NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day - 19 Dec 2023

One of our Analemma Society volunteers, Steven Powell, is a dedicated astronomical observer.  In a recent email, he said, "I'm happy to say that my 32 hour exposure image of the California nebula [NGC 1499] will be displayed as the NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day on December 19th."  You can find the full-size image on the NASA website: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap231219.html   At right is a small thumbnail view.

His photograph and hundreds of other spectacular views of the cosmos can be found in the NASA Astronomical Picture of the Day archive at: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/archivepix.html

Analemma Society honored with FCPA Harold Strickland Partnership Award

The Fairfax County Park Authority awarded Analemma Society the 2023 Harold Strickland Award for Collaboration and Partnership for creating programming for Observatory Park visitors that minimizes or eliminates park bond funding. This award, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp3VeBj4P-8, is decades in the making with a growing number of patrons and programs. 

In the past 5 years, Analemma Society has worked with more than 18,000 visitors at Observatory Park. Analemma Society volunteers donate more than 1,800 volunteer hours per year, fundraise for telescope purchases and maintain scientific equipment, as well as provide education and programs and festivals that teach science, technology, engineering and math through astronomy at Observatory Park in Great Falls, Virginia.

This year's ceremony featured a tribute to the vision and years of dedication of Analemma Society late founder Charles Olin https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/awards/ellydoyle. Fairfax County Park Authority Dranesville district representatives Timothy Hackman presented the Harold Strickland Award to Christina Tyler Wenks, who accepted the award for Analemma Society and was also named an outstanding volunteer. The award was given to Charles's wife, Jacqueline Olin, as the couple founded Analemma Society and Observatory Park together.

More information about the Elly Doyle Awards and recipients may be found at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/awards/ellydoyle. These videos were produced by Fairfax County Channel 16 and are shared with permission in celebration of the work of the many Analemma Society volunteers.

Passing of Analemma Founder Charles Olin

We are sad to report that after a period of ill health, Charles Olin, founding president of the Analemma Society passed away Tuesday night, March 28th, 2023.  Without his vision there would be no Observatory Park. Charles and Jacque Olin were a powerful team that time and again accomplished things that seemed impossible.  From a field of grass on the old Defense Mapping Agency and Nike site at Turner Farm, the concrete brick tower has become the Remote Astronomical Telescope Observatory (RATO), the dedication of a sundial garden, and through the Fairfax County Park Authority and a generous grant from the Edlemann's, we now have the Roll-Top Observatory and educational center.. Photo at right: Jacque and Charles Olin in front of the RATO, taken by TR Cook in 2013.

A memorial service was held at Observatory Park, Turner Farm in Great Falls, VA. for Charles on Sunday, May 21, 2023.

CHARLES H. OLIN (1933-2023)

Charles H. Olin was born in Niagara Falls to West Point Grad. Col. Charles L. Olin and Jeanette A. Olin. In youth he developed passions for arts, astronomy, and travel, crossing the ocean via ocean liner many times.

Charles received a B.S. in physics at Dickinson College, where he met his wife, Jacqueline: married in 1955. Charles was commissioned into the Marine Corps as a second lieutenant, studying advanced weaponry systems, leading tank maneuvers, and serving in the honor guard at 8th and I Marine Barracks, rising to the rank of captain.

Charles attended graduate school in Fine Arts at Cornell University, and then became one of the first students to attend the Art Conservation Center at New York University, Institute of Fine Arts. Charles was invited by the Smithsonian Institution to establish and develop multiple Conservation Programs for the Smithsonian. He was founder of the U.S. National Museum’s Conservation Analytical Laboratory (now the Museum Conservation Institute), The National Collection of Fine Arts Conservation Lab (now the Smithsonian American Art Museum Lunder Center), and the Conservation Lab at the National Portrait Gallery.

At the Smithsonian, Charles was responsible for conserving exhibits for two Museum openings, establishing analytical processes, and developing programs for training future conservators. He was among the founding members and a Fellow of the American Institute for Conservation.

After working at the Smithsonian Charles established a private conservation studio in Great Falls, VA: Olin Conservation, Inc.  Charles’ company continues to serve numerous private, institutional, and museum clients across the country. During his own work in the private sector, Charles continued to train conservators, including a number of well-respected conservators in the field today. One of these is his son David. Charles was responsible for the conservation of innumerable works, including Renoir’s “Luncheon of the Boating Party”.

Charles considered his work in art conservation a "profession", rather than a "business." The key to his approach was observation, understanding, and attention to detail. These qualities were present in his lifelong passions. The study of science, specifically physics and astronomy, was omnipresent in every aspect of Charles's life. He was an avid gardener, naturalist, and he enjoyed the edible bounty of natural plants and wild game. Charles was a dedicated bow hunter and trapper. His love of classical music and opera was well known. Charles led championship teams with the Washington Area Dart Association and made wine from local vineyards. He enjoyed cooking. Charles was an accomplished sailor, including blue water adventures in his Hinckley Pilot 35, Betelgeux.

In Great Falls, VA, Charles became an EMT with the Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department. He was also the founding president of the Analemma Society at Observatory Park.

Survivors include wife, Jacqueline S. Olin, daughter, Dr. Deborah Norris, son David Olin, granddaughters Jessie Taylor and Jacqueline Hernandez, grandson Jon H. Norris, great-granddaughters Avery and Livia Taylor, and great-grandson Monte Taylor.

Simple Sky Observing

How to Find the Best Stuff in the Night Sky From Absolutely Anywhere

Atlas Obscura says it all very nicely in an article by Jessica Leigh Hester, with illustrations by Kristen Boydstun:  Click -> Atlas Obscura - How to Find the Best Stuff in the Sky - Anywhere

Advice to New Observers

Ever wonder what telescope to buy?  Refractor, Reflector ... Big Scope or a Little Scope ... Dobsonian Mount ... or maybe just a good pair of binoculars and a star catalog.  As they say, this isn't rocket science.  Here's an excellent article: So You Wanna Buy a Telescope - Advice For Beginners by Ed Ting.  Ed walks through the type of telescopes and eyepieces and even the types of binoculars that will help you get started with a great view of the sky.

"The simplicity part is important...Beginners need early success, and the 6" or 8" aperture is big enough to throw up a bright image of most common celestial objects."