| Frequently Asked Questions |
| 1. Q: Should we show up if it is cloudy/raining/snowing? A: Yes. We make presentations and review the history of the telescope in addition to using the telescope to view objects. When you make a reservation, you are taking away the possibility of people who will attend regardless of the weather. We may cancel events, please check with Calendar if the weather might be severe. Link: www.thedas.org/Calendar.html Return to Questions |
| 2. Q: What are Public Events at Chamberlin Observatory? A: Public events include DAS Public Nights with a $2 or $3 fee, Open House events which are free to the public with a $1 charge to use the telescope, and special events for celestial events. Link: (no links) Return to Questions |
| 3. Q: How do I make a reservation for an event? A: You can go to the Calendar and select a date that you desire. If the date is available a link will allow you to enter the number in your party, and you will be provided a reservation slip. Link: www.thedas.org/Calendar.html Return to Questions |
| 4. Q: How do I cancel a reservation that I have made? A: You can use the Calendar and select the Cancel Reservation I Have Made button. Enter in the confirmation number, or your name and telephone number, the date of the reserved event and we will attempt to cancel the reservation for you. Link: www.thedas.org/Calendar.html Return to Questions |
| 5. Q: What happens if an event I've made a reservation for is cancelled? A: We cancel events due to severe weather, when driving is not advised. The event appears as cancelled on the Calendar page on our website. We attempt to send email and make a phone call, but that information may not be available to us when we cancel the event. Please enter accurate email and contact information to help us with this task. Link: www.thedas.org/Calendar.html Return to Questions |
| 6. Q: I'm a teacher, what do I need to do to bring lots of students to use the Observatory? A: We welcome well behaved students to all our events. We recommend you bring one chapperone for every 10 children. There is a limit of 24 people in the upstairs telescope area, so large groups may have to be split into to parts. Link: www.thedas.org/TeachersGuide.html Return to Questions |
| 7. Q: Can I schedule a Star Party for my group at my place? A: You can make arrangements for DAS to bring a few telescopes and our lecture material to your place. Please contact us. Link: www.thedas.org/StarParties.html Return to Questions |
| 8. Q: Can I schedule a special event at Chamberlin Observatory? A: You can schedule a special event at the observatory, provided you give us advanced warning. We are happy to present an astronomical topic for a group. You may arrange for Catering, however alchol is not allowed for the event. Link: www.thedas.org/SpecialEvents.html Return to Questions |
| 9. Q: Where does the Money go for Chamberlin Restoration Fund? A: Contributions are held in trust for maintenance and repair of the facility and instruments. Link: (no links) Return to Questions |
| 10. Q: Can I make a Donation to Chamberlin Observatory or DAS? A: Yes, tax deductible contributions are welcomed. Contact either Prof. Stencel, Director, rstencel@du.edu or DAS President Link: www.thedas.org/MakeDonation.html Return to Questions |
| 11. Q: What should I wear to the Observatory? A: The lecture are of the Observatory is heated but not airconditioned. The Telescope Area of the Observatory is not heated or airconditioned. Wear clothing to be inside and outside of a building appropriate to the season. Wear sensible shoes, as you may have to climb a ladder to see objects through the telescope Link: http://www.thedas.org/UsingTheTelescope.html Return to Questions |
| 12. Q: Who owns Chamberlin Observatory? A: Chamberlin Observatory was provided by Humphrey Chamberlin to the University of Denver in 1888, with the telescope becoming functional in 1894. It is managed by the DU Dept. Physics & Astronomy. Link: www.du.edu/physastron Return to Questions |
| 13. Q: What about the Department of Physics and Astronomy at DU? A: More about the Physics and Astronomy department of the University can be viewed at their website. Link: www.du.edu/physastron Return to Questions |
| 14. Q: Who is the Denver Astronomical Society? A: DAS is a 501(c)3 Not For Profit organization promoting astronomy and space science, founded in 1952 and incorporated in 1986. We are a group of amateur astronomers who love to observe the skies. See the link for more information Link: www.thedas.org/IntroToDAS.html Return to Questions |
| 15. Q: I've have a new telescope, can I learn about it at an Open House? A: During Open House events, many of our members bring their telescopes to the south lawn of Chamberlin to share viewing with amateur instruments with the public. This is a great place to learn about your telescope. Ask anyone with a telescope and they are more than happy to get you started. That is why they come to Chamberlin for the event! Link: (no links) Return to Questions |
| 16. Q: I want to get a telescope how can DAS help me choose one right for me? A: During Open House events,many of our members bring their telescopes to the south lawn of Chamberlin to share viewing with amateur instruments with the public. This is a great time to visit different folks with different types of telescopes and let us help you with your decision making Link: (no links) Return to Questions |
| 17. Q: How do I join DAS? A: You can join DAS by filling out a membership form and mailing it to our treasurer. Please see the page describing membership Link: www.thedas.org/Membership.html Return to Questions |
| 18. Q: How do I join the listserver for DAS? A: Once you are a member, and listed on our private roster, you may request to be added to the email listserver. See the membership page for more details Link: www.thedas.org/Membership.html Return to Questions |
| 19. Q: What Magazines can I get at a discount price? A: We currently have a relationship with Sky and Telescope and Astronomy magazines. See the membership page for more details Link: www.thedas.org/Membership.html Return to Questions |
| 20. Q: Does being a member of DAS make me an Astronomical League member? A: Being a member of DAS automatically makes you a member of the Astronomical League. See the the membership page for more details Link: www.thedas.org/Membership.html Return to Questions |
| 21. Q: Does DAS offer special classes? A: DAS has something we call DAS University, where we hold a workshop about techniques for amateur astronmomers. These workshops are useful at all levels and are targeted at making someone new to amateur astronomy comfortable with the tricks of the trade Link: www.thedas.org/Membership.html Return to Questions |
| 22. Q: Is there a Calendar of Events for DAS events? A: A special calendar of events is available on the website. Link: www.thedas.org/DAScalendar2005b/DAS2005-01.html Return to Questions |
| 23. Q: How Many Members are in DAS? A: The number varies a bit, but roughly we have 350 members. Link: (no links) Return to Questions |
| 24. Q: Who are the current elected officials? A: The list of officials can be found in our monthly newsletter posted on the website. Link: www.thedas.org/observer.html Return to Questions |
| 25. Q: When does the Newsletter get Published? A: Publication deadline is 15th of the month. Link: www.thedas.org/Newsletter.html Return to Questions |
| 26. Q: Where do I send material for the Newsletter? A: You can email sumbissions to newsletter@thedas.org. See the page about how to submit other documents. Link: www.thedas.org/Newsletter.html Return to Questions |
| 27. Q: Can I get material added to the Website? A: You can make arrangements to have material added by emailing the webmaster@thedas.org Link: (no links) Return to Questions |
| 28. Q: Can I post a want-ad for astronomy items that I want to buy/sell? A: Members may submit advertisments for astronomy related items to the newsletter editor and webmaster. Others may make submissions but DAS reserves the right to decline non-member advertising. Link: (no links) Return to Questions |
| 29. Q: How can I tell if I have discovered a Meteorite? A: You can contact the club in town that deals with meteors. COMET. Link: (no links) Return to Questions |