Astronomical League Vice President

ALCon 2012 Co-Chair

John Jardine Goss

Twelve years ago John Goss first became involved in the Astronomical League when he heard then League Vice President Bob Gent give a presentation about the League. Mr. Gent concluded by asking for volunteers to help the League help amateur astronomy. John quickly found himself elected as secretary to the Mid-East Region of the Astronomical League (MERAL). Since that pivotal day in October 2000, he either has served or is currently serving the League in many capacities: MERAL Chair, Reflector Advertising Representative, Reflector Editor, League Secretary, and Astronomical League Vice President.

Mr. Goss and his wife, Genevieve, live in Fincastle, VA and are members of the Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society. He teaches “Stargazing for the Curious Skywatcher” through Dabney Lancaster Community College, and writes an astronomy column for the Roanoke Times.

John Goss

Advertising Designer: Peter Birren

www.birrendesign.com

I’m a self-employed graphic designer, hang glider pilot and author of the deep-sky astronomy fieldbook Objects in the Heavens. My interest in astronomy began as a young child when my father pointed out a bright orange Mars in the summer sky. After witnessing the 1966 Leonid meteor shower and then much later seeing Jupiter for the first time in a friend’s telescope, I had to learn more.

OITH began as a personal viewing list and gradually developed into a unique guide that has now been enjoyed by thousands. I have given talks to numerous astronomy clubs, at AstroFest and to other groups such as Rotary Int’l. My recent graphics work includes the ALCon2012 ads and registration forms.

 

Peter Birren: www.birrendesign.com

Webmaster: Rich Wagner

www.iskywatch.com

I’m the guy you see looking up as soon as I walk out of a door! I have had a lifelong interest in astronomy and hope to inspire future astronomers with outreach. I am an IT worker by profession and an avid novice astronomer and dark skies advocate. I host a website called Illinois SkyWatch, www.iskywatch.com, and have reached out to over 80,000 people worldwide since May of 2011.

I was approached by Audrey Fischer for the ALCon2012 website project in December and the rest is history. ALCon 2012 is celebrating 150 years of people looking up to the skies this year… I’m proud to be part of it.

 

Rich Wagner: www.iskywatch.com