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From: jackh@zehntel.UUCP (jack hagerty)
Newsgroups: net.space,net.astro
Subject: Halley in OMNI (you can help)
Message-ID: <1750@zehntel.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 21-Jan-85 17:09:41 EST
Article-I.D.: zehntel.1750
Posted: Mon Jan 21 17:09:41 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 23-Jan-85 04:41:59 EST
Distribution: net
Organization: Zehntel Automation Systems Inc, Walnut Creek CA
Lines: 54
Xref: watmath net.space:3527 net.astro:462




[The following is excerpted from the "Stars" column of 
the February, 1985 issue of OMNI]
 
For the first time since Halley's initial documented viewing, in 240 B.C.,
amateur astronomers will play a major role in making scientific observations
of this celestial event. 

Their observations will be gathered and coordinated by the International 
Halley Watch (IHW), the scientific community's organization for the study
of the comet.  Steve Edberg, of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), in
Pasadena, California, is heading IHW's amateur section.

Amateur astronomers provide a backup for the professional networks. "A 
professional observatory could be clouded out," Edberg points out, "and if
an amateur were observing that night, he could get the critical data."

This was how amateur astronomer Ben Mayer made his mark. "Professional
astronomers don't have the time to do general survey work", Mayer explains. 
The amateurs do. This may bring about results that can etch a person's name
among the stars for as long as mankind keeps records."

To participate in IHW and make general observations, all you need is a 
telescope that's at least two and a half to three inches in diameter. Some
observations can be made with the unaided eye.

In September 1985 the comet will begin its observable trip through the 
zodiac. By January 1986, the comet will be visible to the naked eye in the
constellation Aquarius. But at its closest approach, on the early morning 
of April 10, 1986, it should be visible from head to tail - as long as city
lights don't interfere with the viewing.

IHW wants to hear form amateurs interested in participation in this once-
in-a-lifetime event. Observer's guides and an IHW newsletter can be obtained
by writing to Stephen J. Edberg, California Institute of Technology, Jet
Propulsion Laboratory, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, MS t-1166, Pasadena, CA 91109.



The above reprinted without permission for the edification of USENET readers.

Do any of you net.users at Caltech and/or JPL know if we can contact Mr.
Edberg directly through the net?

-- 


                    Jack Hagerty, Zehntel Automation Systems
                          ...!ihnp4!zehntel!jackh