| The Albuquerque Coffee Shop Astronomers, AKA "Los Locos Con
Scopos" is a group of friends that spend their spare time in
various coffee shop and bookstore parking lots in the Albuquerque area,
with telescopes for any passerby to enjoy the night sky with. We
never charge a fee, and we don't sell anything. It's just
an honest and pure passion for astronomy.
For the most part, we don't follow any schedules, of plan
very far in advance. When the urge strikes, we call and/or e-mail
each other, and just appear. Our favorite hang-out has
become the Flying Star Cafe on Juan Tabo, but we have also appeared
at the Frontier on Central, Bound to Be Read on Academy,
Irysh Mac's on Yale, and an assortment of other spots.
The Idea for the Coffee Shop Astronomers came one night when I was
taking my kids out for dessert. We were half-way there when I realized
that I had forgotten my wallet. As I looked for a place to turn
around, I spied the telescope that I was carrying in my van, and had
an idea...
We continued on to the cafe, and after a talk with the manager,
my kids got free food and drink, and in return, the cafe
customers got views of Saturn's rings. It was a match made
in heaven. Since then, I've hardly ever had to pay for a meal,
as long as my scope is with me. Several friends not only join
me now, but often set-up their own telescopes.
---From Our Flier---
What's Sidewalk Astronomy?
It is the act of bringing astronomy to people, at no charge, and no
strings attached. The real experience of astronomy begins when a person's
mind is re-opened to the possibility of the Universe. Seeing a small crowd
standing around a telescope is often enough to begin that re-awakening. People
standing in line at the eyepiece will naturally look up to notice a star
or planet that was there all the time, had they only thought to look. We
hope they will look again the next night, and the next.
How far can you see with that telescope?
Typically, a very, very long way. (thousands of light years) Generally
speaking, the further an object is, the fainter it is. How far you can see
usually depends on the amount of light that you can gather, how clear the
air is, and how dark the sky is. (i.e. light pollution)
What power is that telescope? How much did it cost?
The power of a telescope depends on a combination of the eyepiece and
scope's focal length. The usable power of a telescope is usually limited
by atmospheric turbulence. Most astronomical viewing is done at fairly low
powers, say 40x-120x. The power of a scope is not nearly as important as
its light gathering ability. The cost of our telescopes and equipment range
from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Many of the telescopes
you looked through tonight were hand-made by the astronomer, and are therefore...
priceless.
 Why
are you doing this?
Why does anyone pursue a passion? For one reason or another, the astronomers
here tonight have a passion for astronomy. Sometimes, our astronomy takes
us to dark lonely fields, miles away from civilization. Sometimes, it takes
us to schools, and lines of curious kids. Tonight, it takes us to you.
Are those moons around [Saturn, Jupiter] ?
As a matter of fact, they are. Jupiter has 4 bright moons that are visible
from Earth. Some orbit so fast, that if your lucky, you can see them pass
each other, or rise above the planet. Saturn has 2 bright moons, and 4 dim
moons that are visible from Earth.
What is the difference between a star and a planet?
A star, (like our sun) produces it's own light. A planet, (like Jupiter
or Saturn), reflects the light from its star. Planets
are typically only a tiny, tiny fraction,
of the size of its star. Because of their orbits, planets move against the
unchanging background of stars. (stars actually move too, but you won't notice
a change in your lifetime)
Do you believe in UFO's ?
It is unfortunate that in the public's eye, UFO's are often linked to
astronomy. Astronomers do not study UFO's. Although we spend a larger portion
of our time photographing, and watching the sky than others, most of us have
never seen a UFO. However, many astronomers support the scientific study
of SETI (the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence).
What is the difference between an Astronomer, and an Amateur Astronomer?
An astronomer is a research scientist, studied in physics and mathematics.
An amateur astronomer is anyone who looks at the sky and takes steps to learn
more. We are Amateur Astronomers.
 Do you believe in astrology?
Please do not confuse astronomy with astrology. Astronomy is science,
astrology is cult. Astronomy is fact, astrology is myth. Astronomers study
the sky, astrologers study tarot cards.
Why are the stars so hard to see from my home, or this parking lot?
Light pollution. We all need light to safely function at night. When
lights shine down on the ground, they help us out. But many lights shine
up as well, wasting energy, and blocking out the night sky. It's a quality
of life issue that has been getting worse. Recently, the NM Legislature passed
the NM Night Sky Protection Act, and the ABQ City Council formed the Night
Sky Protection Task Force. But how effective they are will depend on how
many citizens they hear from.
I'm thinking of buying a telescope. What kind should I buy?
Unfortunately, a lot of thoughtful , intelligent people, have spent
good money on disappointing telescopes The result is often, little astronomy,
and lots of frustration. Some general rules: 1) Stay away from $200
Wal-Mart/K-mart scopes. 2) If your budget is under $250, buy good binoculars
instead. 3) If your budget is under $500, buy a scope that uses a mirror
(a reflector). 4) If your really serious, come to an astronomy club meeting
and ask around. We LOVE to talk about telescopes.
How can I learn more?
That's our favorite question. That's the question that we all asked
at some point, which led us here with you tonight. 1) Go to a star party.
It's the best way to see and talk about astronomy. 2) Go to an Astronomy
Club meeting. Most communities have amateur astronomy clubs, and most meet
monthly. |
