DAS General Meeting: "Footloose Astronomer in Europe: On the Trail of Telescope History"

Speaker:
Dr. Phil Kelton
McDonald Observatory (Retired)

Presentation Topic:
"Footloose Astronomer in Europe: On the Trail of Telescope History"

Our Presenter:
Dr. Kelton received his Ph.D. in Computer Science and Astronomy from the University of Texas at Austin in 1979. He had a 32-year career with McDonald Observatory during which he was a Programmer, Computing System Manager, Assistant Director, and Superintendent. His association with McDonald was primarily involved with large telescope technology and instrumentation, plus observatory and project management. He first took up amateur astronomy in the early 1960s and maintained that interest in parallel with his involvement in professional astronomy. After retiring in 2007 he continued to be involved in public outreach as a National Park astronomy volunteer (primarily at Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP) as well as at McDonald Observatory. He has also engaged extensively in astrotourism, especially in France and Europe.

Presentation:
Dr. Kelton has been fortunate to have traveled extensively in Europe, and discovered that astrotourism is an excellent way to supplement the more common aspects of travel. In this talk he will trace an important subset of the history of telescope development based on his travels in Europe, and touch upon other aspects of astronomy history that he has been able to experience first hand. He has organized his presentation chronologically from the 16th to the 20th century, based on visits to a dozen locations which are astronomically and historically important. He will end with a surprise visit to a very interesting astronomy history site in the USA.

August General Membership
Meeting Agenda:

• New Member and Guest Introductions
• Announcements
• Presentation by Dr. Phil Kelton
• Observing Reports

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Location: In-person at Regis University's Peter Claver Hall, Room 328. The meeting will also be available via Zoom for those unable to attend in-person.

Date/time: Monday, August 11th, 7:00 p.m.; meeting attendees can arrive at Regis starting at 6:30 p.m.

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A map and directions to Regis University, and the Zoom link for remote attendees will be provided later.