The Years Pass 1957-1962
By: Bob King & Jack Betz
Though only in infancy, actually two years old, A.S.H. wasted no time by undertaking hosting the 1957 convention of MERAL, (Middle East Region of the Astronomical League). Over 125 delegates from six middle Atlantic states plus the District of Columbia attended sessions which were held in the historic Paxton Presbyterian Church. The key speaker ,was Dr. Ripley, physics professor of Dickinson, who spoke about, "Universe Origin Speculation". The largest attendance number from a single Society, other than the host. was a group of 24 from the Washington, D.C. club.
Now, since our feet were wet, the Society hosted another convention of MERAL, August, 1961, about four years later at the Cocoa Inn, Hershey. The featured key speaker was Dr. Wagman, Director of the Allegheny Observatory of Pittsburgh. His topic was "Astronomy Today".
Above: Nicholas Wagman, Left, Goes over a Display with ASH President Edward Naylor, Right, at the 1961 MERAL Convention
Two comets wandered into earth-sun space during this period, Arend-Roland in 1957 and 1959-K-Burnham in 1960. The Paxtang playground was used to hold comet watches and comet parties. A man made visitor appeared in the skies over Harrisburg and the rest of the world in August 1961. It was Echo 1, a ten story high balloon placed in orbit by the U.S. at Cape Canaveral. It had an orbit of 121.6 minutes and was the topic of discussion on everyone's agenda. Did you or didn't you see it?
The highlight of 1961, however, was not a direct project of A.S.H. The American Association of University Women, Harrisburg Branch, arranged for the appearance of Dr. Harlow Shapley at the Forum in March. Ed Naylor served as liaison between A.S.H. and the AAUW. Astronomical Society members served as ushers on the lower level of the Forum and AAUK members as ushers on the upper level. Dr. Shapley spoke on "Stars and Men". Other participating organizations were; Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association, Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers, Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, Women's Auxiliary of Dauphin County Medical Society and the YWCA.
Above: Ed Naylor works with members of local Groups to Organize a Talk in the Area by Dr. Harlow Shapley
