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Conventions of the Astronomical League Astronomical League conventions provide an opportunity for amateur and professional astronomers from all over the country to gather together to learn and exchange ideas, techniques, and opinions on astronomy. Presentations by professional astronomers allow the amateur to learn about the latest discoveries in astronomy directly from astronomers making the discoveries. Our national conventions, called ALCons (Astronomical League CONventionS) usually take place on a Friday and Saturday in July or August. There are speaker tracts both days, as well as a commercial vendors exposition, and information and exhibits from astronomical clubs, organizations and special projects. The ALCONs often include tours to astronomical facilities located near the convention site. We frequently visit local observatories, university facilities, NASA centers, and many other astronomically-related sites. ALCon attendees have visited the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (Pasadena, CA), the Meteorite Lab at Washington University (St. Louis, MO), Mt. Evans Observatory (the highest in the world, Copper Mountain, CO), Dearborn Observatory (Evanston, IL), Kitt Peak (Tucson, AZ), Yerkes Observatory (Williams Bay, WI), Linda Hall Library (antique astronomy books, including William Herschel's journal documenting the discovery of Uranus, Kansas City, MO) and many, many more. Most of these tours were specially designed for amateur astronomers. Social events include a Star-B-Que on Friday night and Annual AL Awards Banquet on Saturday night. ALCONs are produced and hosted by a local astronomy club, that usually goes all out to show off their host-city and arrange activities for the whole family to keep busy during the convention, and explore the local sights before and after. We hope to see you at our next ALCON! It will be fun and informative! ©Copyright 2006 The Rose City Astronomers All Rights Reserved |
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