TAAS School Star Party Pictures

TAAS has been bringing astronomy to Albuquerque Area Schools for decades. Our astronomical storm troopers spend hours/days/weeks of their own spare time to bring the wonders of our sky to thousands of kids and parents each year.

Here are the photographic journals of the 2002-2003 school year. These pages will be updated as events occur, and the photo's arrive. Many thanks to TAAS photographers Nancy Davis, Eric Bucheit, Sammy Lockwood, and John Laning.

School	Date	Click Image for More Pictures

Isleta Elementary Isleta Pueblo, NM Bosque School Albuquerque, NM	October 25, 2002 October 29, 2002
Isleta Elementary 10/25 - This scopes only party started with about a 70% overcast, no kids, and 9 scopes. Fortunately by around 7:15, the clouds started breaking-up, and the kids/parents started arriving. Docents were Mickey & Judy B., Shannon M., John L., Dale M., James B., Brock P., and Sammy L., joined by John S. and 3 others from the NM Tech Astronomy Club. The skies were completely clear by around 8, with about 100 kids & parents attending, looking through 11 scopes, including 2 scopes from the school. James B. provided good signage on the Isleta roads directing folks to the event. Bosque Elementary 10/29 - After a cloudy, stormy day, the clouds broke open one hour before this cold star party. About 100 spectators attended this event that was well supported by the school, with good signage, a barricaded / dark parking lot for the scopes. Only 3 scopes arrived before the star party started, with one more scope docent arriving later and not setting-up. Clouds rolled back in by 8pm. Docents were John L., Dale M., Barry S., Larry C., Nancy D., Elizabeth B., Mark K., Eric B., Steve S., and Sammy L. < photos here >

Griegos Elementary Albuquerque, NM	November 9, 2002 November 12, 2002
Griegos Elementary 11/9 - Mark Kroska and Sammy Lockwood staged a two-man starlab presentations throughout the school day at Griegos, giving over 250 kids and teachers a daytime view of the heavens. Mark's attempt at solar views on a this cloudy day was brief but successful. Griegos Elementary 11/12 - High thin clouds, and the return of Saturn to school parties highlighted this night, that had great turnout both from TAAS, and the school. Docents: John Laning, Brock Parker, Jay Harden, Larry Cash, Nancy Davis, Mark and Elaine Kroska, Rodema Ashby, Eric Bucheit, Elizabeth Burki, Barry Spletzer, Dale Murray, Ray Collins, and Sammy Lockwood. About 250-300 kids, parents, and teachers attended. < photos here >

Hoover Middle School Albuquerque, NM	January 14, 2003
Hoover Middle School 1/14/03 - A few high clouds early on, but a fairly warm night for January, marked this very successful star party. Jupiter made it's star party debut for the year, which was viewed by most of the 300+ parents, teachers, and kids that attended. The school provided lot's of volunteers, and food/drink for the docents. John Laning, Brock Parker, Jay Harden, Larry Cash, Barry Spletzer, and Sam & Sammy Lockwood manned the telescope field. Nancy Davis, Mark Kroska, Dale Murray, Chris Wilson, and Eric Bucheit tackled the indoor demonstrations. < photos here >

Sierra Vista Elementary Albuquerque, NM	January 24, 2003 January 28, 2003
Sierra Vista Elementary 1/24/03 - Mark Kroska and Sammy Lockwood provided a 2-man star party to the 800 kids at Sierra Vista Elementary during the school day, as a sneak-preview of what TAAS is all about. Sammy gave 12, 30-minute starlab shows to groups of 40 kids each, while Mark gave solar views all day on the playground. Sierra Vista Elementary 1/28/03 - Clear dark skies, a dark viewing field, and a terrific turnout of 250-300 viewers marked our first trip to this west side school. In addition, Mark spoke with a group of parents before the star party, about their upcoming science fair. Telescope docents included Bob Hufnadel, Mr. & Mrs. Conrad Sloop, Brock Parker, Jay Harden, Barry Gordon, John Laning, Steve Snider, Chris Wilson, and Barry Spletzer. Indoor docents included demonstrations were Mark Kroska, Eric Bucheit, Dale Murray, Nancy Davis, Ray Collins, and Sammy Lockwood. < photos here >

Monte Vista Elementary w/ Carolyn Shoemaker Albuquerque, NM	February 12, 2003
Monte Vista Elementary 2/12/03 - Not your usual TAAS school party. About 25 TAAS members enjoyed a pizza and salad in the Monte Vista gymnasium with noted astro-geologist and comet-hunter Carolyn Shoemaker. Dinner was provided by the Monte Vista PTA, and the Young Astronauts. Afterwards, TAAS members got a little one-on-one time with Carolyn, before her lecture to the Young Astronauts. Following the lecture, several TAAS docents attempted to provide a star party to the crowd of about 250 through a thick-high overcast, while a short round of indoor demonstrations was also provided. Outdoor docents included Rebecca Purvis, John Laning, Jay Harden, Brock Parker, Conrad Sloop, Chris Wilson, and Gary Harms. Indoor docents included Georgia and Bob Hufnagel, Eric Bucheit, Dale Murray, Barry Spletzer, and Sammy Lockwood. Many other TAAS members were also present for Carolyn's talk and pizza. <photos here>.

Collet Park Elementary Albuquerque NM	March 7, 2003 March 11, 2003
Collet Park Elementary 3/7/03 - This daytime show was well staffed by TAAS docents, and treated over 350 kids to Starlab shows and Solar views. Docents included Rodema Ashby, Mark Kroska, Dale Murray, Neil Goldberg, and Sammy Lockwood. <photos here> Collet Park Elementary 3/11/03 - A perfect night for a star party. 350+ kids, parents and teachers came out to see the best of TAAS and astronomy. Pizza and cokes were provided to TAAS docents by the PTA, which provided excellent signage and support for the event. Indoor docents included Neil Goldberg, Mark Kroska, Chris Wilson, and Sammy Lockwood. Scope docents included Sam Lockwood IV, Jay Harden, John Laning, Barry Spletzer, Rebecca Purvis, Dale Murray, and Brock Parker. Gordon Pegue, Sheryn Lockwood, and Moriah Lockwood provided additional support. <photos here> Eldorado High School 3/12/03 - This annual event is organized by science teacher Sara Wilson as an extra credit event for her students, and gets a little bigger and better every year. About 200 students got extra points on this clear night with stunning views through Brock's 30" Dob. Docents included Chris Wilson, Jay Harding, John Laning, Barry Spletzer, Sammy Lockwood, and Brock Parker. Eastern Hills Christian Academy 3/13/03 - "Space Day" at this small school included solar views with Sammy Lockwood. About 50 kids watched the sunspots.

Bandelier Elementary Albuquerque, NM	April 1, 2003
Bandelier Elementary 4/1/03 - Our last "full" Educational Outreach event was highlighted by clear warm skies, and a terrific turnout of over 250 kids and parents. Telescope docents included Sam Lockwood IV, Jay Harden, John Laning, Barry Spletzer, Rebecca Purvis, Bob Hufnagel, Joel C.de Baca, and Brock Parker. Indoor science demos were made by Dale Murray, Mark Kroska, John Gould, and Sammy Lockwood. The school provided many volunteers, and the PTA held a bake sale with all proceeds donated to TAAS Outreach. <photos here>
Manzano Day School 4/4/03 - A daytime party was promised after the regular star party scheduled here was canceled due to bad weather. Sammy Lockwood gave a series of Starlab shows, while Mark Kroska manned a solar scope on the playground, (deflecting a few soccer balls in the process). About 200 kids got a show, and the school made a sizable donation to TAAS Outreach. Cub Pack 389 4/17/03 - Mark Kroska gathered with about 43 Cubs and leaders for a night of "Moon Mission" games. Onate Elementary 4/25/03 - Mark and Elaine Kroska spent the entire warm and sunny day at this school, giving about 100 kids and teachers close-up views of our nearest star, the sun. Sandia Prep 4/29/03 - In the morning, Chris Wilson and Brock Parker offered solar views to about 100 students. Sandia Prep 4/29/03 - Our final scheduled scope event's of the year were part of Sandia Prep's annual science fair. TAAS docents braved high winds and clouds to offer about 200 students views and demonstrations. Barry Gordon offered his slide show while Sammy Lockwood manned the demonstration booth. Telescope views were provided by John Laning, Brock Parker, Jay Harden, Barry Spletzer, Rebecca Purvis, Bob Hufnagel, Chris Wilson, Mark Kroska, and Ray Collins. Dennis Chavez 5/2/03 - Canceled due to illness.