Frequently Asked Questions
General
Category
Questions:
What is SMAS?
SMAS = Southern Maryland Astronomical Society.
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How do I find SMAS/NCEEC/NCO?
Directions to SMAS/NCEEC/NCO are described
here
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What is NCEEC?
NCEEC = Nanjemoy Creek Environmental Education Center. NCEEC
is a facility of the Charles County, Maryland Public School System and is
partnered with SMAS. NCEEC is where the Nanjemoy Creek Observatory is
located and is also the dark sky observing site for SMAS observing
sessions.
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What is NCO?
NCO = Nanjemoy Creek Observatory. NCO is a two building
complex consisting of a domed observatory building housing SMAS' main
telescope and a control room building that contains observing equipment,
computers, and a resource library.
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What is IDA?
IDA = International Dark-Sky Association. SMAS maintains an
annual club membership with IDA whose goal is "To preserve and protect the
nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through quality
outdoor lighting." For more information, visit IDA's website at
http://www.darksky.org/.
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What is SOMDAS?
SOMDAS is the members-only website currently hosted by
Yahoogroups. SOMDAS functions as a SMAS e-mail list service and message
archive. It also provides SMAS member access and storage of files,
photographs, and other information.
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How much does it cost to join SMAS?
A membership is $25.00 per family per calendar
year and it is prorated for new members that join during the year. Visit
the "Join
Us" section of the website for more details.
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How many members are
in SMAS?
SMAS has an annual average membership of
45.
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Top Do I have to be a
professional astronomer to join SMAS?
No. SMAS is an amateur
astronomy club. While professionals are welcome, our current membership is
made up of amateurs in the field of astronomy.
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How long has SMAS
been in existence?
During the fall of 1994, a group of friends
started gathering together in Southern Maryland to share a common
interest: astronomy. On November 19th, 1994, the friends ratified a
constitution under the night sky of Indian Head, Maryland, and the
Southern Maryland Astronomical Society (SMAS) was born. During their first
official club observing session on that cold November night, the members
of the newly formed SMAS made a promise to themselves and their community.
From the Preamble of the SMAS Constitution, the members would not only
meet "... to secure the pleasures and benefits of an association of
persons interested in amateur astronomy," they would also work in the
community "... to promote the science of astronomy."
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How is SMAS funded?
SMAS is a non-profit organization whose funding comes from
membership dues, donations, and fund raisers.
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Can I make a donation
to SMAS?
Yes. SMAS accepts monetary donations, as well as
items. Upon receipt of a donation, SMAS will provide a document on
letterhead for your tax records.
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What does SMAS do
with monetary donations?
Monetary donations are used to
purchase new astronomy equipment for the Nanjemoy Creek Observatory (NCO).
Donations also help pay for the upkeep and maintenance of the facility
itself.
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What types of items
can I donate?
Items have ranged from telescopes and related
equipment to reference materials for the resource library.
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How do I make a
donation?
You may contact the SMAS Treasurer for
details.
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Where does SMAS meet
for club member observing sessions?
SMAS meets at the Nanjemoy
Creek Environmental Education Center (NCEEC), near Nanjemoy,
MD.
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How long has SMAS
been affiliated with NCEEC?
Originally, SMAS met at various
sites throughout Southern Maryland for each monthly club observing
session. It quickly became obvious, however, that SMAS needed a more
permanent base of operations, with good dark sky qualities, security and
amenities. Serendipity stepped in when the SMAS members met a visitor at
the Indian Head celebration of Astronomy Day in May 1995, who told SMAS
about NCEEC. The members soon met the director of the facility. The
combination of the dark, quiet skies of Nanjemoy, the safe, comfortable
surroundings of NCEEC and the enthusiasm of the SMAS members was a perfect
match.
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What kinds of
programs does SMAS conduct?
Visit the Programs Section of this
website for more information.
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What is the
difference between a Star Party and an Observing Session?
For
ease of scheduling, the SMAS Program Coordinator differentiates between
Star Parties and Observing Sessions. In this context, a Star Party is for
the general public, a school group or scout troop. An Observing Session is
for SMAS members only, and their guests. Guest attendance during an
Observing Session is limited.
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Why is there a
difference between a Star Party and an Observing Session?
The
SMAS Program Coordinator schedules Star Parties closest to the First
Quarter Moon. For beginning observers, the Moon offers the biggest “wow”
factor when viewed through a telescope for the first time. The First
Quarter Moon is already “up” in the early evening, so young observers do
not have to stay up so late. Also, the First Quarter Moon is not so bright
that it washes out some of the dimmer objects in the sky. SMAS members who
volunteer their equipment and time for the Star Party make their observing
plans specifically for the guests. Finally, Star Parties may be held at a
variety of locations.
SMAS schedules two club Observing
Sessions each month, on the Saturdays closest to the Third Quarter and
New Moons. Most SMAS members prefer to observe deep sky objects, which
requires the darkest sky conditions possible. SMAS members make their
observing plans for themselves, and may include observing, imaging, and
research. Finally, Observing Sessions are held at NCEEC/NCO.
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How do I schedule a
Star Party?
Visit the Programs Section of this
website for more information.
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