Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Thu, 09/24/2015 - 11:04

Hi,

Something I've only just noticed, though to be honest I should have noticed it much earlier! Please note the capitalisation is for 'comic' effect, not 'shouting'...

Whose wisdom was it to organise the coming meeting at the weekend of the NEW MOON for a meeting of people who observe VARIABLE STARS, mm? Those of us who are (to use Mike Simonsen's phrase) "hopeless variable star junkies" will be getting cold turkey. Speaking seriously, for me, I know for a fact that I will not be at ease at a time when I would like to be - I could be missing my favourite variables! This weekend will probably turn out to be the longest run of deep, clear nights ever recorded in the UK. Trust me.

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
re: Meeting dates

Must be a conspiracy ;)

Actually, the Fall meeting dates have to work around the hotel's availability and cost (different weekends can cost different amounts because of leaf peeping season and holidays), among other considerations.

Maybe we can organize an observing run from the parking lot?

LKR

 

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
alternative

If the cost and availability of facilities have become the important factors for choosing meeting dates, perhaps the annual gathering should be moved to January.

Tom

 

 

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
January meeting

I like creative thinking, but January is a no-go for two reasons:

 

1) The American Astronomical Society has a big (and expensive) meeting in January. Many AAVSO members (and sometimes staff) attend this, so having our meeting the same month would be a logistical (and financial) problem (to put it mildly).

2) Winter travel is not fun (especially when Boston has winters like the last one).

PLEASE do keep ideas coming, especially for the Spring meeting!

 

KL

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Biennial Joint Spring Meeting with CBA and SAS

Many of us on the  West Coast are waiting for AAVSO to affirm that they will continue the practice of holding a joint meeting with SAS and CBA every other year at the SAS meeting.  The SAS meeting in 2016 is the one that would normally be the joint meeting.

It would be nice to get that settled soon so we can make travel plans.

 

 

 

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Planning meetings in the future

The Council is sensitive to the fact that planning is required for people to attend meetings (Council members themselves have to make plans), and we are trying to institute a strategy to plan meetings with much greater lead time. The Council JUST (as in half an hour ago) finished its latest teleconference where meetings were discussed. While we cannot yet give you a definitive date and place for the Spring meeting (soon! the ink is still moist), late April will be the approximate dates. We are definitely interested in having more joint meetings with SAS (and other organizations) in the near future. It is good to hear that you would look forward to attending a joint SAS/AAVSO meeting in the future.

It would be nice to get input from members from across the country (and beyond) as to what preferences people have for meeting locations and/or joint meetings and partnerships. For example, how important is having a major airport within 15 miles? Are meetings preferred at universities or hotels? Is having a major astronomical attraction such as a famous planetarium or observatory nearby important? How interested are people in having meetings in places other than the US? Is Canada an attractive choice? How important is having local non-astronomical attractions for families?

If we put together an official poll, would people take the time to complete it?

One of the important limitations for having meetings outside of the Boston area is that we need an on-ground local organizing committee to make meetings happen. If your club or university would like to host an AAVSO meeting in the future, we would LOVE to hear from you!

Many thanks to all of you for a productive and informative discussion - please do keep the comments coming!

 

Kris Larsen
AAVSO VP

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
AAVSO + SAS + CBA meeting

I "second" jji's comment re the joint "spring" meetings with SAS.  I've attended 3(?) of those, and they were excellent.  Lot's of attendees, and good content.  The only downside to the AAVSO that I'm aware of is that they come a bit late for a semi-annual Council meeting.

I'd also like to make a pitch that meeting dates be set and announced much earlier than we typically do.  Say, 12-18 months ahead.  It would allow more people to integrate them with their vacation plans, and help to manage date conflicts with other commitments.

Gary Billings

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
meeting locations

On the subject of locations, why does the AAVSO choose relatively expensive hotels? For those of us travelling great distances, these costs are significant, even when room sharing - would not (say) an educational institution such as a university campus be preferable? In the UK the Open University arranges its bi-yearly meetings/schools on existing 'brick' university campuses such as my alma mater, the University of East Anglia (UEA)