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Current Newsletter
May 2009
SAS was founded in 1975 to foster the development of amateur
Astronomy in the east-central Michigan area. Members come from all walks of life
and span a wide range of ages. Our activities include observing sessions using
members' telescopes, our club's 25" scope "Dobzilla", annual public star parties, and friendly meetings
where we share our common interest and learn from formal presentations and each
other. Several members have gone on to professional Astronomical activities.
Astronomy Essay Contest
The year 2009 marks the 400th anniversary of Galileo turning his telescope skyward and ushering in a new era of observational astronomy. Therefore 2009 has been declared the world-wide “International Year of Astronomy”.
To celebrate this event The Sunset Astronomical Society (SAS) is sponsoring an essay contest. Students living in Michigan are invited to submit an essay, with a maximum of 400 words, to be eligible for cash prizes. Topics on astronomy can range from ones own experiences, influential astronomers, astronomy events and the effect on society, current astronomy or astronomical theories.
The results:
12 to 15 age group
1st place, Joshua Peters
Grace Christian School, Title- "The Mystery of Black Holes"
2nd place, Marissa Neal
T.L. Handy Middle School Title- "Astronomical Therories"
3rd place, Kellie Rankey
Saginaw Arts and Science Academy
title- "Nicolas Copernicus- The man who believed the Planets orbited the
Sun"
16 to 18 age group
1st place, Art Lopez
Carrollton High School, Title- "Galileo Galilei"
2nd place, Holly Bicerano
H.H. Dow High School, Title- "Astronomical Theory of Climate Change"
3rd place, Ben Puckett
Midland High School, title- "Galileo"
The Great Lakes Star Gaze 7 will be held September 17-20, 2009. More information is available at the Great Lakes Star Gaze website at www.greatlakesstargaze.com.