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(meteorobs) Off topic but IMPORTANT!!!


>
>  RE: Powell Observatory needs your help
>
>
>  The Astronomical Society of Kansas City owns and operates Powell
Observatory
>  in Louisburg, Kansas about 20 miles south of Kansas City.  The
observatory
>  is located in Lewis-Young Park, on one acre of ground leased from the
City
>  of Louisburg, Kansas.  Powell Observatory has been in this location for
18
>  years was built by the members of the society for the enrichment of the
>  community and the study of astronomy.
>  Powell serves over 3000 people per year in the area of public education
> and
>  involves approximately 50 local
>  amateur astronomers in significant research work.  The research is done
> with
>  both a 30cm LX200 and ST7E and 75cm Newtonian with ST9E, all of which
have
>  been purchased from donations from members and guests.  So far there have
>  been over thirty minor planet planet designations earned by the members
> who
>  are involved with the research program working at Powell and from two
>  backyard observatories in Olathe, Kansas.  The Powell group performs
> needed
>  follow up observations for other observers, who are clouded out or having
>  equipment problems.  It has always been our first priority.  Follow up
>  observations have been made by the Powell group for over 30 different
>  observatories worldwide including many second night observations
resulting
>  in new minor planet designations for those observatories. In addition the
>  Powell group performs many follow up observations of recently discovered
>  Supernovae and reports magnitude estimates to VSNET and others.
>
>  Recently we learned by chance that the City of Louisburg Park Board was
>  considering a proposal to build a BMX Dirt Bike Track in the park due
> south
>  of the observatory right up against our property line.  The plans for the
>  track would eventually include overhead lighting, bleachers, and an
>  announcers tower.  The track builders say they are being supported by the
>  American Bicycle Association and the Leukemia Society and can have the
> track
>  built within a few days of getting approval.  The first step would be to
>  dump many yards of dirt on the site.
>
>  Members of the Astronomical Society approached both the City of Louisburg
>  and the BMX track organizers requesting that they consider an alternative
>  site where the lights and dust would not interfere with or damage the
>  observatory.  Although both the city and the track organizers initially
> were
>  cordial and agreed that this might be a problem, they later came out in
> the
>  local newspapers and on local TV saying they did not think the location
>  would be a problem for the observatory and they planned to proceed with
> the
>  site they had selected.  They said they would turn the lights off by ten
>  o'clock and only have the track open one night a week.  There was no
>  discussion of what effect the wind blown dirt would have on the optics
and
>  electronics in the observatory.  We also know that the long range plans
of
>  the track organizers are to hold practices and large competitions at the
>  track on other nights of the week from March through November.
>
>  Their next step is a presentation of the final drawings by the BMX track
>  people to the Park Board on April 10.  If the Park Board approves the
> plans
>  then the City Council will vote on it.  This could happen as soon as a
> week
>  or two after April 10.
>
>  There is no question that this track site will spell the beginning of the
>  end for Powell Observatory as a viable observing and research station.  A
>  minor planet observing program which began at the observatory in June
1999
>  resulted in sufficient observations and discoveries to rank Powell
>  Observatory, IAUC Code 649,  51st in the world for 1999.  They say the
>  observatory is doomed anyway by local development.  We have been very
>  successful in getting new developers to use shielded lighting so far and
>  think this will continue.  We feel that a responsible program with a
local
>  ordinance will allow the observatory to continue to operate indefinitely
> at
>  the existing site.  They do not appear to want to support that plan.
>
>  Many other possible sites do exist for the BMX track both inside the park
>  and elsewhere in the local surrounding county.  No one wants to consider
> an
>  alternative site for some reason.  They insist on placing this dirt track
> in
>  the one location where it will cause the maximum possible negative effect
> on
>  Powell Observatory.  We cannot understand why they do not want to come up
>  with an alternate site so both the observatory and the BMX track can
>  coexist.  It appears they want to get rid of the observatory.  We do not
>  know why.
>
>  Powell Observatory represents a $300,000+ investment and would cost over
>  $200,000 to relocate.  There is no where near enough money or time to
>  relocate it.  The only alternative would be closing it.
>
>  We would appreciate your letters and emails of support.  We plan to have
a
>  petition drive and attend all of the local meetings where this issue will
> be
>  discussed and decided.  Being able to read and supply copies your emails
> and
>  letters of support to them and to the media may help us bring a stronger
>  case to those making this important decision.
>
>  This is very important and the more support we get from around the world,
>  the stronger we feel our case will be.  Please help us.  Please send this
> to others who may be able to help us.  For every observatory that falls
> victim
>  to this sort of thing, we all lose.....
>
>  Please address your emails and your letters to the "City of Louisburg,
>  Kansas" and send them to me for printing and delivery to them at the
>  upcoming city council meeting.
> >
>  Larry Robinson
>  14680 W 144th Street
>  Olathe, Kansas 66062
>  lrobinsn@ixdot netcom.com
>
>  Thank you advance for your support.
>
>  Larry
>
>  PS I apologize if you are getting this message more than once or got it
by
>  mistake.
>
>
>
>
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>  Sender: lrobinsn@ixdot netcom.com

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