging. Included were specific imaging techniques and software processing, including many incredible pictures he has taken over the past several months. Both during and after the presentation, he fielded many questions with concise and informative answers.
This photo was taken inside the Motorola Science Theater by ASPB board member Jim Mayes at the January 7, 2004 meeting
|
| Back to Top |
|
Charlie Fredrickson
 |
ASPB Newsletter Editor Charlie Fredrickson giving a presentation on his trip to Hawaii which was hosted by Astronomy Magazine. He put on a interesting and informative slide show with images of the telescopes at the top of Mauna Kea as well as nighttime photos of hot molten lava from Kilauea.
This photo was taken inside the Motorola Science Theater by ASPB board member John Clifton at the June 4, 2003 meeting.
|
| Back to Top |
|
Erich Landstrom
 |
NASA/JPL Ambassador Erich Landstrom preparing for his presentation on man's exploration of outer space. He began his talk with a brief recap of past missions and their accomplishments and went on to describe in detail the long list of future missions and the expectations we have for them.
This photo was taken inside the Buzz Aldrin Planetarium by ASPB member Michael Gruber at the August 6, 2003 meeting.
|
| Back to Top |
|
Socializing
 |
Luncheon buffet during intermission. This is a typical scene depicting members in various stages of eating, talking, and going back for more goodies. The social atmosphere during the coffee breaks is warm and friendly, with all members participating in the festivities.
This photo was taken by ASPB member Michael Gruber at the August 6, 2003 meeting.
|
| Back to Top |
|
A special Note
| Over the past several months, our intermissions have evolved from humble beginnings consisting of a single pot of coffee and a package of cookies, to a veritable banquet of delightful mouth-watering treats including several different varieties of coffee, as well as tea and cocoa, along with exotic flavorings and sweeteners. There are an assortment of donuts, muffins, cookies, candies, and even fancy Belgian chocolates. Recently, plates of sandwiches and bowls of chips have been added to the menu to accommodate the businessman who simply does not have time after work to stop for supper before coming to the meetings. This special note of thanks goes to our selfless and outgoing first lady, Willette Clowes Lehman for her outstanding performance in orchestrating these luncheons. They have significantly changed the social dynamics of our astronomy club meetings.
|
| Back to Top |
|
Fred Lehman Awarded for Years of Service
Photo credit
Jay Messeroff |
At the March meeting, a framed Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Fred Lehman by former ASPB President, Charlie Fredrickson. This was given in appreciation of his many years involvement with ASPB. The certificate reads, in part:
"For diligence in maintaining ASPB's website, sharing telescope views at many observing sessions, and sharing knowledge of astro-imaging, and sharing the images themselves, Being our “Chief Chef” at annual Picnic and many other events, and lots more, over a period of many years."
Another framed certificate was presented to Fred for his wife, Willette, in appreciation of her generosity and diligence in giving ASPB "the most excellent buffet at the break" over a period of many years.
MANY THANKS to the Lehmans for all that they have done for our club!
Most Sincerely,
For the Board of Directors and members of ASPB,
Charlie Fredrickson
|
| Back to Top |
|
|
