how big we are by tippy d auria planetarium lecture preview
Tippy D'Auria (born 1935) is the founder of the Winter Star Party held each year in the Florida Keys sponsored by the Southern Cross Astronomical Society.
D'Auria is a astrophotographer who uses both cold camera photography and video for his work and previously taught Creative Photography and Darkroom Techniques for 5 years at the Miami-Dade College in Miami, Florida. He maintains affiliations with The Local Group of Deep Sky Observers, the Institute for Planetary Research Observatories (IPRO), Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (A.L.P.O.), and the Astronomical League.
An active astronomer since 1980, D'Auria is currently, as of January 2015, a member of the Southern Cross Astronomical Society and has served as a member of the Societies Board of Fellows for 14 years and was a Vice President of that Society for many years as well.
Asteroid 11378 Dauria (1998 SV60) was named in honor of D'Auria. The citation reads: "Florida amateur astronomer Tippy D'Auria (b. 1935) is founder of the Winter Star Party. For many years he has worked to encourage both beginning and advanced sky-watchers in the hobby."
D'Auria is a frequent guest speaker and has lectured on astronomy at universities, high schools, astronomy clubs, star parties and civic groups as well as at state and national parks.