continued - Great Lakes Planetarium Association

VOLUME V, NUMBER 4 WINTER SOLSTICE, 1970
(8 pages in length)
GLPA’s 17th newsletter and the third issue of 1970 contained
the following articles and columns:
☼ A four-page cover story titled “A Pointed Skyline” provided details on Chaffe Planetarium’s “pinpoint skyline.”
As described by Chief Curator (and GLPA Newsletter Editor) Dave DeBruyn, “the setup consists of
two cylindrical units, each with a 605 [flashlight] bulb at its geometrical center, and with slides opened to
allow light to pass through an acetate transparency and then over a 200 degree area at the base of the projection
dome. Using . . . two units . . . allows full coverage of the horizon area without producing nuisance
shadows of the machine or auxiliary contraptions.” Later in his article, DeBruyn adds, “we would be kidding
ourselves if we said that the pinpoint skyline is as effective or dramatic as an optical one, but considering
the great difference in sophistication between the two techniques, the pinpoint system is surprisingly realistic
and far more practical for smaller installations.”
☼ It was reported in this issue that the 1971 GLPA Conference was tentatively scheduled for Mount Clements,
Michigan on Friday and Saturday, October 8th and 9th. Jim Pike of Mount Clements High school would
serve as the conference host.
☼ The Conference of American Planetarium Educators had been recently held. GLPA Newsletter Editor Dave
DeBruyn commented that “I hope that we can all agree that it was a truly historic and significant event.
There is no need to summarize the activities here, as most of us were fortunate enough to be in attendance
for most of the exciting activities. An excellent and comprehensive summary has been published by Norman
Sperling in the January issue of Sky and Telescope. DeBruyn went on to explain that “this committee consists
of the three provisional officers elected at the conference: Professor Paul Engle of McAllen, Texas,
Chairman; Mr. Sig Weiser of Calgary, Alberta, Vice-Chairman; and Jack Howarth of San Antonio, Texas as
Executive Secretary; along with the following representatives of the various regional groups: James Hooks
(SEPA), Stephen F. Berr (MAPS), VonDel Chamberlain (GLPA), John Akey (RMPA), and Rich Calvird
(SWAP).
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