2017 Spring Meeting Suggestion

Fri, 01/02/2015 - 20:42

It's 2015, which has got me thinking about... 2017. More specifically, the August 21, 2017 solar eclipse across North America. I'd like to throw out the idea of hosting the AAVSO spring meeting that year at a location within its path. August is indeed a little late for a "spring" meeting, but we've had them as late as July in the past. Or, if the title "spring" is too sacrosanct to offend (I wonder what our southern hemisphere observers would think of that) then perhaps it could be a special meeting of the AAVSO? Maybe even a fundraising meeting a la an eclipse cruise, though with cars instead of boats. It could also be a chance to get more international attendees. And what an opportunity for the solar section to show its stuff!

May I suggest St. Louis? It's just a few minutes drive away from the point of longest totality and should have lots of options for rooms and be a cheap flight for many. We also haven't had a meeting in the midwest for a while (Rockford in 2006?).

In any case, I would think that we would have to act early to reserve enough rooms in a suitable hotel. Heck, it's early enough that we may even be able to get a contract with a hotel before their staff is aware of the event and hike their rates. :) Maybe someone can put this on the agenda for a discussion at the next Council meeting.

Aaron (PAH)

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Oregon!

I vote for Portland, OR. A beautiful city and area in the summertime, with snow-capped Mt. Hood towering over the landscape. And, the driest weather on the entire total eclipse path will be found just east of the city in the Columbia River basin area, >80% chance of clear skies!

I think Portland is a "slam-dunk".

Mike LMK

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
And OSP too.

[quote=lmk]

I vote for Portland, OR. A beautiful city and area in the summertime, with snow-capped Mt. Hood towering over the landscape. And, the driest weather on the entire total eclipse path will be found just east of the city in the Columbia River basin area, >80% chance of clear skies!

[/quote]

I just realized, the Oregon Star Party, one of the best such events in the country, is usually set around the new moon time in August, so that would be another great event to coincide with everything good about the Portland area :)

 

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Charleston

Perhaps I'm a bit biased, but I would nominate Charleston, SC.  It's the final stop of the eclipse's path through the U.S. and also a great city to visit.

Blake

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
eclipse suggestions

Hi:  The Astronomical League is having their's at Casper Wyoming. Columbia South Carolina is on the coast and subject to coastal storms. Someplace in Kentucky might be good.  But, then the best approach is always to be mobile.  Just suggestions to consider. Best HNL or simply Anna

Affiliation
Vereniging Voor Sterrenkunde, Werkgroep Veranderlijke Sterren (Belgium) (VVS)
Great idea

Hi,

that would be a great idea to combine the AAVSO meeting with the sclipse.

I am certainly going to come even with my wife for the eclipse and maybe adjacent AAVSO meeting.

Josch (HMB)

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
St. Louis works for me...

 

If we do go with a fixed location, I want to second Aaron's motion in favor of St. Louis.  With so much advance time, we could set our sights on several hotel options within the eclipse path.  In case the weather is inclement.  We could then enact an astronomical version of 'Cannonball Run' to reach alternate sites... or not :).

As a matter of disclosure, I am a bit biased since I live in Arkansas....

Chris

 

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
eclipse suggestions

Hi:  The Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston,Mass are having a get-together of sorts in Missouri with transporttion to the eclipse site. Make your own plans to get there. atmob.org. HNL or Anna

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
FYI some of us already have reservations

I have already plunked down money for an eclipse trip so I could not attend.

KL

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
suggestions are just suggestions

Hi:Actually. as for me. I have NO idea if I or my husband will be able to travel until I get to 2017.  In two and a half years.  So,I have no reservations or plans at the moment. I may just get stuck here in Massachusetts, Since I have missed most of the others. I have wonderful memories of others that I have traveled to so please enjoy the suggestions I have to make as they did work for me in the past.  Just be mobile and make a cannonball run if you have to at the time of darkness.  Best HNL or Anna