Astronomy

Holmdel, NJ (PRWEB) December 22, 2010

Applix Software LLC, an emerging mobile software developer focused on applications for the iPhone, today announced the launch of StarPicker for the iPhone 4 and 3GS. Designed to be the first app where the iphone is used as a pointer to actively guide a user?s eyes as they search for a given night-sky object. Users can choose from a catalog of 150 brightest stars, 89 constellations, comets, and clusters ? not to mention all of the planets in our solar system. Capable of giving anyone a hands-on way to learn and visually navigate the night sky, StarPicker is now available on the iTunes App Store for iPhone 4 and 3GS ? running on iOS 4.1 or later.

StarPicker includes a number of features that enhance the user?s experience while navigating their eyes through the sky to specific stars and other objects of interest. Chief among these features is StarPicker?s utilization of sounds and blinking guide arrows that serve to orient the user as accurately as possible. Once the user has successfully located their desired star or cosmic feature they can switch to Sky View with a single tap on their mobile device?s screen. While in Sky View, users can zoom to see finer details. Keeping education in mind, users can also switch to the app?s Accessory View, which provides them with additional information on the specific object they?ve chosen to locate.

StarPicker utilizes the fourth generation iPhone 4 and 3GS compass, accelerometer and GPS capabilities, to their fullest extent, in order to precisely calculate the user?s position in relation to the selected celestial object. The user is then guided by means of an effective and accurate two-step process. Users first hold the iPhone level, slowly rotating to the calculated angle of the selected object by following the flashing guidearrows. Once this angle ? termed the azimuth — is locked, users simply tilt their mobile device up or down until it is oriented directly towards the cosmic feature they wish to observe. A perfect app to captivate and enlighten avid sky gazers anywhere, StarPicker provides a blend of high-tech engineering and scientific computing with an enthusiastic sense of astronomic adventure that is not to be missed.

Available on the app store.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/starpicker/id401656247?mt=8

About the Developer:

Located in Holmdel, New Jersey, Applix Software specializes in developing applications for the iPhone. The studios? engineering team is devoted to embedded systems software design, real-time signal processing and high level software development. This unique blend of skills continues to aide the organization in creating sophisticated industry leading mobile applications. ? Applix Software LLC. 2010. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.

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Related Astronomy Press Releases

New York, NY (PRWEB) December 24, 2010

The web site employs, the widely used and time tested, tenets of the Predictive Jyotish System of Astrology to generate Customized Astrological Birth-Chart of its Registered User, which can then be displayed both in the Western as well as Eastern style. Jyotish is an age old astrological system which relies and depends heavily on astronomy and mathematics.????????

Users, of http://www.zotality.com, can enjoy reading their own and, if permitted, their friends? Daily Astrological Predictions, which are based around the Customized Astrological Birth Chart of each User. Users can also gain general awareness of their astrological predisposition to a possible or proposed interaction, on any given day, with their mother, father, spouse, uncles, aunts, boss, colleagues and any particular friend.

Users are therefore advised and cautioned to enter their exact date, place and time of birth in order to enhance precision of these Astro-Predictions and Astro-Interactions.

At http://www.zotality.com, users can comment on not only their own Astro-Interactions but also on those between their friends; and even the Astro-Predictions are open to comments by friends.

The web site even allows for Astrological Compatibility Matching between users and their friends, relatives, acquaintances and others.

Zotality Inc. strongly believes that http://www.zotality.com will provide not only the platform but also the content and material to facilitate interactions between users, thus prompting conversions of even the most passive of its users into Active Participants (?Zo Being?).

The ultimate aim of Jyotish is to help you seek and realize the light within you by helping you attain the four important objectives of human life:

1.????Pursuit of the righteous and spiritual path

2.????Acquisition of wealth

3.????Partaking of physical and worldly enjoyments and pleasures

4.????Self-realization, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth

Zotality, Inc. invites all to a journey of Self-Exploration while forging exciting Astro-Interactions with friends, family, acquaintances, colleagues and others.

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Sausalito, CA (PRWEB) December 30, 2010

Universe Day is an annual event each January 1st facilitated by Universe Spirit, a non-profit organization committed to realizing that all are citizens of the universe. Universe Day seeks to take a leap where Earth Day leaves off?into the vast cosmos.

The message behind Universe Day is derived in part from the wisdom of Albert Einstein who said, ?We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.? As most people are aware, the challenges faced on a worldwide scale (climate change, war, pollution, nonsustainable environmental degradation, the global economy…) have serious consequences. Rather than merely feeling overwhelmed by the challenges facing the planet, the impetus behind Universe Day is to expand how one thinks about them, energizing a broader perspective, and shifting lives in alignment toward universe-informed solutions.

“Similar to Earth Day events, individuals and organizations all over the planet are encouraged to self-organize their own Universe Day and meet-ups to forward the Universe Day message. Universe Day is a no-ownership, no-egos, get-the-message-out-now viral event. Imitate it, adapt it, improve it, and even steal it if it means that its message is quickly adopted to build a more sustainable future.? says Lawrence Wollersheim, one of the originators of the Universe Day message.

“The Universe and progressive evolution is responsible for our physical existence. We are in it right now, and it is in us. It is the most physically dominant and invisible factor controlling all life and everything around us, ” says Wollersheim. “With recent innovations in astronomy, we?ve discovered more factual knowledge about the cosmos in the past 20 years than all of human history, and our ability to accumulate this knowledge is accelerating. This is not a small change. Humanity is now working on a much larger playing field.”

The message of Universe Day isn?t just the bellwether of a visionary perspective; it is also focused on showing how evolutionary science and its principles can help individuals work together to meet the tremendous challenges of our times. For starters, this requires the practicality and hard work involved in building a more sustainable environment for succeeding generations, especially in an era when issues such as access to clean water and the unregulated use of non-renewable resources affect nearly everyone on the globe. This is why Universe Spirit has been partnering with Sustainable World Coalition to spread education geared toward sustainable solutions to planetary challenges.

Why does Universe Day land on January 1st? Celebrating the New Year is a time spent by many to reflect on the previous year, and examine how they want to live in the up-coming year. Celebration is a way to energize intentions. Mark Twain said, ?Never trust your mind when your imagination is out of focus.? How might one shape their New Year?s Resolutions when the biggest possible perspective of the whole Universe is in focus?

What will happen this Universe Day? The Universe is waiting…

Universe Day San Francisco Event:

Universe Day San Francisco is promoting the 2nd annual Universe Day event on January 1st, 2011 on a solarized boat in Sausalito. This is an opportunity to come together and inspire one another other at the beginning of the New Year and sail around the beautiful San Francisco Bay. To RSVP, please email the Event Coordinator Suzie at suzie.xvii(at)gmail(dot)com

Not in the San Francisco Bay Area?

Join in for the live Ustream webcast from the boat, RSVP at Universe Day Channel and join in on January 1st, starting from 3pm PST, and again at 8pm PST for a live performance by Caroluna at Universe Day Channel

Universe Day International invites everyone to self-organize and create their own local events from wherever they are. ?Like? Universe Day International on Facebook, and share thoughts and New Year?s Resolutions under the ?Discussions? tab. Global ideas are welcomed that engage the levels of self, community, planet, and universe.

More Information:

Register via email at http://www.theuniverseday.org to receive announcements about upcoming opportunities & events. Sign up before January 7th and receive the link to a free online course on Sustainability from Universe College. This course features the Sustainable World Coalition Sourcebook, a sweeping overview of the major global issues, realistic solutions, and actions to take to be part of the solution.

For more information: Contact Peggy at press(at)universespirit(dot)org

About Universe Spirit: Universe Spirit a non-profit organization educating about how universe consciousness, the Universe Worldview, universe citizenship and Universe Spirituality are used to create a just, prosperous and sustainable world.

About Sustainable World Coalition: The mission of the Sustainable World Coalition (SWC) is to produce educational events and materials that support a socially just and environmentally healthy world. SWC is a project of Earth Island Institute, a 501c3 non profit organization.

About Sustainable World Sourcebook: Used in the Free Online Course, the SourceBook is a sweeping overview of the major global issues we face, realistic solutions, and actions that we can take to be part of those solutions. The book is concise and in full color throughout, with a well designed user friendly layout, so that it is a compelling read, containing 100 pages of essential information on the critical challenges that humanity faces and lots of ?What You Can Do? tips and pointers for specific action steps and personal engagement. The introduction is by the brilliant Paul Hawken, and the book has been endorsed by luminaries like Marianne Williamson, Randy Hayes, Lynne Twist and Kevin Danaher, among others.

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Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) January 25, 2011

Learn the truth behind Astrology through its history and understand how this ancient system really works. Author and Spiritual Teacher, Gahl Sasson, walks his audience through the basics of Astrology as he explains when and how Astrology was developed, the marriage between Astronomy and Astrology, how to relate to this ancient system of symbols and metaphors, and which great minds embraced its teachings.

“Astrology is one of the most ancient sciences, held in high esteem of old, by the wise and the great. Formerly, no prince would make war or peace, nor any general fight in battle, in short, no important affair was undertaken without first consulting an astrologer.” ? Benjamin Franklin

Ever so often Astrology is presented with an opportunity to explain herself and thus improve on her wisdom and service to humankind. Such occasions, alas, usually happen when her system of symbolism is under attack, usually from people who have no knowledge of Astrology and who base their dismissive notions on popular culture and misunderstandings instead of serious consideration. In the last few days, emails and tweets, were circulated concerning the shattering ?new discoveries? that the signs have shifted due to a ?wobble? in the Earth?s axis and that there is a new 13th sign called Ophiuchus.

Let us address some of these concerns and assure everyone that whatever your sign was before 2011 is still the same and if you thought you could get an upgrade to a ?nicer? sign, you are out of luck

1 – Astrology is based on the seasons and the relationships between the planets (called aspects) and NOT what sign is located behind the Sun when a person is born.

The signs of the Zodiac are merely symbols and metaphors that divide the year into 12 different and equal ?seasons?. This partition is based on the proportions of day and night or light and darkness experienced throughout the year. Aries always begins on the first day of spring (aka the Spring Equinox), when the day and night are equal and the amount of light is growing. Libra, on the other hand, always begins on the Fall Equinox, when the day and night are also equal, but the amount of light is receding. Astrology postulates, regardless of what constellation occupies the Equinox, that people born in the spring will exhibit characteristics such as high energy and optimism. They will be the kind of people who spring into action, the same way that nature buds into life after its long winter slumber.

A new study, published by the Nature Neuroscience Journal, found links between the season of birth and personality. It is proven that people born in the winter, i.e. Capricorns, are more at risk to suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), schizophrenia and depression. In Astrology, Capricorn, beginning on the longest night of the year, is associated with suffering, difficulties and pessimism. To quote the author of the paper, Professor Douglas McMahon, “Our biological clocks measure the day?s length and change our behavior according to the seasons.?

2 – When Astrology was developed by the Babylonians, the constellation of Aries happened to be located right behind the sign Aries during the Spring Equinox.

Astrology was developed in Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization, as a cosmic clock, most likely to help early farmers trace the seasons. In fact, the reason why we have seasons to begin with is because of the Earth?s 23 degree tilt, which is also connected to its wobble. The idea is simple: one should plant in Spring, party in Summer, harvest in Fall, and be careful with provisions in Winter.

The first zodiac sign, Aries, begins on March 21st, the Spring Equinox. Of course there is no real Ram out there in the skies. The ancient wise women and men of the time chose a Ram to symbolize Aries because it is a great metaphor for the initiation of spring, the leader of the flock. When the refuters of Astrology claim that people born in Aries should be called Pisces, they are misunderstanding the symbolism of Astrology. It?s like saying New York City should be called ?York? because by now it is hundreds of years old. However, when it was founded it was new, and it symbolized a modern place full of possibilities. Aries was located behind the Equinox, on March 21st 2000-4000 years ago, when Astrology was ?founded?. That is why we still call this period of time Aries.

3 – Astrologers and Astronomers have known about the issues presented in the ?Astrology refuting hoax? for thousands of years and CHOSE NOT to include a 13th constellation.

There is nothing new about the 13th constellation or the shift in the signs. The ancient Greeks, who were the first to cast astrological ?Natal Charts,? were quite aware of these two issues. In fact, Claudius Ptolemy wrote extensively about the 13th sign and the procession of the equinox in the 2nd century AD. As you can see, there is nothing new under the Sun. Ophiuchus, the so called 13th sign, was not adopted into Astrology because the Sun barely touches the constellation during its path through the Zodiac. It also doesn?t fit into the Babylonians? sexagesimal system that is based on 60 and 12. That is why we have 60 minutes in an hour and two sets of 12 hours in a day. That is also the reason behind the decision to have 12 signs in the Zodiac and not 13.

With all due respect, most of the people who rebuke Astrology have little knowledge about the ancient art. Intellectual giants the like of Johannes Kepler (considered by many the father of modern astronomy), Copernicus, Tycho Brahe, Carl Jung, Benjamin Franklin and Sir Isaac Newton all knew about these two anomalies in Astrology. However, they continued to practice, study and develop astrological theories that resulted in amazing predictions and insights (http://www.cosmicnavigator.com/blog/gahl-sasson/Astrology/Astrology-rocks-some-historical-magic). Astrologers for centuries have incorporated the earth wobble in their understanding of the connection between the heavenly bodies and life on earth. Ever heard about ?The Age of Aquarius?? The reason why we have these ages and why they move backward (Age of Aquarius follows the Age of Pisces) is because of the wobble of the earth. So to claim astrologers had not known about this phenomenon or chose to ignore it is simply ridiculous.

4 – Astrology is a system of symbols and metaphors designed to help us connect to the universe, just like the words and metaphors found in the various spiritual texts from around the world.

Many people claim that Astrology has no scientific backing and therefore cannot provide ?real? help to humanity. I was stunned to see that this assertion regarding Astrology, came from the Christian Science Monitor, a news organization owned by a church. But wait, there is no scientific proof of the resurrection of Christ, and yet the teaching of Jesus can still inspire love and compassion. There is no archeological proof of the Exodus and yet millions live and die by the teaching of Moses. There is no evidence to support Muhammad?s nightly flight on a winged horse from Mecca to Jerusalem. However, the holiest shrine for Islam, the Dome of the Rock, was built to commemorate that event on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Help and healing can be provided by systems that have no scientific proof, and have been for hundreds of years. The Cosmic Navigator is not saying that these events did not happen, but just noting that there is NO scientific proof that they did. However, the power of these systems of belief is undeniable. Handled in the right way, Astrology can help guide us to a better future. Over the last 15 years I have personally experienced Astrology prove herself again and again in remarkable ways with clients of all ages, races, nationalities, and genders. I can only hope that she will do for you, what she has done for me and thousands of my clients.

“Obviously Astrology has much to offer psychology, but what the latter can offer its elder sister is less evident.? ? C.G Jung

About the author:

Gahl E. Sasson ? teaches Astrology, Mythology and Kabbalah worldwide. His books A Wish Can Change Your Life (endorsed by HH the 14th Dalai Lama) and Cosmic Navigator, have been translated worldwide. Gahl Sasson is an established author and has been teaching workshops on Kabbalah, Astrology, and Mysticism around the globe for over a decade. His first book, A Wish Can Change Your Life, has been translated into over seven languages and is endorsed by HH the 14th Dalai Lama. His latest work, Cosmic Navigator, is the essential reference guide to understanding your astrological makeup.

Gahl is an active contributor to the Huffington Post and Infinite Quest and has been named ?Los Angeles? Best Astrologer? by W Magazine. His encyclopedic knowledge and charismatic presence have also made him a sought-after guest speaker. He has appeared on http://www.dailybeast.com, CNN, ABC News, KTLA-TV Los Angeles, WPIX-TV New York and WGN-TV Chicago. Gahl currently resides in Los Angeles, but tours regularly throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.

For further information, please email Gahl Sasson directly at gahl108(at)yahoo(dot)com

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Montreal (PRWEB) February 24, 2011

Integration New Media, a leader in creating rich user experiences, announced today the availability of a new project built for Trains Magazine, a monthly magazine published by Kalmbach Publishing Co. Trains Magazine is the largest and oldest magazine dedicated to delivering content about trains and railroads.

To celebrate the title?s 70th anniversary, Kalmbach digitized the entire archives of Trains Magazine and created a searchable library that train enthusiasts could purchase and own. Packaged as ?The Complete Collection?, this DVD-based library contains over 60,000 pages of content from 840 issues, dating back to the very first issue published in 1940.

The ?Complete Collection? includes a number of rare editorial gems, including the special preview issue from October 1940, all of the famous ?all-steam? and ?all-diesel? issues, and the World War II-era issues filled with patriotic advertising and news stories.

?Now train and railroad enthusiasts can easily search through 70 years of Trains Magazine and find the content they are most interested in. Our readers can clean out the stacks of back-issues in their basements and simply store one DVD case instead,? said Jim Wrinn, editor of Trains Magazine. ?INM?s search technology provides a great experience and delivers reliable results.?

The collection was built using an offline version of INM?s Reach eLibrary technology, a product designed to create robust, searchable publication libraries. Reach eLibrary provides powerful search functionality and an integrated document viewer that allows readers to pull up the magazine directly in the library without installing any third-party software or plug-ins. Readers can also mark specific articles as favorites so they can easily find them in the future.

?The Complete Collection? of Trains Magazine is now available for purchase on the Kalmbach Bookstore for $ 149.95.

About Kalmbach Publishing

Kalmbach Publishing Co. is a privately held publisher that, in addition to Astronomy, produces the leading magazines in railroading (Trains), bird-watching (Birder?s World), the art and business of writing (The Writer), model railroading (Model Railroader), beaded jewelry-making (BeadStyle and Bead & Button), and scale modeling (FineScale Modeler). For more information, visit http://www.kalmbach.com.

About Integration New Media

Integration New Media (INM) helps companies create rich user experiences in both online and offline environments. With projects ranging from rich internet applications through to interactive sales and marketing tools and electronic libraries, INM has developed solutions for organizations large and small in a variety of different industries. For over 20 years now, INM has offered organizations top-level interactive project consulting and development services as well as a successful line of products. For more information, visit http://www.INM.com.

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Chicago, IL (PRWEB) March 1, 2011

Not for profit technology company, Mindgine, is set to change the face of modern-day computing while simultaneously promoting humanitarian research. The launch of the Mindebian Micro and Mindebian X, two plug computers that interface with a social cloud network, allow users unrestricted access to an application rich, eco-friendly, humanitarian, open source micro-computer system.

The Mindgine plug computers (a computer enclosed in an AC power plug or AC adapter) use an operating system called Mindebian OS, and are accessible and controllable from any Internet connection and over 13,000 mobile devices. Mindebian computers allow users to create new applications within the community and new hardware to enhance the functionality of the system. Users can also upload, share and stream files with friends through popular social sites like Facebook.

Mindebian OS provides unlimited storage capability for commonly used mobile platforms such as iPhone, Android, Blackberry, and Windows. The Mindebian OS is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Mac OS X and Mac 10.4 and above, and Linux 32bit kernel. A Mindebian computer can be used as an external firewall, IP camera controller, virtual private network, proxy, transcoder, game emulator, and anything else the community decides it wants to facilitate. There is also good news for MagicJack users, who will no longer require their computer to be switched on to send and receive VOIP calls.

Mindebian plug computers work far more economically than standard PC or MAC systems, using just 15 cents of electric per year, yet the Mindgine concept stretches far beyond being carbon-friendly. When Mindebian computers aren?t being used, power is pulled and directed to the Berkley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing (BOINC) to enhance research for a cause of the user?s choice. This could be astronomy, biology and medicine, art, or even artificial intelligence. As Mindgine CEO, Peter Wojtowicz, explains, ?Mindgine computing is completely unrestrictive and interacts with the evolving world of mobile communication, yet at the same time is energy-resource friendly and contributes positively to research development in science, medicine, and technology. We believe in a community courageous enough to calculate mankind?s greatest queries with a philanthropic approach.?

Mindgine?s multi faceted plug computers are highly affordable and in many cases free. Mindgine are planning to give Mindebian computers away to college students, developers, and others who share their vision for innovation. Participating in the community will earn users points towards free devices, exclusive applications, and merchandise. For a single dollar, Mindgine are offering early access to their beta platform, and a down payment of just $ 61 secures a Mindebian plug computer on release. CFO Tomasz Wojtowicz concludes, ?The Mindebian concept means developers are only limited by their imagination, not by resource or finance. There is a realm of super computing developers haven?t yet had the chance to create, and Mindgine are here to facilitate that realm and ensure it becomes a mainstream reality.

For more information on the Mindebian Micro and Mindebian X plug computers, the Mindgine social cloud network, and to demo Mindebian OS, visit: http://www.mindgine.org

PR by LMC Media Solutions: http://www.writetherightway.com

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(PRWEB) March 1, 2011

Attracted by the excitement surrounding the G8 and G20 summits, world class meeting planners descended on the very unique and geographically diverse cities of Toronto and Muskoka, Canada. These top-tier meeting planners were given unprecedented access to the senior officials attending these summits and a unique opportunity to showcase Ontario?s urban and natural wonders.

As one of the premier destination management companies in Toronto, Congress Canada created a unique destination experience that included nature photography, astronomy and an unforgettable wilderness adventure by float plane and canoe. Fresh from the breathtaking beauty of the Muskoka Region, dignitaries enjoyed a spellbinding cultural tour and private shopping extravaganza in sophisticated, suave Toronto.

?By artfully combining personal preferences of the guests and the eight stakeholders including the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC), Tourism Muskoka, Tourism Toronto, the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC) and four additional stakeholders, Congress Canada created a slice of Canadian life to tantalize taste buds, stimulate intellect and hopefully entice them back to Toronto and Muskoka for confirmed business,? Pam Graham, President of Congress Canada said.

Congress Canada is Toronto?s largest destination management and conference management company. In business for over 30 years, Congress Canada services corporations, associations and government organizations throughout the world.

The Association of Destination Management Executives (ADME) is the only global non-profit association dedicated to increasing the professionalism and effectiveness of destination management through education, promotion of ethical practices and availability of information to the meetings, convention and incentive travel industries, as well as the general public.

Further information: Pam Graham, President, Congress Canada pgraham(at)congresscan(dot)com 416-504-4500

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(Vocus/PRWEB) March 08, 2011

Good astronomy equipment is more accessible and more affordable than ever. As such, the interest in astrophotography has spiked in recent years. Getting started in astrophotography is appealing to a lot of people, but most of them have no clue what this hobby entails. To remedy this problem, Buy-Telescope.com has just released a free ebook titled ?An Introduction to Astrophotography? which will get any astronomy nut started on the right track.

Astrophotography is a rewarding hobby but it can also be frustrating, especially when people don?t really know what they should be doing. What people see in a telescope is a lot different than the images that can be capture with a telescope.

The first step to learning astrophotography is reading about it. People see pretty images of galaxies, planets, nebulas, the moon and star clusters in telescope ads, magazines or on the web. They want to try and capture their own photos of these celestial objects. Unfortunately, they neglect to conduct a proper research and they buy a telescope and camera that may not be suitable for them. Often, they have no clue how to use the equipment, they get frustrated and everything ends up in a box in the basement. Getting the right telescope and accessories is important. With thousands of products to choose from, buying the right equipment can be a daunting task. What?s more important however is to understand how to use this equipment.

Astrophotography is not as simple as pointing a telescope towards the sky and taking a quick snapshot with a camera. There?s a lot more to it than that. Just like regular photography it can be a bit technical, but anyone can certainly learn these skills. Buy-Telescope.com owner Marius McLaughlin thinks it?s a good idea for anyone interested in astrophotography to get a year?s worth of experience in using a telescope and learning the basics of astronomy before considering astrophotography. He states that it?s important for someone develops a certain level of comfort with telescopes before getting into astrophotography. ?Our astrophotography book explains in detail how to take pictures with a telescope,? he says. The free astronomy book does assume a basic knowledge of backyard astronomy is already acquired.

Marius says his book explains a broad range of topics including video astrophotography, DSLR astrophotography, and CCD astrophotography. Readers will learn about the more technical aspects of astrophotography such as signal to noise ratio, image scale, exposure times, guide cameras, calibration, image processing and more. It is definitely a good read for anyone who has in interest in astrophotography. Anyone can get the free astrophotography book by signing up at http://www.buy-telescope.com/get-started-in-telescope-astrophotography/.

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Toronto, Ontario (PRWEB) March 10, 2011

Canada has played a key role in developing critical technologies for the space sector for more than 50 years. Today if you ask any Canadian what Canada has contributed to space, they will most certainly answer the Canadarm. This iconic piece of robotic technology has created significant brand awareness globally for Canada. However space robotic technologies are evolving and while Canada is still a key contributor, it is not the only one.

As more countries spend an increasing amount of money on space technology such as satellite development, and while Canada finds itself in a position to be a contributor, it is in an increasingly competitive business field. So what then are the technologies that Canada can lead in, now and in the future? This is a central focus to be discussed at the Canadian Space Commerce Association annual meeting being held in Toronto on March 18th at the MaRS Discovery District.

Topics to be discussed at the meeting include future robotic technologies including on-orbit servicing, satellite platforms including nanosats, hosted payloads, launch technologies, cameras, lunar and Martian rovers, national defense and much more.

How Canada funds development will also be a topic for discussion as the Canadian Space Agency will discuss their Space Technologies Development Program. Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) who are revolutionizing the launch industry, will address their disruptive technologies. We’ll also get an update on the status of Canada’s increasing military presence in space and the technologies they will be using.

The President of the Canadian Space Commerce Association said of the annual meeting “Our meeting will be looking at new technologies and business models that must be the successors to the Canadarms and Telesat constellations in order to maintain and grow Canada’s position within the space industry which is valued at over $ 3 billion dollars annually to Canada’s economy.”

Our final list of speakers come from academia, government, business and include:

Josh Dore — Canadian Space Agency, Technology Development Officer

Frank Teti — MacDonald, Detwiller and Associates Ltd., Manager of Autonomous Robotics

Ron Holdway — COM DEV, VP of Government Relations

Joshua Brost — Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), Manager of Business Development

Grant Bonin — University of Toronto Space Flight Laboratory, Program Manager

Dr. Gordon Osinski — University of Western Ontario, NSERC/MDA/CSA Industrial Research Chair in Planetary Geology

Steve Bochinger — Euroconsult North America, President

Olivier Daigle — Nuvu Cameras Inc., VP Research and Development

Wilfred So — Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Patent Agent

Major Marc Fricker — Royal Military College

Andrew Goldenberg, Engineering Services Inc., President

Several of our speakers will also participate in our panel discussion on the Next Breakthrough Space Technologies for Canada.

We’re also pleased to present Start-Up Liftoff. The Liftoff talks are modeled after O’Reilly’s Ignite talks. We’ll pick up to three speakers who have either just started or will be starting a new commercial space company for a high-energy 5 minute talk. Here’s your chance to pitch your idea to our audience which will include executives, venture capitalists and other interested people. If you’re interested send your idea to liftoff(at)spacecommerce(dot)ca, we’ll let you know by close of business Monday, March 14th if you’ve been accepted.

Our sponsors include; At the Gold Level, COM DEV, MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd., SpaceX, at the Bronze Level, the University of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, and our media sponsor is SpaceRef Canada.

We’re also very happy to have the following supporting organizations; The University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies Aerospace Students Association, the Astronomy & Exploration Society, the Canadian Alumni of the International Space University, the Canadian Space Society, Canada’s Venture Capital & Private Equity Association and the Rotman Alumni Network.

Registration is currently open but seating is limited and we expect this event to sell out. Registration is $ 200 for individual registrants, $ 150 for existing corporate members and $ 50 for students. Members of our supporting organizations can contact their organizations for a 25% discount code on the individual registration.

About The Canadian Space Commerce Association

The Canadian Space Commerce Association is a registered Canadian not-for-profit industry group that promotes and supports Canadian space sector businesses. We advance the economic, legal and political environment for space and aerospace focused companies. To that end, we have forged strong links with major organizations – government, research institutions and private industry.

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Victor, NY (Vocus/PRWEB) March 14, 2011

Rochester hotel the Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester/Victor honored team member Jill Pow on her Spirit of Hampton Award on January 19, 2011. The prestigious Spirit of Hampton award is given to team members who exceed expectations and make outstanding contributions to guests, fellow team members, the outside community and/or their hotel?s financial performance. Employees are nominated by their peers and Hilton officials vote on all nominations presented. The international award is awarded annually to 2,400 Hampton employees and is the highest form of team member recognition.

?Jill Pow?s ability to connect with guests is out of this world,? states Alan Holt, the Rochester hotels General Manager. Having worked at the Rochester hotel for the past 2 ? years, Jill connected last year with a 12-year-old boy in a wheelchair. After talking to the boy, she found out that he was interested in space and astronomy, so she mailed him some things she thought would interest him.

The next year the family returned and the two immediately started talking where they’d left off, like old friends. ?Whether bringing in birthday cakes, giving out Halloween treats or volunteering for local organizations, Jill is always finding ways to connect with others. We thank her for making it Hampton for our guests,? further notes Holt.

The award was given at a luncheon January 19 with 25 team members in attendance where Jill received brand wide recognition, a plaque, $ 350 and a call from a Hilton brand executive as well as Brian Wismar, Regional Director of New Castle Hotels and Resorts representing the management company for the Rochester hotel.

The Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester Victor offers a broad range of services and amenities including Rochester restaurant TGI Friday?s conveniently located in the Rochester hotels parking lot, fully equipped suites with kitchens, full hot breakfast daily, fitness centre and pool. Complimentary wi-fi, USA Today weekdays and a suite shop convenience store for a late night Rochester dining snack make the Hampton very popular amongst Rochester hotels, with team members passionate about taking care of guests. The Hampton also offers free shuttle service to a 3-mile radius Monday through Saturday 8am to 8pm and is located next to the Eastview Mall for Rochester shopping.

The Rochester hotel offers meeting space for corporate events and has Rochester accommodations ideal or sports groups and family gatherings made easy to plan with planning and booking tools to make the process quick and organized. For more information on the Rochester New York hotels facilities to or book a special package for a weekend getaway, visit http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/specials.jhtml;jsessionid=2FYB2H2MSUNU2CSGBIX2VCQ?ctyhocn=ROCFPHX

About the Hampton Inn & Suites Victor/Rochester

The Hampton Inn & Suites? Hotel in Rochester Victor, New York occupies a special part of the Empire State in the Finger Lake region. The 100% non-smoking hotel features 123 rooms as well as spacious suites with kitchen facilities. Conveniently located just 20 minutes from Greater Rochester International Airport and 60 minutes from Greater Buffalo International Airport, the hotel is close shopping, restaurants, attractions, championship golf courses and is a close drive to Lake Ontario. The Rochester hotel features a fitness centre, heated pool, business centre, laundry and on-site convenience store. Complimentary breakfast is included for all guests. With 2,200 square feet of meeting space, the hotel is also ideal for corporate meetings and smaller social gatherings. Visit http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=ROCFPHX for further information and reservations.

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