People have long been fascinated with stars and planets, and their movements in the sky. As people explored the sky and the earth, these two subjects became inextricably linked. Star movement had to be charted, and navigation movement had to be mapped. The common denominator for both movements is time. Technical developments improved measurement of star position, and of the earth dimensions. As measurements improved, flaws were discovered in prevailing theories, and new theories had to be developed. Today, amateur observers have the benefit of over two millennia of improvements. To see a summary and history of some of these, attend the CAS presentation on 3 April in the McCormick Observatory classroom.
Ed graduated from Georgia Tech with a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master degree in Industrial Management. He spent four years as an officer in the US Air Force. He has worked as a project engineer and project manager for Allied Chemical in Hopewell, VA, Adolph Coors Brewery in Golden, CO, and Celanese Chemical in Houston, TX. He immediately fell in love with amateur astronomy while observing the globular cluster, Messier 5, in 1985. He became an active member of the Houston Astronomical Society and attended the Texas Star Party every year. On retirement from Celanese Chemical in 2008, he and his wife relocated to Charlottesville, and he joined the CAS. He was CAS Treasurer for four years. Also, he is an amateur astronomy mentor and was CAS Equipment Manager until last year.
Meeting conducted at University of Virginia's McCormick Observatory starting at 7 pm. CAS members and non-members are all welcome.